City of Tucson Special Events

Overview

Start here to determine what type of event you are planning and what steps to take next.

Planning an event in the City of Tucson? This page is your complete guide to hosting events of any size.

Whether you are organizing a small neighborhood gathering or a large-scale event, this page will help you determine if a Special Event application is required, understand City expectations, and navigate the process from planning to approval.

We strongly encourage all event organizers to review this information before submitting an application. Our goal is to help you successfully plan and host your event while ensuring public safety and coordination.

Quick Navigation

Use the quick links below to jump directly to the information most relevant to your event. Whether you're planning a neighborhood block party, organizing a large community event, or simply looking for a specific resource, these links allow you to navigate the page without scrolling through every section. We encourage first-time organizers to review the page from top to bottom, while returning organizers may use the links below to quickly access the information they need.

Start Here: Do I need a Special Event Application? Neighborhood Block Parties? Planning a Large or Complex Event? Type of Events When to Apply Prepare Before you Apply What Happens After You Apply Apply for a Special Event Resources & Department Links

Start Here: Do I Need a Special Event Application?

Start here before submitting an application.

Not all activities require a Special Event application. This section will help you determine whether your event should go through the City of Tucson Special Events process.

A Special Event generally includes organized activities that impact public spaces, require City services, or involve coordination for public safety.

In general, events that impact public streets, sidewalks, right-of-way, or public access are more likely to require review and approval. Events that include street closures or lane restrictions will require additional review and coordination.

Even events held on private property may require a Special Event application depending on specific activities or impacts.

If you are unsure whether your event requires a Special Event application, we encourage you to contact the Special Events Office before proceeding.

Contact the Special Events Office

Neighborhood Block Parties

Not all events require the full Special Event process or the same level of review. Neighborhood block parties are designed to be a simpler option for small, local gatherings.

Planning a neighborhood block party? These events are a great way to bring neighbors together and strengthen community connections.

Some neighborhood gatherings may follow a simplified process if they meet City criteria. These events are typically smaller in scale and may have more limited requirements than larger public events such as festivals, races, or major street closures.

Your event may be a good fit for a neighborhood block party if it:

• takes place on a residential street
• is small in scale and primarily for neighborhood residents
• has minimal impact on surrounding traffic and access
• does not include large vendor operations or complex event infrastructure
• can be safely managed using temporary street closure methods

The City has established criteria to determine eligibility, and all events must be reviewed and approved in advance.

Approved block parties must follow basic safety guidelines, including maintaining emergency access and using proper street closure setup.

For detailed setup and safety guidance, please review the City’s Neighborhood Block Party Requirements & Safety Guide, below.

Neighborhood block parties often have fewer requirements and may involve limited or no City costs depending on the event. If you are unsure whether your event qualifies, the Special Events team can help guide you to the correct process.

View Neighborhood Block Party Requirements & Safety Guide

Pre-Application Planning for Large or Complex Events

Not all events should start with an application.

Some events require coordination with the City before a formal application is submitted. If your event involves significant logistics, multiple agencies, or complex planning elements, you may need to begin with a pre-application coordination process.

These events are typically larger in scale and may require coordination across multiple City departments and partner agencies.

This step helps identify potential challenges early, align expectations, and improve the overall review process.

You should request pre-application coordination if your event includes:

• road closures or significant traffic impacts
• a race, marathon, or route-based event
• multiple jurisdictions such as City of Tucson, Pima County, University of Arizona, or ADOT
• large attendance or complex site logistics
• first-time large-scale events

Early coordination allows staff to review feasibility, identify requirements, and provide guidance before a formal application is submitted.

Participation in pre-application planning does not guarantee event approval.

Request Pre-Application Coordination

Types of Events

Events can vary in size, location, and complexity. The categories below are provided to help you better understand how your event may be classified and what considerations may apply.

If you are unsure which category best fits your event, the Special Events team can help guide you.

Street Events & Festivals
Events that take place on public streets or spaces and may include vendors, entertainment, or large gatherings. This may include community, nonprofit, or commercial events.

Runs, Walks & Races
Route-based events that may involve road closures, traffic control, and coordination across multiple agencies.

Parades & Processions
Organized events that move along a defined route, often requiring traffic control and public safety coordination.

Events in Parks
Events held in City parks may require coordination with Parks and Recreation in addition to Special Events review. Some park events may follow a separate process.

Neighborhood Block Parties
Small neighborhood gatherings that may qualify for a simplified process if they meet City criteria.

Filming & Photography
Commercial filming or photography that impacts public space may require permits and coordination. Film permits are currently managed by Film Tucson, and the City works in coordination to support filming activities.

For more information or to begin the permitting process, please visit Film Tucson.

Additional City of Tucson film permitting process may be implemented in the future.

Once you identify your event type, continue below to review timelines, requirements and application steps.

When to Apply

Submitting your application early is critical to a successful event. The timeline below provides general guidance based on event size and complexity.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Small Events

• Recommended at least 60 days in advance, but no less than 30 days in advance.
• Events with minimal impact and limited coordination needs.

Moderate Events

• Recommended 60–90 days in advance.
• Events that may include vendors, traffic impacts, or coordination across multiple departments.

Large or Complex Events

• Recommended 90+ days in advance, but no less than 60 days in advance.
• Events involving road closures, large attendance, multiple agencies, or significant logistics.

Multi-Jurisdiction Events

• Begin planning as early as possible, recommended 4-6 months in advance.
• Events involving agencies such as Pima County, University of Arizona, or Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) may require extended coordination timelines.

Event requirements are based on the size, location, and impact of your event.

Incomplete or late submissions may delay the review process or impact the ability to approve an event.

Costs may vary depending on the size and complexity of your event. Additional fees may apply for services such as traffic control, staffing, or permits.

Prepare Before You Apply

Depending on your event, additional permits or approvals may be required beyond the Special Event application.

Preparing your information in advance will help streamline the application process and reduce delays during review.

Not all events require the same materials. The items below are commonly requested depending on your event type and impact.

Some materials may be required at the time of application, while others may be submitted later during the review process.

The Special Events team will work with you to identify what is needed based on your event.

What Happens After You Apply

Once your application is submitted, it will go through a review process to ensure your event meets City requirements and can be safely supported.

1. Application Submitted
   Your application is received and reviewed for completeness.
2. Staff Review
   The Special Events team reviews your submission and may contact you for additional information.
3. Department Review
   Your event may be routed to City departments and partner agencies for review and feedback, including risk management, transportation, police, fire, parks, and others as needed.
4. Revisions & Coordination
   You may be asked to update plans, provide additional documents, or participate in coordination meetings.
5. Final Determination
   Once all requirements are met, a final approval or denial decision will be made.

Timelines may vary depending on the size and complexity of your event. Early and complete submissions help ensure a smoother review process.

The review process may require coordination, revisions, and approvals across multiple departments before a final decision is made.

Apply for a Special Event

Once you have reviewed the information on this page and determined that your event requires a Special Event application, you can begin the process using the link below.

Please ensure that you have prepared the necessary information and materials prior to starting your application.

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Additional information, documentation, or coordination may be required.

If you have not completed the steps above, we strongly recommend reviewing them before submitting your application.

The Special Event application is part of a formal permitting process that includes review, coordination, and approval.

Not all events can be approved. Approval is based on factors such as public safety, location, available resources, and overall impact.

Final approval is only granted once all requirements and conditions have been met, and all events must comply with applicable City codes and requirements.

Apply for a Special Event

Resources & Department Links

The resources below provide additional information from City departments and partner organizations that may be involved in planning your event.

Not all resources will apply to every event. The Special Events team can help guide you to the appropriate requirements based on your event.

Contact the Special Events Office

If you have questions at any point in the process, the Special Events team is available to assist you.

We encourage you to reach out early, especially for events that may be more complex or involve multiple agencies.

Email: SpecialEvents@tucsonaz.gov

If you are unsure which process applies to your event, please contact us. Our team can help guide you and direct you to the appropriate next steps.