Special Events & Permits in Manchester, NH (2026)
6 verified special events & permits rules for Manchester, New Hampshire, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Manchester requires a special event license from the City Clerk for any block party, race, or gathering that closes a public street, park, or public place.
Manchester Special Event Street Closure License
Some RestrictionsManchester Code of Ordinances § 111.66(B)
No person shall conduct or allow to be conducted any entertainment, public dancing or hold a special event which is not part of the regular and recurrent business activity of the owner or operator of the room or space within the city unless a license shall first be obtained from the City Clerk. (C) (1) Notwithstanding any other licensing ordinance, a duly licensed establishment in the ci...
Park Event Permits
Manchester requires a special event license from the City Clerk before using or closing a public park for an event involving vending, entertainment, or public entry.
Manchester Special Event License for Parks
Significant RestrictionsManchester, NH Code of Ordinances §§ 111.65, 111.66
SPECIAL EVENT. A daily event which requires the closure of a public street or the usage or closure of another public place or park, and which involves public entry, vending of food, drink or merchandise, public entertainment, or a moving athletic event like a race or walk; or an outdoor event on private property which is open to the public and due to its size and activities has an impact on the...
Parade Permits
Parades, road races, motorcades and walk-a-thons in Manchester need Police Chief authorization plus Highway, Fire and City Clerk sign-off before stepping off.
Manchester Parade & Procession Permits
Significant RestrictionsManchester City Code § 70.17(C)
All other processions, including but not limited to, parades, road races, motorcades, and walk-a-thons must be authorized by the Chief of Police or his designee, must meet the requirements of this section, and must have a sign-off from the departments of Highway, Fire, and the City Clerk. The Chief of Police may place restrictions on the permit. The Chief of Police or his designee should inform...
Street Fair Rules
Anyone promoting a street fair with vendors in Manchester needs a City Clerk fair license before opening a single booth.
Manchester Street Fair License Rules
Significant RestrictionsManchester Code of Ordinances §§ 115.60, 115.61, 115.62, 115.63, 110.20(C)(5)
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to promote a fair in which any merchandise, article, or thing is displayed for sale by peddlers/vendors without first having secured a license therefor... Persons licensed to conduct a fair pursuant to § 115.60 of this title shall pay a business license fee of $300 for the first day and $50 for each additional day.
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
The City Clerk licenses downtown Manchester restaurants to encumber up to half the adjacent sidewalk for outdoor seating from April 1 through October 15, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., for a $50 fee.
Manchester Sidewalk Dining Permit
Some RestrictionsManchester City Code § 97.34(B)
The City Clerk, with the review and approval of the Director of Planning and Community Development and the Risk Manager may... license businesses located in the downtown area bounded by Queen City Avenue to Salmon Street and the easterly side of the Merrimack River to Chestnut Street to encumber no more than half of the sidewalk area immediately adjacent to the building... Each license shall be...
Outdoor Heater Rules
Manchester bans unvented space heaters, including portable propane and kerosene units, in any occupied structure or tent citywide. They're allowed only in unoccupied structures with a $2 Fire Department permit, and salamander-type heaters get a narrower exception tied to NFPA 31 standards.
Manchester Outdoor Heater Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsManchester, NH Code of Ordinances § 92.10(B)-(E)
UNVENTED SPACE HEATERS. Any heating appliance, either wick, wickless, or pot burner type, which uses oil, gas, or kerosene for fuel, is either stationary or portable, and the products of combustion of which are not directly conducted to the outside of the building via chimney connect or pipe. (C) Use. (1) No unvented space heater shall be installed or used in an occupied structure. (2) Unvented...