ABOUT SPECIAL EVENTS

What is a Special Event?

A Special Event is any organized event including, but not limited to, large scale events such as races, parades, marathons and sporting events, concerts, fairs, community events, and any organized assembly of seventy-five (75) or more people on any public space, waterway, property, structure, or public right of way, owned or controlled by the City of Long Beach.

A Special Event can be private or open to the public and is held on public property. Planning an event typically requires a significant amount of lead-time.

All promoters must submit a Business License Application to hold event within Long Beach. Partial licenses are available in 3, 6, and 9 month increments. A promoter holding events throughout the year must get an annual license. Completed applications can be emailed to LBBIZ@LongBeach.gov.

Due to the amount of preparation required for a Special Event Permit, all applications must be received sixty (60) days prior to the scheduled event.

Long Beach Municipal Code CHAPTER 5.60| Parades and Special Events
Answers to FAQ can be found in our Special Event Terms & Conditions 

 What is the process of obtaining a permit?

1. Event operators contact the office Special Events and Filming for date availability.
   Please note that applications will not be accepted prior to (1) one year to your event date.
2. If date is available, Special Event Application is submitted to staff.
   Date will NOT be reserved until application is submitted, reviewed, and confirmed by Event staff.
3. Non-refundable app fee is submitted to Special Events office depending on tier:
   

   
   TIER I
   FREE, open to the public, no setup, no alcohol.

   Example: dance recital with minmal setup or a small wedding ceremony.
   

   TIER II 
   Open to the public, no ticket for entry, minimum setup or private nonprofit fundraising event.

   Example: Non-profit walk/run, festivals with free admission.
   

   TIER III
   Ticketed, extensive venue setup with controlled access & exclusive use. 

   Example: Beach concerts, food and beer festivals, large scale events.
   
   
   
4. Assigned Event Coordinator sends an email to the event operator with checklist of required documents and deadline for submission. (Typical Documents include but are not limited to: Insurance, Site Map, Operational Fire Permit, etc.)
5. All promoters must submit a Business License Application to hold event within Long Beach. Partial licenses are available in 3, 6, and 9 month increments. Any promoter holding events throughout the year must get an annual license. Completed applications can be emailed to LBBIZ@LongBeach.gov.
6. Once all documents are received, approvals from City departments involved are needed. 
7. Depending on scope of event, Special Events may require and operations meeting with City departments and event operator.
8. Staffing is filled if needed (Fire, PD, Public Works, or Special Event)
9. Estimated fees are sent to event operator.
10. Permit is submitted for approval to immediate supervisor, followed by final approval by the Manager of Special Events.
11. Permit Notifications are sent to City departments and depending on locations, notifications are sent to specific notification lists if necessary.
12. Event Operator pays for permit for estimated fees (Cash or Check ONLY) via mail or in person.
13. Once payment is received, permit is sent for signature via DocuSign or in person.
14. Event operator retains copy of final permit after signature. 

If you are interested in applying for a Special Event, please ensure you've read the Terms & Conditions and are ready to supply the relevant forms before filling out a Special Event Application. This is a new application process, please create an account to proceed.