Special Events

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Interested in hosting an event?

We're  proud to support special events that have a positive impact, celebrate our diversity and community, host our neighbors, families and visitors and grow our reputation as a sports, health-fitness and arts, history and culture destination.

Special Event Permit Process 

All special events are required to have a permit and follow all applicable rules and regulations contained in the City’s Special Event Policy.

To obtain a Special Events permit and coordinate City services, you must download and complete the Special Events Application.

The City of Delray Beach encourages you to reduce single-use plastics and waste. There are many sustainable options for cutlery, cups, bowls, plates and more. To help you begin in your search for sustainable alternatives, you can use the Sustainable Food Ware Document. This link takes you to a shared document, which will be updated periodically.

For questions or concerns contact the Office of Special Events, Allison Behrman at 561-243-7357 or BehrmanA@MyDelrayBeach.com.

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  • How do I know if my application is approved?

    We will contact you once your application is submitted to discuss your event. Your application will be sent to our Special Events Technical Advisory Committee (SETAC) for review. After this review, you will be contact by email with your approval/denial letter.
  • How do I know if my organization qualifies as a non-profit?

    A non-profit organization must be certified as such by the IRS.  Non-profits work to serve a public purpose, rather than to provide financial benefit to any individual, corporation or entity. The non-profit organization must be organized around a cause, mission, or community need.

    These items are needed to qualify for the non-profit special event rate:

    • A copy of the IRS 501(c)3 non-profit certification
    • Sunbiz registration
    • A detailed statement describing the purpose of the event, how the event may meet local community needs, provide community benefits/promote community welfare, stimulate broad economic or cultural activities within a neighborhood or the Central Business District, and/or help build a sense of community.
  • What is required to host a special event within city limits?

    Due along with the completed Special Event Permit application, due 180 days prior to event for an Impact Event, and 90 days prior for all other events:

    • IRS Non-Profit letter (if applicable)
    • $150 deposit
    • Detailed site plan of event

     

    Due prior to event day:

    • Certificate of Insurance
    • Vendor’s Business Tax Receipts
    • Final Site plan
    • Alcohol Permit/Extension (if applicable)
    • Amusement Ride Inspection (if applicable)
    • Tent Permit (if applicable)
    • Health Dept. Inspection (if applicable)
    • Fire Department Inspection (if applicable)
  • What types of special events are permitted in Delray Beach?

    Events in Delray beach are categorized into three types:

    • Commercial Event (Examples: concerts, festivals and other large-scale event where paid admission is required)
    • Community Event (Examples: block parties, free festivals, free concert, Green Market)
    • Athletic Event (Examples: 5K run, bike ride, an event that is open to the public but may require a registration fee for participants)