So you're planning an event? Well you've come to the right place! Whether it's a private event, an athletic tournament, or a public festival, we can help you make your event permitting process as easy as possible. From services to permitting assistance to best practices, our Special Events division can make it happen! Please allow 30-60 days for most permits to be processed. Permit information can be requested through our Special Events Division at 850-891-3885.
Annual Special Events - City Hosted
Public Events (Runs, Festivals, Block Parties, Fundraisers, etc.)
Residents, Visitors and Businesses of Tallahassee LOVE Special Events! The Special Events Division permits over 300 events per year and we want yours to be next! Once you've checked the date availability at the park or location you are interested in, please complete at minimum the Special Events Application and return to the Special Events Division. Your event will be processed and you will receive an email with a checklist of items still needed along with your cost estimate.
City Co-Sponsored Public Events
The City of Tallahassee recognizes that special events are integral to the community, stimulating economic activity, strengthening community spirit, showcasing Tallahassee’s diversity, and promoting social and cultural engagement. To support these efforts, the Public Events Policy and Procedures approved by the City Commission establish clear guidelines for allocating City resources and services. This policy includes a mandatory application process, which is conducted every two years, to obtain co-sponsorship status. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by a Special Events Committee, which provides recommendations to the City Commission.
City of Tallahassee Co-Sponsorship Applications are now being accepted for events held during the two-year term of Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028, which starts Oct. 1, 2026, and ends Sept. 30, 2028. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026.
To be eligible to apply for co-sponsorship, events must be held on City owned/controlled property, require a special event permit, and be free and open to the public.
Additionally, applicants must be in good financial standing with the City of Tallahassee to participate in the Co-Sponsorship Application Process. Co-Sponsorship applications for special events and/or from organizers with any outstanding fees owed to the City of Tallahassee will not be accepted.
By applying for co-sponsorship from the City of Tallahassee, the event organizer agrees, if approved, to provide the City of Tallahassee with top-tier level sponsorship recognition and proof of performance as outlined under the Sponsorship Recognition paragraph included in the application.
Special Event Co-Sponsorship Online Application
Applications may also be picked up during business hours from the Special Events office, located at the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs main office, 1201 Myers Park Drive. For pick up at the Special Events office, please email Maron Chbat at Maron.Chbat@Talgov.com to coordinate in advance.
If interested in applying, event planners are encouraged to attend the Applicant Workshop at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The Applicant Workshop is not mandatory; however, it will provide an opportunity for clarification on eligibility, criteria and/or any questions you may have. The meeting will be held in a hybrid in-person and virtual format. If you plan to attend the workshop, please email Maron.Chbat@Talgov.com and note whether you will attend in person or virtually. Additionally, anyone not able to attend the workshop on March 10 may email or call 850-891-3885 to schedule a meeting with staff to ask questions.
- Who can apply for City Co-Sponsorship?
- Any organization putting on an event that requires a special event permit on property owned or controlled by the City of Tallahassee and that is free and open to the public. Events that charge any type of fee for public participation are not eligible.
- What events do not qualify as eligible for City Co-Sponsorship?
- Events that charge a fee for public participation. This includes events with an admission fee, ticket fee, and/or team/individual entry fees (e.g., benefit walks or runs where a participation fee or team fundraising takes place).
- Events that are not held on City owned/controlled property.
- Will there be an opportunity to seek clarification and ask questions pertaining to the eligibility, criteria, and application?
- Yes, there will be a hybrid virtual and in-person Applicant Workshop on March 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.. Attendance is not mandatory.
- Staff is available to discuss over the phone or in person during a scheduled meeting if preferred. Call 850-891-3885
- May I submit supplemental support materials along with my application?
- What constitutes the downtown area as referenced in the Criteria for Consideration in Recommending Co-Sponsorship?
- The downtown area includes Cascades Park, Chain of Parks, Adams Street, Adams Street Commons, and Kleman Plaza.
- Am I required to use the Tallahassee Police Department for security and/or road closures?
- All events requiring a road closure must go through the Road Closure Application process handled by Special Events Division staff. Any event that is serving and/or selling alcohol is required to have sworn TPD officers. TPD will determine if additional security is required for the event and will have to approve the event’s security plan.
- I have submitted my application. When will I know if my event is being co-sponsored?
- Final determination of what events are approved for co-sponsorship is handled by the City Commission. It is the goal of the committee to submit their recommendation to the Commission for review at a Commission meeting in June or August 2026.
- Where can I get the application paperwork?
- In person at the City of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Special Events office, located at 1201 Myers Park Drive. Email Maron.Chbat@Talgov.com to make arrangements to pick up an application in person.
- Via email to Maron.Chbat@Talgov.com
- Online at Talgov.com/Parks
- When is my application due?
- Email the application and any supplemental materials in PDF format by 5 p.m. EST, April 6, 2026, to Maron.Chbat@Talgov.com.
- Can I submit another organization’s grant or application in place of the City of Tallahassee Special Event Co-Sponsorship Application?
- No, only the City of Tallahassee Special Event Co-Sponsorship Application will be accepted for consideration.
- Am I eligible for City Co-sponsorship even while receiving other funds and grants?
- Will the Co-Sponsorship Application serve as my Special Event Application?
- No, there is a separate application that is needed to hold a Special Event on City property. The Special Event Application is NOT part of the co-sponsorship process and will be handled at a later date.
Private Events (Parties, Weddings, Family Reunions, etc.)
When planning a private function at one of our beautiful parks, you'll need to complete a few things before you send out the invitations. Park permit applications are required for groups of 50 or more people.
Services Offered
Stage Reservation
Need a stage? We have that too! Our Showmobile Stage has been seen at Frenchtown Getdown, Winter Festival and Celebrate America to name a few. The stage surface measures 32' by 15' with a height of 4' off the ground. The cost for the showmobile is $100 per hour for non-profit organizations and $122 per hour for all others. A 4 hour minimum is required for all Showmobile rentals.
Other City Services
Other services the City offers for events include, trash cans, street sweeping, electrical hook up, street closures, security and much more! These items may be requested through the Special Events Application.
Mobile Food Vendor Program
Do you have a Food Truck? A Food Trailer? A Hot Dog Cart? This program is for you! The City offers locations downtown and throughout our City parks where you can park your truck, cart or trailer and sell your wonderful cuisine! Complete the above application and provide all requested documentation and we can get you permitted today!