The City of Evanston has many parks and public spaces in every neighborhood that serve as wonderful locations to host a special event! 

What is considered a special event?

Outdoor events requested on City property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and/or those that are deemed to significantly impact the City are considered special events and therefore require City approval. The following criteria is used to determine if the event is considered a special event: 

  1. All outdoor events requested on City property, i.e. street, sidewalk, park, etc., and/or deemed to significantly impact the City are considered Special Events.

  2. Any event that requires City Council approval is considered a Special Event. Special events that require City Council approval include:

    • Lakefront Events of 150 participants or more. Due to the high usage of the lakefront parks, which generates associated environmental, health, and life safety issues, the number of Special Event Permits issued each year is limited in lakefront parks.

    • Non-Lakefront Park Events of 250 participants or more.

    • Events requiring Street Closure of 250 participants or more (except block parties).

Special Event Application Process

1 iconPlan Ahead
2 iconAssemble Required Application Information
3 iconSubmit Applications and Pay the Application Fee
4 iconApplication Review
5 iconApproval of Special Event