Special Event Permit

A special event permit is required in the following situations: 

  • An event open to the public will take place on public spaces, such as public parks or the public right of way*, and will consist of one or more of the following: food vendors, large tents, bounce houses, alcohol license, or require event-specific city services**.  
  • A private event that impacts the public right of way*. 
  • An event that will serve alcohol at the Alliant Amphitheater, American Trust River’s Edge Plaza, or the Port of Dubuque Riverwalk. 

*Public Right of Way: defined as land that is owned or controlled by the city and is dedicated for public use. This includes spaces like streets, sidewalks, and alleys.

**Event-Specific City Services: Defined as city-provided services required specifically for the support, operation, or safety of the event that exceed normal services to the public. These may include, but are not limited to: Traffic control, street closures, blocking sidewalks; Police, fire, or emergency medical presence beyond normal patrol or staffing; Temporary signage or barricades.

Refer to the attached flowchart for a visual guide on when a special event permit is required.

Q&A - Special Event and Courtesy Notification Permit Application Process

Special Event Application Process

  • Applicants MUST read and understand the special event permit information packet before applying for the permit.
  • Applicants with street closures MUST read and understand the street closure packet before applying for the permit.
  • The permit application must be completed and submitted to the City Clerk's Office (whether online or in person) Thirty days prior to the event.
  • Application fees: The fee for Non-Profit Organizations is $5. For-Profit Organizations application fee is $50. Additional fees apply if the event involves a street closure. If an event is hosted by a for-profit organization but benefits a non-profit, and the organizer provides a letter from the non-profit confirming they will receive financial benefit from the event, the event will qualify for the non-profit fee structure.


  1. Special Event Permit Information Packet
  1. Street Closure Packet

Application Requirements

The following documents are required to complete the application. Please download and complete the forms BEFORE you begin the application.

Submit An Application

Effective Nov. 20, 2024, the City is using a new online portal to process applications for special event permits, farmer’s market permits, and courtesy notifications. If it is your first time using the portal, you'll need to register first. Applications may also be submitted in person at the City Clerk's Office on the first floor of City Hall, 50 W. 13th St. Dubuque, IA 52001.

Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ Markets are considered special events held on public property and must meet many of the same requirements as the City’s special event permit. However, the farmers’ market application also includes provisions tailored to the unique aspects of these events. A farmers’ market may operate on a regular basis for one year under a single application. Submit an application through the online portal or download and return your completed application to the City Clerk's Office.

Courtesy Notification

Events such as assemblies, marches, neighborhood block parties, and other small-scale outdoor gatherings that do not require coordination with city departments—such as for food or beverage vendors, alcohol sales, or obstructing public rights-of-way—are encouraged to complete a courtesy notification application. Submit an application through the online portal or download and return your completed application to the City Clerk's Office.

Additional Information and Resources

The following links contain information to aid event organizers in providing an accessible, safe and sustainable event :


Site Plan Maps

Feel free to choose one of these commonly used site maps when filling out the site plan portion of the application:

PMOSR Policy and Application

Promotional Materials Over the Street Right of Way (PMOSR's) are those promotional materials located over the City-owned public street right of way that are associated with a special event and a special event permit issued by the City of Dubuque. Access the policy and application.

Contact Us

  1. Adrienne-BreitfelderAdrienne N. Breitfelder  |  email
    City Clerk
    Phone: 563-589-4100
    TTY/TRS: 711 or 800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa)
    Fax: 563-589-0890

    Staff Directory


    City Hall
    50 W. 13th St, Dubuque, IA 52001

    Hours
    Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.