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Special Events & Filming

Special Events

Image of Special Event Permit Application

Online Special Event Permit Application

$269 permit application fee
$37 per business day late fee
Fee Changes Fiscal Year 2023 – Effective July 1, 2022

SPECIAL EVENTS & FILMING - FEE TITLECURRENT FEENEW FEE
Special Event Application Permit Processing Fee$269

$341

**effective July 1, 2025

Special Event Application Permit Processing Late Fee$37 per business day

$80 per business day

**effective April 1, 2025

 

A Special Event Permit is required for an organized activity that incorporates the use of:
  • City public streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, and/or
  • City public parks or other City public property and/or
  • Outdoor private property, including parking lots, is allowed only when it is part of a Special Event Venue that includes City public property and permission has been received by the property owner/manager (for example, a parking lot used as part of a street festival venue).
Festivals, parades, runs/walks, and farmer/art markets are examples of activities that require a special event permit.  
 
 

ADVISORY FOR 2025 EVENTS: Due to public safety staffing constraints, all new events and historical events with a date change, are subject to availability. Your event date is not guaranteed. Special event permit applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and accepted only once deemed substantially complete.

Below is a list of impacted dates. This list is continually updated as more information is known. If you are interested in having your event on one of these dates, please contact the Office of Special Events and Filming first to determine availability.
PHONE:
619-685-1331 | EMAIL: SpecialEvents@sandiego.gov

2025 Impacted Dates

  • Sunday, March 9, 2025
  • Saturday, March 15, 2025
  • Saturday, March 22, 2025
  • Saturday, April 12, 2025
  • Saturday, April 26, 2025
  • Sunday, April 27, 2025
  • Saturday, May 17, 2025
  • Sunday, May 18, 2025
  • Saturday, May 31, 2025
  • Sunday, June 1, 2025
  • Saturday, June 21, 2025
  • Sunday, June 22, 2025
  • Friday, July 4, 2025
  • Saturday, July 19, 2025
  • Wednesday, July 23, 2025
  • Thursday, July 24, 2025
  • Friday, July 25, 2025
  • Saturday, July 26, 2025
  • Sunday, July 27, 2025
  • Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
  • Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
  • Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025
  • Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
  • Friday, Oct. 31, 2025
  • Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025
  • Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
  • Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025
  • Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
  • Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025

Special Event Planning Guide

The Special Event Planning Guide has been developed to guide you through the Citywide Special Event Permit Process and to provide you with guidelines and requirements associated with special event management in the City of San Diego. This is an important reference guide as you develop your event plans and complete your permit application.

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Other Special Event Related Permits

There are a number of different special event-related permits that may be issued independently of a Citywide Special Event Permit or may be required in conjunction with a Citywide Special Event Permit. The proposed event venue, activities, components, attendance, and unique circumstances of the event are contributing factors to the final determination of the required permit types.

The following is a summary of the most common permits you may be required to obtain if you are planning a special event or an activity associated with a special event.