Outdoor Event Permitting Frequently Asked Questions

Outdoor Events include road races, block parties, street festivals, parades, walks, and more. Both free, public events and private, ticketed events are considered outdoor events. All outdoor events require a permit.

If this is the first time you are holding the event—especially if it is a large event—we encourage you to reach out to your neighborhood liaison in the Office of Neighborhood Services and follow their guidance.

Outdoor events in the City of Boston are categorized into three tiers. The deadlines, requirements, and processing timeline will differ depending on the event tier. Use this tool to determine your likely event tier.

A Tier 1 event is no longer than one day, impacts two or fewer city blocks or sidewalks, and has 149 or fewer people in attendance. For Tier 1 events, please submit an application at least two weeks in advance.

A Tier 2 event is no longer than one day, impacts more than two city blocks or sidewalks, is moving, and has between 150 and 250 attendees. Tier 2 events require insurance. For Tier 2 events, please submit an application at least four weeks in advance.

A Tier 3 event is longer than one day and might be recurring. It impacts a city street with MBTA transportation stops. It also has entertainment and potentially alcohol components. It has 250 or more attendees. Tier 3 events require insurance. For Tier 3 events, please submit an application at least six weeks in advance.

Before submitting an application, you must obtain permission from the property owner of the space. You will upload this written permission with your application.  You can use the map below to look up the location of your event.

Different spaces have different approval processes.

• If you are hosting a block party (closing two or less city streets), you must complete a Block Party Play Street Closing permit application.
• If your event is held in a City of Boston park, you must reserve the park by applying for a Park Reservation permit.
• If you are having a parade, procession, march, rally, or an event that requires the temporary use of the street, you must apply for a Public Way Event permit.
• If your event is held on City Hall Plaza, Faneuil Hall, Sam Adams Park, or outside the Civic Pavilion you must apply for a Public Event permit application. 
• If your event is on commercial private property, you must obtain a letter of permission or rental agreement from the property owner or manager permitting you to use the space for the specific event date and time.
• For events held in or impacting the Greenway, MassPort property, or State of Massachusetts parks, streets, or DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) land, you can use this link to find the contact information needed to obtain approval. 

No. The City of Boston does not issue permits for events held on private residential property.

You must include a detailed site plan. It must be legible and provide sufficient detail about the setup of the event.

Moving events must include a turn-by-turn map that outlines the event route. View site plan examples.

You should have your security and operations plan ready, as well as links to event advertisements.

To fill out the application, you will use an online portal. If this is your first time filling out the application, you will need to create a username and password.

After you apply online, you will receive an email from Outdoor Events. They will either set up a meeting with the Outdoor Events Committee, or you’ll have to meet with individual departments in the City. They will let you know about other necessary permits or services.

The Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing (MOCAL) issues the final permit for your event. To receive the final permit, you will be required to submit the Outdoor Event Application and all the permits to MOCAL@boston.gov at least one week before the event.

You must follow the guidelines outlined in all department permits. It’s your responsibility to make sure there's no illegal activity going on during the event. You also have to pay the fees associated with any permits or licenses you need for your event. You need to put concession stands in a place where they won’t block access to public ways, hydrants, or handicap ramps.