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 2024 are now closed. Please check back on this page in June of 2024 when the Special Event application process will reopen for 2025.  

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. 

Sustainability Tips for Special Events

The City of Naperville is committed to creating a sustainable community for our residents and visitors. With your support, we can reduce the environmental impact of our events. Please consider incorporating voluntary sustainable actions from Naperville's Special Events Sustainability Checklist into your event. 

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