A Special Events Application is required by the City for all events held on City property or requiring City services at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the event. All event applications are subject to approval by the Cedar Rapids City Manager or the City Council. The event permit approving an event will state conditions which must be met for the event to be held, including an insurance requirement. Please refer to the Special Events Application for additional information.
Events with tents, food, animals, or alcohol require additional permits from the city.
Special Event Committee
The city of Cedar Rapids has a coordinated group of city staff who work together to manage requests for special events. The Event Committee has representatives who can answer all of your questions about putting on an event in Cedar Rapids such as street closures, park use, off-duty police officers, and insurance requirements.
Special Event Public Safety Funds (Police)
Your special event may qualify for Cedar Rapids City Council designated funds specifically for off-duty police officers the City required for your event. The policy, council approved resolution and application are here:
- Public Safety Fund Policy
- City Council resolution (approved 1/8/13)
- Public Safety Fund Application
Please contact the City Manager's Office for assistance at 319-286-5080
Electronically submit your application:
- SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION - updated 3/22/18
*Opening the link in your browser will sometimes not work. Instead, please Right-Click on the Special Event Application link and select "Save Link As" to download the PDF application. Then fill it out and email the completed application to us.
Does your event require meter hooding downtown?
Contact Park Cedar Rapids at contactus@parkcedarrapids.com or 319-365-7275