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Nashville, TN Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit fee
$230 plus admin fee
Trigger
>75 participants or a street closing
Filing window
45 days to 1 year ahead
Penalty
Up to $500 fine per day
Issuing office
Mayor's Office of Film & Special Events

Summary

Metro Nashville requires a special event permit before closing a street for a block party expected to draw more than 75 people, issued by the mayor's office of film and special events.

A permit is required for a special event when the special event involves the use of public property or impacts the public right-of-way.2.A permit is required for a metropolitan event.3.A permit is required for a special event when the special event is held on public property, except in the following instances:a.When the event is held at the Nashville Convention Center; orb.When the event is held at a facility owned by the sports authority of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County; orc.When the event is held at the Municipal Auditorium; ord.When the event is wholly contained within the property controlled by the metropolitan board of parks and recreation, unless it is determined by the director of parks and recreation, that the event will likely have a significant impact on vehicle or pedestrian traffic outside the park, in which case the director of parks shall require the event holder to obtain a special events permit in addition to any permits required by the department of parks and recreation. No person shall allow or conduct a special event as referenced above, without a permit from the mayor's office of film and special events. Any violations of this requirement shall be handled according to the enforcement provisions of Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 2.62.070.

Source: Nashville Film and Special Events Permits (Metro/NDOT)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).

Full Breakdown

Any temporary outdoor gathering on public property that draws more than 75 participants and closes a street counts as a 'special event' under Metro Code Chapter 2.62, and organizers must get a permit from the mayor's office of film and special events. Applications must be filed 45 days to one year ahead; late requests are handled case-by-case with a $50 fee. The permit costs $230 plus a $50-$100 administrative fee depending on location, and the director weighs traffic impact, wear on public facilities and the organizer's ability to run the event safely before approving, conditioning or denying it.

Violations & Fines

Holding an unpermitted special event or street closure is a separate offense per day, punishable by up to a $500 fine for each day the violation continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a small block party?
Only if it draws more than 75 people or closes a street; smaller gatherings without a street closure don't trigger the special event permit requirement under Metro Code Chapter 2.62.
How much does a Nashville block party permit cost?
The base fee is $230, plus a $50 or $100 administrative fee depending on whether the event falls within the right-of-way permit high-impact area.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nashville

All Nashville rules

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