Winston-Salem, NC Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Filing deadline
- 45+ days before the event
- Permit fee
- $100 (one event) to $300 (5+ series)
- Allowed hours
- 8am-9pm, midnight downtown
- Duration cap
- Max 7 days per event run
- Issuing office
- Office of Economic Development
Summary
Winston-Salem requires a special event permit for any event that closes a city street, including a block party, filed with the office of economic development at least 45 days ahead with fees from $100 to $300.
Application for a permit for a special event shall be filed with the office of economic development on forms provided by the city and shall be accompanied by payment of a permit application fee in the amount set forth below... Special event permit (one event) .....$100.00... An application for a special event permit shall be filed with the office of economic development not less than 45 days before the time when it is proposed to conduct the special event.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
Any event that closes one or more city streets, including a residential block party, needs a special event permit under § 74-284. Applications go to the office of economic development at least 45 days before the event, with a $100 fee for a single event, $200 for a two-to-four-event series, or $300 for five or more events in a 12-month period. Events must run between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (until midnight in the central business district), last no more than seven straight days, and require an affidavit showing every resident and business in the event area was contacted. Permits can be denied, withdrawn or revoked, with an appeal to the city manager within 48 hours.
Violations & Fines
Violating any part of § 74-284 is a class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00; the city can also deny, withhold, or revoke the permit and keep the application fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to close my street for a block party in Winston-Salem?
How much does a block party or street closure permit cost?
How long can a permitted street closure last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina special events & permits overview
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