From meetings and conventions, to sporting events, to festivals and parades, the City of Worcester is proud to support and host a variety of special events that contribute to the spirit and vitality of our City. Worcester offers many unique public and private venues to accommodate all kinds of events and the support staff to help guide organizers through the municipal permit process and event coordination.
Depending on the nature of the special event, organizers may need to attend a Parks Commission and/or Special Event Committee meeting, as assigned.
The Parks Commission and Special Event Committee will be hosting public informational sessions in February 2024.
If you are interested in hosting your next event in a City of Worcester park, please call 508-799-1190 or email parks@worcesterma.gov. We hope you find our process convenient and helpful. We pledge to work with you every step of the way to ensure that your event is a success. View a list of city parks on our City Parks page.
examples: birthday party, cookout
If your event will be held in a City park and also involves items like street closures, the use of alcohol, on‐site cooking, food and merchandise sales, and/or large temporary structures, you may need a Park Permit as well as a Special Event Permit. Please contact SpecialEvents@worcesterma.gov before completing your permit application materials.
examples: festival, concert, road race staging
If you are interested in hosting your next event in Worcester and it will not be held in a city park but will use public space or city services, please call 508-799-1400 or email SpecialEvents@worcesterma.gov. Events will be reviewed through the Special Event Permit process. Please review the Special Event Guidebook for additional information.
Examples of special events not located in a City park could include: road races, block parties and events in City-owned parking lots, garages and other infrastructure.
An Expressive Event of a time-sensitive nature is a spontaneously planned event in response to a recent occurrence, including but not limited to rallies, protests or vigils addressing current political, religious, or social issues, when the organizer(s) could not have reasonably anticipated their need for such event in advance of the permitting timeline established by the City's Special Events regulations. The City provides an expedited permitting process to facilitate this type of event.
examples: rally, vigil, protests
Parks & Recreation
50 Officer Manny Familia Way
Worcester, MA 01605
Phone: 508-799-1190
Fax: 508-799-1293
Email Us
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cultural Development Division
City Hall Room 409
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508-799-1400
Fax: 508-799-1406
Email Us
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
