Gaithersburg, MD Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 15-8.1 of the Gaithersburg City Code defines a special event as an outdoor event or happening organized, hosted or produced by any person, business, organization or corporation that will generate or invite public participation or spectators and have a significant impact on public streets, sidewalks, public lands, public facilities or adjacent private properties, or that requires city support. The definition lists examples including foot races, fundraisers, weddings, reunions, concerts, parties, parades, carnivals, cultural events, food fairs, shows, exhibitions, circuses, farmers markets, flea markets, auctions and fairs, so a parade is squarely covered.

Anyone hosting, promoting or conducting a covered special event within the city must first obtain a special events permit from the city manager or a designee, who may impose specific conditions on the permit as necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare. The application must disclose the estimated number of participants, any planned alcohol sales and the required Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control permits, food and beverage sales permits from the Montgomery County Department of Health, the live entertainment or amplified music plan, waste removal arrangements, the vehicle and pedestrian parking plan, use of live animals, shuttle or mass transportation use, a map of affected roadways and intersections, use of private security or traffic control officers, and emergency contact information for the person responsible.

Events on Board of Education or Montgomery County Public Schools property, at the county fairgrounds for the annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, on religious institution property, or held on a single residential property are exempt. The provision was adopted by Ordinance No. O-2-05 in May 2005 and amended by Ordinance No. O-13-10 in June 2010.