Special Events & Permits in Fort Smith, AR (2026)

Fort Smith City Code § 24-201(d)(4)

Block parties as defined herein, provided that a street closing permit must be obtained from the police department at least ten business days prior to the block party. If the chief of police, in his sole discretion, determines that the street closure poses a greater detriment than benefit, no street closing permit shall be issued.

Fort Smith City Code § 18-81(b), (e)

(b)Permit requirement for a public assembly or special event. No person or entity shall conduct or hold a public assembly or special event on city property without first obtaining a permit from the director of the parks and recreation department or his designee. ... (e)Deposits for public assembly or special event. Prior to issuance of a permit, a deposit in the amount of $500.00 shall be requi...

Fort Smith City Code § 24-201

Any person desiring to conduct or sponsor a parade, athletic event, or other special event in the city shall first obtain a special event permit. A special event permit is not required for the following:(1)Funeral processions.(2)Parades involving a total of 40 or fewer pedestrians marching along a parade route which is restricted to marching on sidewalks, and crossing streets only at pedestrian...

Fort Smith City Code § 24-201(c), (e)(1)

Special event means a street fair, art and craft show, carnival, block party, or other neighborhood activity, picnic, dance, rally, promotional or fund raising activity, community celebration and observance, or other organized activity which is conducted on any city street, sidewalk, alley, public right-of-way, or other property owned or controlled by the city... Applications shall be submitted...

Fort Smith City Code § 27-201 (definitions); § 27-400, Appendix A (Land Use Matrix)

Restaurant (with outdoor dining within 300 feet of property zoned or developed for residential purposes) means an establishment serving food to the general public having a designated dining area as well as a porch, deck or other area of land used for seated dining only which is not within the interior building walls of a restaurant or eatery that may include music and does not exceed 50 percent...