Plan An Event
Are you organizing a festival, parade, concert, charity race, regatta, or neighborhood block party? Planning a filming or photo shoot? Columbus Recreation and Parks assists event coordinators in planning a successful event in the City of Columbus while providing a positive impact to the residents and businesses. Columbus’ 400+ parks are a great place for residents to connect, enjoy nature and stay active. These are the community’s parks, and it takes all of us to ensure they are a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has declared a moratorium on all new race events (as defined in the Event Planning Guide) on multi-use bike trails in the downtown area, effective Dec. 1, 2023, until further notice. The primary areas affected by this moratorium will be the Lower Scioto Greenway.
This declaration is based on a number of factors, including high demand, as well as new and ongoing construction projects in the area, which restrict the access to a portion of the trail between Souder Avenue and Broad Street.
Staff will review any pending applications for feasibility, but recommends no new events plan or start an application for this area.
Permits
Special Event Permit
A Special Event Permit is issued for an event utilizing parks, streets and waterways in the City of Columbus where planned activities go beyond normal use. Special Events include festivals, street fairs, concerts, races, regattas, parades, etc. These events may include street closures, are marketed citywide or regionally, and involve extensive planning and coordination with multiple City departments. The deadline to submit an application for a Special Event Permit is 60 days prior to the event.
Special Event Planning Guide
Special Event Application User Manual
Block Party Permit
A Block Party Permit is issued for the closure of a block and/or street for residents of the block and their families. There is no marketing and/or community advertising for the block party and it is not open to the public. Alcohol is not permitted on the streets of a residential block party. Church festivals, fairs and/or giveaways are excluded from residential block parties. The deadline to submit the Block Party Application is 30 days prior to the block party.
Apply NowFilm Permit
A Film Permit is issued for any commercial purpose filming and/or photo shoots within the City of Columbus parks or streets. Non-commercial, still and/or personal photography may require a permit, please see the Planning Guide below for definitions and requirements. The deadline to submit a Film Application is 5 days before filming, except when closing a street as part of the filming then the deadline is 30 days before the filming date.
Apply NowAdditional Information
Fees
Event Permit Calendar
The Office of Special Events maintains a calendar for events requiring a permit. Please note this calendar does not reflect the availability of parks.
Special Event Support Program
Launched in 2017, the Special Event Support Program provides funding in five categories to Columbus-based organizations that have an established reputation for excellence and credibility, which enhance Columbus’ overall cultural environment, support the City’s economic vitality and increase the visibility and reputation of Ohio’s capital city as a desirable destination for visitors.
City Resources
CRPD Special Events
Sports
Department of Public Service
Division of Fire
Building & Zoning Services
Columbus Public Health
Division of Water
License Section
Division of Power
Additional Resources
- Arena District DORA
- Bicycle Program
- Center City DORA
- Central Ohio Greenways
- FAA Drone Information
- FAA Drone Map
- Parking Locations (Scioto Mile)
- Parking Meters
- Virtual Trail Rides
- Zero Waste Planning Guide
- Columbus Zoning Map (Block Party/Street Closures)
- Franklin County Auditor Website (Block Party/Street Closures)
- Ohio Liquor Control
- Ohio Temporary Liquor Permit
SWACO
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is now offering financial support to local public event organizers to assist with the promotion of waste reduction activities, increasing recycling and composting at events and generating public awareness about waste reduction.
Maps
DOWNTOWN VENUES
COURSE MAPS