City Events City Events

Do I Need a Special Event Permit?

Planning a big bash, festival, or public gathering in Van Alstyne? You will need to grab a Special Event Permit if your temporary event involves any of the following:

• Traffic & Streets: Closing a public street or interrupting the normal flow of vehicle or foot traffic.

• Space Invasions: Blocking or restricting access to public property or rights-of-way.

• Sales: Selling or offering food, alcohol, beverages, or merchandise on property where it's usually prohibited.

• Pop-up Structures: Setting up tents, canopies, portable toilets, stages, or bleachers where they aren't normally allowed.

• Big Attractions: Hosting a carnival, circus, fireworks display, or a run/walk.

• City Services: Needing a little extra help from the City, like street barricades, police presence, emergency services, or special electrical hookups.

You get a pass (No permit needed!) if:

• It's a standard neighborhood block party.

• The event is contained entirely on Van Alstyne school district property.

• You're hosting it at a facility specifically designed and permitted for such events, with adequate parking already handled.

• It's a funeral procession or an official military, police, or fire department event.

Download the Special Events Permit Application HERE