Special Events

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
  • Special Events Documents
  • Special Events Team Meetings

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 compliancesecurity, 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.

Pay Online

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

Documents

Special Event Team Meetings


Review Minutes + Agendas

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

Review minutes + agendas 

Attend Virtually

The Special Events Team oversees the permitting and planning for special events and festivals in the City of Boise and hosts bi-monthly meetings to discuss event proposals between the event organizer and city departments and other agencies. Meetings typically last two hours, but can vary based on agenda. Check our public meetings calendar for regularly scheduled meetings.

View Calendar

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. 

Message Sent Successfully!

Message Failed To Send.

Send a Message to City Clerk - Special Events

Thank you for contacting Special Events in the Office of the City Clerk. Someone will be in contact with you shortly.