Festivals, parades, moving athletic events, block parties and other special events in Rochester
It is the policy of the City of Rochester to encourage the occurrence of special events that enhance the quality of life, provide entertainment and other leisure activities, promote local economic health, attract visitors, and contribute to the dynamic
atmosphere of the community. It is the City's hope to offer applicants support in planning a wide variety of safe and successful events that will serve diverse audiences and create minimal disruption to the surrounding areas.
Before you begin to plan your event, please contact the Office of Special Events as early in the process as possible so that staff can help make your event as successful as it can be.
Applications and Requirements for a Special Event Permit
Complete the appropriate permit application in its entirety. Each application will guide you through what information and documentation is needed to secure a permit for your special event.
Events Utilizing Parks
If a park is within your event's footprint- whether it be for staging, registration, a race or walk, a portion or leg of your race/walk route, post-event activities, or for anything else- you will need to have the use of that park approved by the City's Department of Recreation and Youth Services or by Monroe County's Department of Parks. This will ensure that the park is reserved for your use that day and that another event is not scheduled in conflict.
- City park: Facilities Use Permit
- Monroe County Park: Highland Park, Genesee Valley Park (east side), Ontario Beach Park, and parts of Durand Beach are maintained by the County and require a County permit as well as a City permit. Please contact Monroe County Parks at (585) 753-7281 or visit http://www.monroecounty.gov/parks for more information. If your event utilizes one of these county-run parks, you will need a permit from the county before you begin the special events process with the City.
City Code Amendment
In December 2012, City Council passed an ordinance that amended the City Code to add language regarding special event permits. The new language codifies many of the requirements already in place for special events permit applicants. Event organizers should be aware of two main changes. First, events are no longer allowed to charge admission to a closed city street. Waivers to this rule may be granted by the Director of Communications for an event that is held one time a year, and for one day only, upon finding that it will maintain reasonable free pedestrian access to through the street closure area. Next, a block party is the only type of event that will require the use of the Street Closing Petition for street closure approval. Festivals and other events that request street closures will be reviewed by the Office of Special Events on a variety of factors.
Questions?
Contact the Office of Special Events at (585) 428-6690, email us, or come to City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 203A.