Owensboro, KY Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Sec. 23.5-5(1) defines special events to include any festival, carnival, parade, procession, walk, autocade, block party, fair, sport event, production, fundraiser, gala, celebration, ceremony, race, tournament or other event the public is invited to attend, whether it uses public right-of-way, public property, or city services, or is held on private property with a direct impact on traffic or the need for police, fire or other emergency services. Sec. 23.5-14 then bars holding, managing, conducting, organizing, sponsoring, promoting, advertising or starting any such event, expressly including a block party, without a permit obtained under the chapter.

The application process in Sec. 23.5-9 requires submission to the public events director no later than 90 days before the event, covering the date, location, route, hours, schedule, estimated attendance, and requested city support; an eight-member special events committee spanning police, parks and recreation, sanitation, streets, facilities maintenance, fire and engineering, Sec. 23.5-7, evaluates the application and recommends approval or denial to the city manager. Organizers must carry general liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured, with a certificate due at least 30 working days before the event, Sec.

23.5-11, and indemnify the city, Sec. 23.5-12. A denied applicant can appeal in writing to the board of commissioners within 5 days, heard within 20 days or before the event date if sooner, Sec. 23.5-13. Funeral processions and constitutionally protected First Amendment assemblies are exempt, Sec. 23.5-6.