Special Events & Permits in Des Moines, IA (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Des Moines, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Des Moines requires a street use permit before closing any street for a block party, festival, or timed event, with residential applications due at least 30 days ahead.
Des Moines Block Party Street Closure Permit
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 102-1123
A standard or annual street use permit is required for the temporary closure of any portion of a street for any timed event, activity, block party, festival, or events of similar character and nature. Events conducted on city park property are exempt when approved by the park and recreation director or his or her designee. (O.13,738, 14,107, 14,329) Sec. 102-1123.01. - Permits not transfe...
Park Event Permits
Picnics, public meetings, and organized group or athletic use of any Des Moines city park require a permit from the parks and recreation director before the gathering happens.
Des Moines Park Event Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 74-91
Public meetings—religious, political or otherwise—including picnic parties and entertainment for charitable or religious purposes, may be held in any city park upon first obtaining permission from the parks and recreation director or his or her designee. Such assemblages shall be conducted in a lawful and orderly manner, shall be under the supervision of the parks and recreation department supe...
Parade Permits
Any parade in Des Moines needing a street closure or police traffic rerouting requires a permit from the chief of police, with applications filed 4 to 60 days ahead depending on whether the parade is one-time or recurring.
Des Moines Parade Permit Requirement
Significant RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code §§ 102-1171, 102-1173(b)
No person shall engage in or conduct any parade unless a parade permit is issued by the chief of police. ... An application for a permit shall be filed at least four days and not more than one year before the parade is proposed to commence.
Street Fair Rules
Des Moines requires a street use permit before closing any street for a festival, block party, or street fair: commercial-district events need 90 days' notice and a vendor petition.
Des Moines Street Fair and Festival Permit
Significant RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 102-1123
A standard or annual street use permit is required for the temporary closure of any portion of a street for any timed event, activity, block party, festival, or events of similar character and nature. Events conducted on city park property are exempt when approved by the park and recreation director or his or her designee.
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Restaurants that want to serve food or drinks on the public sidewalk need a sidewalk cafe permit or lease from the city, capped at three years, before setting up a single table.
Des Moines Sidewalk Cafe Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsDes Moines Municipal Code § 102-576(a)
Any person seeking to operate a sidewalk cafe upon the public sidewalk or other property owned by the city shall make application for a sidewalk cafe permit or a sidewalk cafe lease to the permit and development center upon a form to be provided by the city staff for that purpose. Each application for a sidewalk cafe permit or lease shall be accompanied by payment of an application fee in the a...
Looking for Polk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Des Moines city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Polk County →