Special Events & Permits in Chicago, IL (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Chicago block party permits are free and obtained through your local aldermanic office, which submits the request to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) under Municipal Code Section 9-12-040. Permits allow closure of a single block (intersection to intersection) from 10 AM to 10 PM. Permits will not be issued for more than one day in succession, for arterial streets, bus routes, or for commercial purposes. Requests must be submitted to CDOT at least 3 business days before the event.
Chicago Block Party Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCDOT Block Party Permit Rules
Block party applications should be submitted through you local aldermanic office. Block party permits are for the use of Chicago residents and can only be applied for the street on which they reside. Businesses or outside organizations should apply for a festival permit. Requests for Block Party Permits from the Aldermanic Offices must be received by the Department of Transportation within thre...
Parade Permits
Chicago requires a Department of Transportation permit for any parade on the public way, filed at least 15 business days ahead with a $50 fee.
Chicago Parade Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 10-8-330
(b) No parade is permitted on any portion of the public way unless a permit allowing such activity has been obtained from the department of transportation... any person or organization seeking to obtain a parade permit shall file an application with the commissioner...not less than 15 business days before...the date for which the parade is proposed...The application for a parade permit shall be...
Street Fair Rules
Street fairs and festivals on Chicago public ways require an outdoor special event permit from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events before setup.
Chicago Street Fair & Festival Permits
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 10-8-335
No person shall conduct a special event unless the sponsor of the event obtains a special event permit from the Department. ... No application for a special event permit shall be accepted less than twenty-one days prior to the special event.
Parklets
Chicago parklets run through CDOT's People Spots program, and the commissioner permits every structure placed in the reclaimed parking lane.
Chicago People Spots Parklet Permits
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago § 2-102-030(v)
In addition to exercising authority over the public way as specified in Title 9 of the Code, to administer the "Make Way for People – People Spots and People Streets" program... The commissioner is further authorized to regulate, by permit or other appropriate means, any entity's occupancy, maintenance or other use of or function bearing on the affected portion of the public way, or any structu...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Chicago's Outdoor Dining Street program normally runs May 1 through October 31 each year, but the Department of Transportation can approve specific curb-lane locations for permits lasting up to 12 months. One block on North Glenwood Avenue currently holds that year-round, May-to-April approval.
Chicago's Year-Round Outdoor Dining Street Permit
Some RestrictionsMunicipal Code of Chicago §§ 10-28-590(f), 10-28-600
10-28-600 Specific locations approved. The following locations may receive permits, contingent upon application and approval by the Commissioner, for periods longer than set forth in Section 10-28-590(f). Location: North Glenwood Avenue, between West Morse Avenue and West Farwell Avenue — Type of Outdoor Dining Street: Curb Lane Permit — Period: May to April (12 months). ... [10-28-590(f)] Exce...
Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Cook County →