Peoria, IL Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Sec. 21-5 sets the trigger: no group of 20 or more persons may use any park or public grounds of the city for an organized activity without a permit from the comptroller (the 20-person threshold does not apply to a filming permit). Sec. 21-6 lays out what the application must contain: the sponsoring group's name and contact information; the names, addresses and driver's license numbers of the group's officers and the person in charge; the type of event, date, time and location or route; a site schematic showing restrooms, first-aid facilities, emergency vehicle access, exhibitor parking and staging; expected attendance; the number of vendors and exhibitors; and whether alcohol, fireworks or carnival rides will be part of the event.

The application must be submitted at least ten working days before the scheduled event, and the city can reject an incomplete one outright. Under Sec. 21-8, the comptroller circulates the application to police, fire, public works, legal, finance, ESDA and other city departments for review, and can only grant it if the event meets city ordinances, all fees and insurance certificates are filed, the sponsor has no outstanding debt to the city, and no reviewing department has recommended denial. Sec. 21-9 puts sanitation, marshaling, fencing, and site cleanup costs on the sponsor, and Sec. 21-17 lets the city manager halt the event mid-stream if public safety is threatened.