Special Events & Permits in Memphis, TN (2026)
4 verified special events & permits rules for Memphis, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Memphis residents who want to close a residential street or alley for a block party must get a Temporary Road/Alley Closure Permit from the Division of Engineering, costing $50 flat plus $50 per day the road stays closed. Applications need at least ten calendar days' advance notice, and closing a street without the permit is a Class C misdemeanor.
Memphis Block Party & Street Closure Permit
Some RestrictionsMemphis Code of Ordinances § 2-22-7(A)(7)(e), (C)(1), (C)(3)
e.Temporary Road/Alley Closure Permit Fee .....$50.00 (plus $50.00 per day the Road/Alley is closed) ... C.Engineering permit fees:1.The division of engineering shall establish all rules, regulations, and permit requirements associated with the above referenced engineering permit fees. Applicants will be required to give the division of engineering at least ten calendar days of advance notice o...
Park Event Permits
Memphis parks, playgrounds, and other open spaces are reserved for recreational use; anyone wanting to hold a nonrecreational gathering, a rally, meeting, or similar event, needs permission from the city park commission under Code Sec. 12-68-4, which regulates the time, place, and manner of that use.
Memphis Park Gathering Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsMemphis Code of Ordinances §§ 12-68-4, 12-68-5
Sec. 12-68-4: "All open spaces, including but not limited to, parks, playgrounds, picnic areas and areas set aside for recreational purposes, shall be used for those purposes and shall not be used for nonrecreational gatherings or purposes, except upon permission granted by the city park commission, which shall regulate the time, place and manner of the nonrecreational usage." Sec. 12-68-5(B): ...
Parade Permits
Memphis requires a permit from the city permit office, issued after consultation with the police director, before anyone may hold a parade, race, or public assembly, per Code Sec. 12-52-2. Special event applications are due 90 to 180 days out; public assembly applications need only 14 business days' notice under Sec. 12-52-4.
Memphis Parade & Public Assembly Permits
Significant RestrictionsMemphis Code of Ordinances § 12-52-4
A.A person seeking a permit shall file an application with the permit office on forms provided by such officer and the application shall be signed by the applicant under oath.B.The application deadline for permits are as follows:1.An application for a "special event permit" shall be filed with the permit office at least 90 calendar days and not more than 180 days before the parade or race is pr...
Street Fair Rules
Anyone connected with a street fair or carnival in Memphis needs a permit from the director of police services before giving any exhibition inside the city. City Code § 6-4-3 makes operating one without that permit unlawful.
Memphis Street Fair & Carnival Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsMemphis Code of Ordinances § 6-4-3
It is unlawful for any person connected with any street fair or carnival to give any exhibition within the corporate limits of the city at any time without a permit issued by the director of police services. (Code 1967, § 31-3; Code 1985, § 29-3; Ord. No. 2726, § 1, 7-5-1978)
Looking for Shelby County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Memphis city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Shelby County →