Office of Special Events

Special Events & Activities

The City of Alexandria is committed to facilitating a wide range of special events that highlight the diverse communities within the City. Venues, including, but not limited to, Oronoco Bay Park, Waterfront Park, Joseph Hensley Park and Ben Brenman Park are avail­able for large scale special events. For additional information on how to apply to hold a special event in the City of Alexandria, call the Office of Special Events at 703.746.5418.

• How to Begin 
• Calendar of Community Events 
• City Concerts 
• Parking in Old Town

Initial Application Process to File for Special Event Permit

How to Begin

• Special Event Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis. A nonrefundable $50 application fee is due at the time of submission of a Special Events Application.
• Special Event  Applications are submitted to:
  • City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
    Attn.: Office of Special Events
    1108 Jefferson St.
    Alexandria VA 22314.
• Special Event Applications will be reviewed by the Office of Special Events, and if complete, the application will be forwarded to the Special Events Committee for initial review. Applicants do not need to contact each City Department prior to the application review.
• The City’s Special Events Committee will make decisions on granting or denying this application based on the criteria specified in the City of Alexandria Policies and Procedures Manual adopted by City Council on January 23, 2010.
  • Special Events Policy and Procedure Manual
• After the initial review by the Special Events Committee, the Office of Special Events will schedule a meeting between the Special Events Committee and the applicant to provide final review and make preliminary approval for the proposed event. The applicant will receive, in writing, notification of any permits required and the necessary contact information prior to this meeting. Permits required must be filed a minimum of 30 days in advance of the event date. Organizers may not promote their activity until preliminary approval has been received by the Special Events Committee.
• To ensure adequate time to review and file all appropriate permits, Special Event Applications should be submitted a minimum of 180-days in advance of the event date. Permits will be determined by the Special Event Committee after submission and evaluation of the special event's application.

Special Events Permit Application

• Special Events Application
  Before completing and submitting an application, please read "How to Begin" above.
  • Special Events Application ($50 application fee is due at the time of submission of permit application)
• Permit Appliations 
  Applicants do not need to submit any additional permit applications listed below until notified by the Office of Special Events:
  • Athletic Field and Outdoor Court Request Form 
  • Noise Permit 
  • ABC Application 
  • School Facilities Permit 
  • Street Closure & Parking Restrictions Form 
  • Special Events Guidelines for Code Enforcement 
  • Application for Fire Prevention Permit 
  • Application for use of Market Square Plaza
  • Application for Temporary Food Event – Coordinator 
  • Application for Temporary Food Permit - Vendor