What is a Special Event?
The City of Boise defines a special event as a gathering that requires extensive planning. Examples include outdoor concerts, parades, festivals or sporting events such as marathons, bike races or running events.
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) or online via our payment portal. Over the phone payments cannot be processed.
Who Presents at the Special Events Team Meetings?
If the event meets one or more of the criteria listed below, the applicant must attend the Special Events Team meeting and participate in the Special Event Team’s review:
- 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