Special Events & Permits in Olympia, WA (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Olympia, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, the chief of police can close a street to vehicle travel or restrict parking for a public event, but only on a request from the event's sponsor and only after the affected streets are posted with signs. Violating the posted closure is an infraction, and the vehicle can be impounded.
Olympia Block Party and Public Event Street Closures
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 10.64.010, 10.64.020
For purposes of this chapter, a "public event" shall include any festival, celebration, fair, rally, sporting event or similar occurrence which is open to the public and is conducted, at least in part, on city streets or other city-owned property. ... A. The chief of police or acting chief of police, may close to vehicle travel and/or restrict parking on any street or portion thereof within the...
Park Event Permits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, parks and recreational facilities are open to any group on a first come, first serve basis. A group or assembly calculated to attract a large number of people, relative to the size and capacity of the space, must apply to the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department ten days before the event.
Olympia WA Park Group Reservation Rules
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 12.60.090
City parks and recreational facilities shall be available for any group or assembly on a first come, first serve basis. Groups or assemblies calculated to attract a large number of people, relative to the size and capacity of the park or facility must, prior to the event, reserve the space by filling out an application from the Parks, Arts and Recreation Department ten (10) days prior to the ev...
Parade Permits
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a parade or other festival event on city property or city right-of-way needs a Festival Event permit, and the application must be submitted at least ninety (90) days before the event. Events exclusively involving political or religious activity are outside the definition.
Olympia, WA Festival Event and Parade Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code §§ 12.72.020(B), 12.72.030
B. "Festival event" means an event held in a fixed location on city property or city right-of-way, which the general public may attend, and any activity in a non-fixed location associated with the event such as a parade, walk-a-thon, run-a-thon. Festival Events include arts and craft shows, carnivals, circuses, dances, entertainment activities, exhibitions, fairs, flea markets, rallies, shows, ...
Street Fair Rules
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a festival event on city property or city right-of-way needs a Festival Event permit, applied for at least ninety days ahead. Street use costs $50 per lineal street block per day, and the sponsor can collect vendor fees but cannot charge admission.
Olympia WA Festival Event and Street Fair Permits
Significant RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 12.72.060
A. The city may include in a Festival Event permit, among other provisions, reasonable terms or conditions as to the: 1) time, place and manner of the event; 2) compliance with health and sanitary regulations; 3) provision of emergency services, security, and other services deemed necessary by the city for health, safety, and welfare purposes; and 4) payment of or reimbursement for city cost...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a business needs a permit from the Director of Community Planning and Development before putting chairs, tables or planters on a public street, sidewalk or alley next to the business. Olympia Municipal Code § 12.24.100(B) also bars furniture inside a Pedestrian Walking Lane unless a six foot walking lane, clear of vertical obstruction, remains between the furniture and the curb.
Olympia, WA Sidewalk Cafe Permit for Chairs, Tables and Planters
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 12.24.100(B)
B. Chairs, Tables and Planters. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect or maintain upon any public street, sidewalk or alley of the city any chairs or other objects for sitting, tables, or planters incident to the operation of a business adjacent to said street, sidewalk or alley, without first obtaining a permit from the city. Such permit shall be issued by the Director of...
Looking for Thurston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Olympia city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Thurston County →