All outdoor events held on City property, e.g. streets, sidewalks, parks, etc., and/or deemed to significantly impact the City are considered special events.

An event that requests any of the following actions, which must be approved by City Council, will be considered a special event:

• Events requiring street closures (with the exception of block parties).
• Events that require the closure of parking facilities and/or the use of City-owned property.
• Events that require the posting of "No Parking, Tow Zones."

Special Events Permit Process

Special Event Applications for 2023 will be accepted from 
Monday, June 6 to Friday, July 8, 2022. 

If your special event meets the criteria above, the event is required to obtain a Special Event Permit.

All event organizers interested in hosting a special event in Naperville must submit the completed permit application to the Special Events Coordinator. 

The City of Naperville currently has a waiting list for all new major events (i.e. events requiring street closures, no parking/tow zones, or the use of City staff). New event requests will be considered for the 2022 Special Events Calendar if an opening occurs.

• 2023 Special Event Permit Application.pdf (PDF)

Additional Permits That May Be Needed For A Special Event

• Tent Permit Application
• Amplifier Permit Application
• Raffle Permit Application
• Liquor License Application
  • Liquor License Pre-Application Form
  • Special Event Liquor License Form
• Fireworks Permit Application Form (Please make or log in to a Help Center account to access permit)

Once an event has been approved by the City Council, it is important to make sure all the necessary applications are submitted in a timely manner.  To ensure an event receives a final event permit, all the required paperwork must be submitted three (3) weeks prior to the event date. 

Special Events Resource Guide

To assist in planning special events, the city developed the Special Events Resource Guide. The guide, which will be updated periodically, provides event organizers with the information necessary to meet the City of Naperville's requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.

• Special Event Resource Guide (PDF) UPDATED GUIDE COMING SOON

Special Events Accessibility Checklist

The City of Naperville strives to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to access and enjoy special events held in Naperville. As part of the City of Naperville Special Events Resources Guide, this checklist helps determine if a special event is accessible.

All indoor and outdoor sites for special events must be accessible to persons with disabilities. In planning an event, it is advisable to review the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Accessibility Code.

Always remember that when planning your event, persons who may attend the event are often unfamiliar with local directions, resources and services. The city’s ADA webpage is a good resource for event organizers to utilize when planning a special event.

• Special Events Accessibility Checklist (PDF)
• Downtown Naperville ADA Parking Map (PDF)

Special Events and Community Arts Grant

The City of Naperville encourages celebrations of community and cultural opportunities that focus on the heritage, diversity and character of the City. In support of these activities, the City of Naperville offers funds for the purpose of aiding eligible organizations in providing new and continued cultural experiences.

• Special Events and Community Arts Fund