Special Events

Special Events Update

To ensure the health and safety of our community, the City of Boise continues to monitor data we receive from the state and Central District Health to make informed decisions around re-opening our city. If the COVID-19 data and trends show that it is unsafe to host events, we may not issue permits. For up-to-date information on gatherings and events, please visit cityofboise.org/covid19 or sign up for the city’s weekly e-newsletter, In the Know.

Before submitting your application:

For events of 50 or more, please submit the following with your application:

Please note: supplemental permits and licenses may also be necessary for large events and gatherings. Event managers are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure ample time for plan approval and permit processing to comply with Boise City Code application deadlines.

Learn more and submit a plan to Central District Health.

cultural dancer performing in front of crowd on a street

Special Events

  • Enhance tourism, provide an economic benefit to businesses, promote cultural diversity and offer affordable entertainment
  • The City of Boise Special Events Team works with event organizers to help produce a successful and safe event with minimal impact on the environment and the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses
  • Approximately 100 special events are permitted through the City Clerk’s Office each year

What is a Special Event?

The City of Boise defines a special event as any single gathering or series of gatherings for which there is extensive planning. Examples of a planned special event include, but are not limited to, an outdoor concert, parade, festival, block party, any of a number of sporting events (such as a marathon, bike race or running event), or other organized activity conducted for a common or collective purpose. 

Where is a Special Event Permit Required? 

A special event permit is required for any event on public property that is expected to have more than one thousand (1,000) people attend or any event that requires extraordinary resources including but not limited to alcohol compliance, security, emergency services and road closures/traffic control.

*Per Boise City Code, every planned special event on public property that has a projected attendance of more than one thousand (1,000) people is expected to require extraordinary resources. 

When is the Special Event Application Due? 

Applications for a planned special event permit shall be made to the City Clerk at least forty-five (45) days, but not more than three hundred sixty-five (365) days prior to the event.  

**Submitting a Special Event Application does NOT reserve, hold or guarantee dates or venues, nor imply any approval of the proposed concept or event. 

How Do I Pay for the Special Event Application Fee? 

All application and processing fees are due at time of submission via check by mail or check/credit card in person at Boise City Hall (150 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702). Online and/or over the phone payments cannot be processed. 

Who Presents at the Special Events Team Meetings? 

The applicant shall, when notified by the City Clerk's Office, attend the Special Events Team meeting and participate in the Special Event Team’s review if the event meets one or more of the criteria listed below: 

  • Event is new to the City of Boise
  • Event organizer has changed
  • There will be 1,000 or more participants
  • Roads or portions of roads will be closed
  • Alcohol will be served
2021 Special Events App_Fillable.pdf

Special Events Application + Process Overview

2021 Special Events App_Light_Fillable.pdf

Special Events "Light" Application

Special Events

Filmography (Coming Summer 2021)

Special Events

Boise Parks and Recreation Special Events

Event Planning

Neighborhood Events + Block Parties

2021 Special Events App_Citizen Use Permit_Fillable.pdf

Citizen Use Permit

Special Event Team Meetings

Review the Special Event Team meeting minutes and agendas 

If the above link takes you to a different board or commission landing page, please select "Special Event Team" from the meeting group in the left column.

Boise City Code provides the framework and guidance for issuing Special Event Permits and can be viewed online.

Additional questions should be directed to the Boise City Clerk’s office at specialevents@cityofboise.org or 208-972-8150. 

© 2021 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

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