Special Events Permit
Apply for a Permit Ahead of Time
Apply for a permit as soon as event planning begins; at least 30 days prior to the event. By ordinance, Downtown events require 60 days advance application. Plan a minimum of 60 days for permits from the City Clerk License Division because they require Common Council approval. The permit process takes time because of the number of agencies we notify and coordinate with, for example, Police and Fire for safety and traffic coordination, DPW for construction and street maintenance conflicts, and ordering equipment, such as parking signs, parking meter hoods, barricades and Dumpsters.
Proposed routes may be altered at the discretion of the Milwaukee Police Department and the Department of Public Works. The Special Event Permit staff will work with the applicant to select an alternate route.
How to Apply for a Permit
Obtain a permit application for a Special Event or Block Party from the Special Event Permit Office. Those planning a race, parade or march should submit a detailed map of the route, or a site map for a festival or other large events. File the application with the Special Event Permit Office. We will forward it to the alderperson in whose district the event is planned. Permits are issued only with the approval of the appropriate alderperson. File Block Party applications directly with your alderperson at 200 East Wells Street, Room 205, Milwaukee, WI 53202 or fax (414) 286-3456.
For first-time or very large events, the alderperson may require the applicant to obtain signatures of consent from individuals who would be affected by the event and to distribute flyers to those living and/or working in the area.
Special Event Permit Fees
Fees vary with the size and nature of the event and equipment and services requested. The Police Department determines the classification of events - A, B, C, or D - according to the number of police service hours required. Insurance is required for events classified as A, B, or C. You must submit to the Special Event Permit Office an original certificate of insurance providing minimum combined single limits for bodily injury and property damage of $1,000,000; and naming the City of Milwaukee as additional insured. Private businesses and non-profit organizations, including churches, are charged event fees as they apply. Permit fees must be received at least three days prior to the event. Fees are payable by cash or check made payable to "City of Milwaukee."
Neighborhood block parties and most neighborhood festivals are classified as D and do not require insurance. Residents organizing a block party receive the use of barricades at no cost.
Your permit will be mailed to you after the Permit Office has received your payment, or if there is no fee, after the application is processed. Or, you may arrange to pick up the permit at the office.
images permits you may need from other city departments:If you plan to sell food, have live animals or live music, contact the Health Department at (414) 286-3674.
If you plan to sell alcoholic beverages or non-food items, such as T-shirts; or if you will have carnival rides, contact the City Clerk License Division at (414) 286-2238.
Permits for tents larger than 600 square feet, bleachers, portable toilets, fireworks, carnival rides and use of LP gas are issued by the Department of Department of Neighborhood Services, (414) 286-2544.
For information about using electrical power at your event, contact the Department of Neighborhood Services Department at (414) 286-2521.
To make a water supply or sewer connection, contact the Department of Neighborhood Services Department at (414) 286-3361.
Permits for the use of MacArthur Square / Civic Center Plaza are issued by DPW - Special Events Office, (414) 286-3329.
The Milwaukee County Special Events Office, (414) 257-4503, issues permits for use of county parks and other recreational facilities and Lincoln Memorial Drive.