Special Events & Permits in Tempe, AZ (2026)
6 verified special events & permits rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
A Tempe block party, festival or other outdoor public gathering that uses City-owned streets or right-of-way needs a special event permit under City Code Section 5-2, filed at least 60 days ahead with a non-refundable fee; holding the event without one is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Tempe Special Event Street Closure Permit
Significant RestrictionsTempe City Code § 5-2
(a)In addition to any other permits, licenses, taxes or requirements imposed by this Code, the following temporary special events or activities shall be required to obtain a permit before carrying on such activity within the City:(1)Any outdoor public gathering or celebration involving the use of City-owned properties that involve but are not limited to any of the following:a.Entertainment, amu...
Park Event Permits
Reserving any part of a Tempe city park or bringing beer into one requires a Park and Building Use Permit from the Community Services Department under Section 23-56. Permits carry fees, deposits and capacity limits, and Section 23-57 lets the City revoke a permit for any code or rule violation.
Tempe Park Facility Use Permit
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 23-56
(a)A permit shall be obtained for use of locations as designated by the Community Services Director whenever any person or group desires to consume beer (as defined in state law) in any City park or whenever any person or group desires to reserve any portion of the park, for any activity.
Parade Permits
Tempe requires a Police Chief-issued permit before anyone can hold a parade or motorcade on a public street, sidewalk, or alley, and bars issuing one for a purely commercial, for-profit advertising event. City Code Section 19-43 sets a 30-day advance application deadline and lets the Chief deny or revoke a permit over traffic disruption or public safety.
Tempe Parade and Motorcade Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsTempe City Code § 19-43
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct a parade or motorcade in or upon any public street, sidewalk or alley in the City or knowingly participate in any such parade or motorcade unless and until a permit to conduct such a parade or motorcade has been issued by the Police Chief or, as hereinafter provided, from the Deputy City Manager/Chief Operating Officer. ... (d)Any person who wan...
Street Fair Rules
Any festival, carnival, parade or fair on City-owned property in Tempe needs a temporary special event permit under City Code Sec. 5-2 before it can operate, with the promoter applying at least 60 days ahead and paying a non-refundable application fee.
Tempe Street Fair and Festival Permit
Significant RestrictionsTempe City Code Sec. 5-2
Any outdoor public gathering or celebration involving the use of City-owned properties that involve but are not limited to any of the following: a. Entertainment, amusements, festivals, carnivals, parades, walks, runs or bicycle rides; ... The promoter or sponsoring organization, or their authorized agent, shall apply to the City Manager or his or her designee at least sixty (60) days in advanc...
Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way
Tempe waives its separate commercial film permit when a shoot's activity already requires a special events permit under City Code Section 5-2 or a facility reservation, so producers combining filming with a staged event do not have to obtain two City permits for the same activity.
Tempe Film Permits and Special Event Overlap
Light RestrictionsTempe City Code § 16A-181(b)(3)
(a)A film permit shall be required for the use of any City-owned buildings or parks, or public streets, roads, alleys, or rights-of-way located within the City when filming (which includes photo, motion picture, video recording or spoken statements) for a commercial purpose... (b)A film permit is not required if any of the following apply:...(3)The film permit applicant's activity also requires...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Restaurants and bars in Tempe can't just set tables on the sidewalk: outdoor seating first needs a minor Development Plan Review, and any seating placed in the public right-of-way needs a separate encroachment permit and right-of-way permit from the City Engineer. Section 3-425 sets the process and physical standards.
Tempe Sidewalk Cafe Encroachment Permit
Some RestrictionsTempe Zoning and Development Code § 3-425(B)(1), (C)(3)
B.Procedure. All outdoor seating shall first require review through a minor Development Plan Review application, pursuant to Section 6-306. Furniture, materials, and other related exterior modifications are included in the review process.1.Use of outdoor seating within the public right of way shall require an encroachment permit and a right of way permit for construction performed, authorized b...
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Maricopa County →