Special Events Permit and Planning Procedures
Permitting, Plans and Licensing Portal Now Available
Customers are now able to apply for this permit through the City’s Permitting, Plans and Licensing Portal. The new portal gathers all of the information needed to apply, pay for, and manage permits in one convenient place. It is designed for use on a desktop/laptop computer.
2024 Special Events Presentation
All outdoor events held on the City of Naperville's property, e.g. streets, sidewalks, parks, etc., and/or deemed to significantly impact the City are considered special events.
An event that requests any of the following actions, which must be approved by City Council, will be considered a special event:
- Events requiring street closures (with the exception of block parties).
- Events that require the closure of parking facilities and/or the use of City-owned property.
- Events that require the posting of "No Parking, Tow Zones."
Special Events Permit Process
The 2025 Special Event permit application process will open May 31, 2024, and will close Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
NEW THIS YEAR: All applications must be submitted online, paper applications will no longer be accepted. To apply for your special event permit visit the City’s Permitting, Plans and Licensing Portal.
The new portal gathers all of the information needed to apply, pay for, and manage permits in one convenient location. It is designed for use on a desktop/laptop computer.
Additional Permits That May Be Required For A Special Event
- Tent Permit Application (Covers tents, food trucks, inflatables and stages)
- Carnival Permit Application
- Amplifier Permit Application
- Raffle Permit Application
- Liquor License Application
- Fireworks Permit Application Form (Create a Help Center account to access permit)
- Required Tags (Inflatables, Fire Extinguishers, Food Trucks with Cooking Equipment)
Once an event has been approved by the City Council, it is important to make sure all the necessary applications are submitted in a timely manner. To ensure an event receives a final event permit, all the required paperwork must be submitted two (2) months prior to the event date.
Special Events Resource Guide
To assist in planning special events, the City developed the Special Events Resource Guide. The guide, which will be updated periodically, provides event organizers with the information necessary to meet the City of Naperville's requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Sustainability Tips for Special Events
The City of Naperville is committed to creating a sustainable community for our residents and visitors. With your support, we can reduce the environmental impact of our events. Please consider incorporating voluntary sustainable actions from Naperville's Special Events sustainability checklist into your event.
Special Events Accessibility Checklist
The City of Naperville strives to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to access and enjoy special events held in Naperville. As part of the City of Naperville Special Events Resource Guide, this checklist helps determine if a special event is accessible.
All indoor and outdoor sites for special events must be accessible to persons with disabilities. In planning an event, it is advisable to review the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Accessibility Code.
Always remember that when planning your event, persons who may attend the event are often unfamiliar with local directions, resources and services. The City’s ADA webpage is a good resource for event organizers to utilize when planning a special event.
Special Events and Community Arts Program Grant
The City of Naperville encourages celebrations of community and cultural opportunities that focus on the heritage, diversity and character of the City. In support of these activities, the City of Naperville offers funds for the purpose of aiding eligible organizations in providing new and continued cultural experiences.