Special Events & Permits in Ann Arbor, MI (2026)
4 verified special events & permits rules for Ann Arbor, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Park Event Permits
Ann Arbor requires a permit before advertising any park gathering expected to draw more than 50 people, issued by the Community or Public Services Area Administrator under Chapter 39 of the City Code.
Ann Arbor Park Event Permit
Significant RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 3:6 (Chapter 39, Parks-General Regulations)
No person shall organize, advertise or publicize any event or activity to be held in a park for which more than 50 people will be expected to attend without first receiving a permit from the Community Services Area Administrator, Public Services Area Administrator, or designee. There shall be no park rental fee charged in association with a permit, where the permitted event's primary proposed a...
Parade Permits
Ann Arbor requires a City Administrator permit before organizing any parade of 25+ people or vehicles, or any street/sidewalk competitive event.
Ann Arbor Parade & Event Permits
Significant RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 10:152
No person shall organize, promote, stage or sponsor any parade or competitive event in the city streets or sidewalks without first obtaining a permit from the City Administrator and without complying with the conditions of the permit.(4)Application for a permit shall be made on forms prescribed by the City Administrator. The forms may require information on the event's location, time, medical f...
Street Fair Rules
Ann Arbor classifies street fairs and carnivals as public nuisances by default, barring them citywide unless City Council specially permits the event by resolution under Chapter 88.
Ann Arbor Street Fair Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 7:334 (Chapter 88, Circuses, Shows and Exhibitions)
Unless specially permitted by resolution of the Council and conducted in strict accordance with such regulations, rules, and directions which may be made by the Council in such resolution... the following listed amusements are hereby declared to constitute public nuisances and are prohibited, and no person shall conduct, attend or sell or purchase tickets therefor within the city. Such amusemen...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Ann Arbor restaurants must get a City Administrator sidewalk occupancy permit before setting up outdoor tables, and street-level businesses get first right each April to renew the space directly in front of their storefront.
Ann Arbor Sidewalk Dining Occupancy Permit
Some RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 4:14(1)(c), (2)(a)
The City Administrator may issue revocable permits to occupy a portion of any city street or sidewalk if the Administrator determines the occupancy will not: ... Reduce any sidewalk width to less than 6 feet. ... Annual sidewalk occupancy. Permits run from June 1 to May 31. From April 1 to April 30 of each year, the owner or manager of a business located at street level shall have first opportu...