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 event, organizers may need to attend a Parks Commission and/or Special Event Committee meeting, as assigned.
Events on City property and/or events that require City services or authorization necessitate the Special Event application process. An event requiring an application will likely require the coordination of multiple City departments to obtain the necessary permits and inspections. Events will be reviewed by the Special Event Committee through the Special Event Permit process.
Examples of events that may require a Special Event application are festivals, parades, runs/walks, farmers' markets, and other larger planned group activities. Events typically reviewed through the Special Event Permit process may involve street closures, service of alcohol, on‐site cooking, food and merchandise sales, large temporary structures and/or a variety of other programmatic elements. If your Special Event will take place within a City Park, you may review our List of City Parks.
Special Event inquiries and applications may be directed to SpecialEvents@worcesterma.gov.
For all Special Events, please complete the application below:
For smaller events within a City Park such as birthday party, quinceañera, cookout or small reception, you may complete the Special Event application form above. Small Events within a City Park are handled directly through the Parks & Recreation Division. Small events are typically defined as private gatherings and/or events in City Parks anticipating 200 or fewer attendees. Please call 508-799-1190 or email parks@worcesterma.gov. For a list of park locations, view our List of City Parks
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.
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.
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.
