Office of Outdoor Events

Main St. Arts Festival crowd.jpg

Main St. Arts Festival crowd.jpg

Any outdoor gatherings on private property (that attracts more than 500 attendees) and all events on public property that require lanes and/or streets to be closed, sells food or beverages, or uses tents, stages, bleachers, fireworks, open flames or portable toilets require an Outdoor Events permit from the City’s Office of Outdoor Events. The rules also apply to parades or neighborhood events requiring the use of city streets, and some First Amendment activity.

Events conducted entirely on the property of a church, educational institution, college or university campus, or on property containing an occupied residence, are exempt. Also, events per contracts with the City or at City-owned facilities and at the Texas Motor Speedway are exempt.

Event organizers are required to apply to the city within a lead time based on event size and purpose in order to obtain approval, be placed on the city’s Event Calendar, attend the Pre-Event Committee Meeting and provide notice to surrounding property owners. Two committees are in charge of scheduling events and reviewing event plans and applications. The Event Calendar Committee includes city staff and representatives from Sundance Square, Downtown Fort Worth Inc., the Cultural District, Fort Worth South, Chambers of Commerce and the Stockyards. The Pre-Event Committee includes city staff and representatives from Trinity Metro, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and various stakeholders. A designated employee from the city’s Public Events Department will serve as special events manager to coordinate the process.

Please carefully read the guidelines for document submission deadlines specifically for Neighborhood Events and Parades, Large Outdoor Events and Parades, and First Amendment activity. A flat-rate permit fee of $300 is required, which helps offset administrative costs associated with the implementation of the outdoor events ordinance, permitting review and approval process. However, no permit fees will be charged for First Amendment events. 

Online

Step 2.Step 2: Submit Forms

Submit application and petitions:

E-mail specialevents@fortworthtexas.gov

Attention: Outdoor Events Manager

Staff Contact: Cynthia Alexander-Ramos, 817-392-7894

 

Step 3.Step 3: Certificates of Insurance

Certificates of Insurance should be mailed to:

Attn: Outdoor Events Manager
Public Events Department - Office of Outdoor Events

Fort Worth Convention Center
1201 Houston St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Step 4.Other Information

View information on Fort Worth street classifications in the Master Thoroughfare Plan.

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In person

Step 1.Where to obtain forms 

Neighborhood applications and petition forms are available online at Outdoor Events or by calling 817-392-7894.

Step 2.Form submission

Submit application and petitions:

City of Fort Worth Public Events Department

Outdoor Events Manager

1201 Houston Street (2nd floor)

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Step 3.Questions

To learn more or for questions, call 817-392-7894.

Step 4.Certificates of Insurance

Certificates of Insurance should be mailed to:

Attn: Outdoor Events Manager
Public Events Department - Office of Outdoor Events
Fort Worth Convention Center
1201 Houston St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Step 5.Other Information

View information on Fort Worth street classifications in the Master Thoroughfare Plan.

Staff Contact: Cynthia Alexander, 817-392-7894 and Catrina Holley, 817-392-2523

 

By Fax

Step 1.Where to obtain forms 

Neighborhood applications and petition forms are available online at Outdoor Events or by calling 817-392-7894.

Step 2.Form submission

Submit application and petitions by fax:

817-392-2756 Attention Outdoor Events Manager

Step 3.Questions

To learn more or for questions, call 817-392-7894.

Step 4.Certificates of Insurance

Certificates of Insurance should be mailed to:

Attn: Outdoor Events Manager
Public Events Department - Office of Outdoor Events
Fort Worth Convention Center
1201 Houston St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Step 5.Other Information

View information on Fort Worth street classifications in the Master Thoroughfare Plan.

Staff Contact: Cynthia Alexander, 817-392-7894

Insurance Guidelines & Insurance

City of Fort Worth Insurance Guidelines(PDF, 34KB)

GatherGuard Insurance(PDF, 102KB) (formerly TULIP) for smaller events without a private broker

Sample Site Plans & Traffic Control Plans

Special Events Recycling

Recycle bin loan program for special events

The City of Fort Worth offers loaner recycle bins for events taking place in Fort Worth, based on availability. To request recycle bins for your special event through the Bin Loan Program:

  1. Complete the appropriate outdoor event request form.
  2. After you have received a confirmation email, call 817-564-8849 or 817-718-8997 to arrange a time to pick up recycling bins and bags at:

    Parks and Recreation Dept.
    North District Service Center (NDSC)
    1700 Brennan Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76106
    Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
  3. After your event, call 817-564-8849 or 817-718-8997 to arrange a time to return recycling bins, unused bags and all recyclable materials collected during your event back to the NDSC. Borrowers will be charged $55 for each bin not returned in clean working order.

Recommendations for successful recycling

  • Collect cardboard boxes in a designated area available only to vendors during setup and takedown.
  • Target aluminum cans and plastic drink bottles only. The bin lids are labeled to reduce confusion and contamination.
  • Use the buddy system and pair each recycle bin with a trash can.
  • Glass is accepted but can create a hazard when collecting. Be careful with broken glass.
  • No Styrofoam, plastic bags or plastic films.
  • Benefits of Special Collections(PDF, 412KB)