Ann Arbor, MI Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Default status
- Public nuisance, prohibited
- Permit path
- Special Council resolution required
- Vendor access
- Needs Council-set special permit
- Scope
- Citywide, no by-right street fairs
Summary
Ann Arbor classifies street fairs and carnivals as public nuisances by default, barring them citywide unless City Council specially permits the event by resolution under Chapter 88.
Unless specially permitted by resolution of the Council and conducted in strict accordance with such regulations, rules, and directions which may be made by the Council in such resolution... the following listed amusements are hereby declared to constitute public nuisances and are prohibited, and no person shall conduct, attend or sell or purchase tickets therefor within the city. Such amusements are: (1) Carnivals and tent shows; (2) Street fairs or street shows, including medicine shows;...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 88 of Ann Arbor's code lists street fairs and street shows, along with carnivals, tent shows, and similar amusements, as prohibited public nuisances unless City Council specially permits the event by resolution and it runs under whatever rules the Council sets. No one may conduct, attend, or buy or sell tickets to an unpermitted street fair. A related rule in Chapter 79 lets peddlers and solicitors work inside a Council-closed street fair area only if they hold the special permit issued under Council-established standards for that event, on top of any base peddler license.
Violations & Fines
Conducting, participating in, attending, or buying or selling tickets to an unpermitted street fair violates section 7:334; no specific fine is set in this chapter of the code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a street fair happen in Ann Arbor without city approval?
Can vendors sell inside a permitted Ann Arbor street fair?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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