Alexandria, VA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

City Code Chapter 6-4, adopted by Ord. No. 5184 in December 2018, makes it unlawful for any person, company, club, or group to parade, march, or hold a special event on city streets without first getting a permit under Sec. 6-4-1. The application goes to the city manager's office and is processed according to the Special Events Policies and Procedures in effect at the time of filing, per Sec. 6-4-2. Sec. 6-4-3 ties the permit fee to whatever fee structure is current in those policies when the permit is approved, rather than a flat dollar figure in the code itself, so vendors and organizers should confirm the current fee schedule with the city manager's office before applying.

Once issued, the police department and other city departments are empowered under Sec. 6-4-4 to take any lawful action needed to keep the parade or event orderly, protect traffic flow, and prevent disorder, including assigning special officers. Sec. 6-4-5 requires every parade or event to break ranks and let any approaching emergency vehicle through. Sec. 6-4-6 requires compliance with all federal, state, and city law plus every condition attached to the permit. Sec. 6-4-7 bars holding an event where participants litter the streets, sidewalks, or public property unless the organizer guarantees the mess is cleaned up immediately once the event ends.