Special Events & Permits in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Fort Worth, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Fort Worth Outdoor Events Ordinance No. 1925-08-2010 requires neighborhood events to obtain a permit from the Office of Outdoor Events. At least 50% plus one of affected street residents must sign a petition. Petition filed 15-60 days before event. Events with 500+ attendance are treated as Special Events with additional fees. Barricades must be staffed by adults 18+.
Fort Worth Block Party & Neighborhood Event Permits
Some RestrictionsFort Worth Outdoor Events Ordinance No. 1925-08-2010 - Neighborhood Block Party Regulations
REGULATIONS: 1. Neighborhood events and parades may be held any day of the week but streets must be clear and open to traffic no later than 11 p.m. 2. Permits are required to be present during the entire duration of the event or parade. 3. A neighborhood event may occupy no more than 1,300 linear feet or two blocks. 4. The portion of the public right of way to be used by the neighborhood event ...
Park Event Permits
Fort Worth Parks & Recreation requires permits for events in city parks. Sec. 20-405 requires permits for outdoor gatherings on public property with 500+ attendees, street closures, food/beverage sales, or use of tents, stages, fireworks, or portable toilets. Applications required 60-210 days in advance depending on size and location.
Fort Worth Park Event Permits
Some RestrictionsFort Worth Outdoor Events Permit Guidelines - Application & Documentation Requirements
GUIDELINES: 1. The event organizer must complete an Outdoor Events Application and submit to the Outdoor Events Manager: 210 days before the event (Events with an attendance of 2,500 or more in the Downtown Outdoor Events District); 120 days before the event (Events with 500 or more); 60 days before the event (parades, walks, runs, races, processions, etc.). 2. No later than 5 days after the Ou...
Parade Permits
Fort Worth requires a parade permit from the outdoor events manager before any group can march city streets; sidewalks need none. Applications follow the same 60-to-210-day tiered deadlines as special events, and the city can deny a permit if the parade would endanger public safety or overwhelm police and fire resources.
Fort Worth Parade Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsFort Worth City Code § 20-415
(a) Permit required. (1) It shall be unlawful for any number of persons, delegations or associations of persons, or for any company, circus or group to conduct a parade along or upon the streets of the city without first obtaining a permit. No permit shall be required for the use of the sidewalks of the city for any procession or parade. (2) It shall be unlawful for any number of persons, deleg...
Street Fair Rules
Fort Worth requires a special event permit from the outdoor events manager before anyone can hold a street fair, festival or similar outdoor event in the city. Applications must be filed 60 to 210 days ahead depending on location and expected attendance, pay a nonrefundable fee, and include a site plan, noise mitigation plan and insurance.
Fort Worth Street Fair and Festival Permits
Some RestrictionsFort Worth City Code § 20-414
(a) Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person to hold, sponsor or cause to be held a special event without first having obtained a special event or parade permit from the outdoor events manager. (b) Mandatory requirements for the issuance of a special event permit. Compliance with the following shall be required before the outdoor events manager may issue a permit: (1) Submission of ...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Fort Worth requires a sidewalk café permit from the director of planning and development before any restaurant can serve food or drinks on the adjoining public sidewalk. Cafés must preserve at least 8 feet of clear pedestrian walkway, carry $500,000 in liability insurance, and operate only during the attached restaurant's normal hours.
Fort Worth Sidewalk Café Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsFort Worth City Code § 20-354
(a) Generally. It shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, vend, operate, maintain or serve any item from a sidewalk café without a valid permit. (4) Sidewalk cafés shall be permitted only when such are abutting and contiguous to a restaurant in which food preparation, sanitation and related services for the sidewalk café shall be performed. (6) As an express condition of the acceptance of a ...
Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Tarrant County →