Special Events & Permits in Harris County, TX (2026)

Tex. Health & Safety Code §§ 751.002, 751.003

Sec. 751.003. PERMIT REQUIREMENT. A person may not promote a mass gathering without a permit issued under this chapter. ... "Mass gathering" means a gathering: (A) that is held outside the limits of a municipality; (B) that attracts or is expected to attract: (i) more than 2,500 persons; or (ii) more than 500 persons, if 51 percent or more of those persons may reasonably be expected to be young...

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 32, Subchapter 32A, Sec 22 (Order of 8-11-2015, § 32.22)

No person shall solicit for, hold, or sponsor a special event in a park or park facility without the prior written permission of the Superintendent, who shall require the provision of liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 for injury or death to one person, $300,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $100,000 for injury or damages to property in any one accident or occurren...

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 38 (Fire Code), Sec 105.5.65

An operational permit is required for any organized, temporary event with an estimated number of participants and spectators of 100 or more people set up outdoors in a parking lot, side of the road, open land, or any outdoor premises not normally or intended to be used for an assembly... Events that require operational permits shall include but not be limited to: Fairs and carnivals; Trade show...