Marietta, GA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Chapter 9-8 of the Marietta Code, 'Parades and Demonstrations,' defines a 'parade' in Section 9-8-010 as any parade, march, ceremony, demonstration, show, exhibition, pageant, road race/walk, procession, or any similar display on a street, sidewalk, park or other public place, a definition broad enough to cover a block party that closes or occupies a public street. Section 9-8-020 makes it unlawful to engage in, participate in, aid, form or start such an event without a permit from the office of the city manager, and Section 9-8-030 exempts only funeral processions, school activities and government agencies acting within their functions.

Section 9-8-040 sets the filing window by event type: a road race/walk needs 60 to 365 days' notice, a parade or march requiring road closures needs 30 to 365 days, and a demonstration, ceremony or other event that does not require road closures, the category a small block party fits, needs only three business days to 30 days' notice. Applications must list the organizer, route or location, expected attendance, start and end times, and a signed hold-harmless agreement, and organizers must supply their own cones and barricades.

No non-city event may use city streets on Memorial Day, July 2 to 6, September 11, December 22 to 27, weekdays outside holidays, or Sundays in the central business district, and no more than two parades a month may be held. The city manager can revoke a permit under Section 9-8-130 using the same standards used to issue it.