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Atlanta, GA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permitting agency
Office of Special Events / chief of staff
Application deadline
90 days before the festival
Vending
Included in the festival permit
Class A commercial permit fee
$15,000
Unpermitted festival
Misdemeanor plus cost billback

Summary

Atlanta folds vending rights into its outdoor festival permit: a Class A commercial festival permit runs up to $15,000, and hosts don't need a separate vending permit for the festival's vendors.

Outdoor festival permits include the right to vend, and the applicant need not obtain a separate vending permit. This right to vend does not preclude authorized vendors from vending at their authorized locations during the outdoor festival.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Atlanta requires any outdoor festival, a public gathering over three hours expected to draw more than 250 people on city property or 500 on private property, to obtain an outdoor festival permit from the Office of Special Events (chief of staff) filed at least 90 days before the event. That single permit folds in vending rights: under Code § 142-52(d), the host does not need a separate vending permit for merchandise, food, or drink sold in the festival. Permit fees scale by anticipated attendance class, from $100 for a small non-commercial Class E festival up to $15,000 for a commercial Class A festival expected to draw 50,000-plus people.

Violations & Fines

Hosting an outdoor festival without a permit is a misdemeanor under § 142-6(b). The city can also retroactively bill the host for the application fee, the permit fee, and the security, fire, and cleanup costs it would have charged had the event been properly permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Atlanta festival vendors need a separate vending permit?
No. Atlanta Code § 142-52(d) says the outdoor festival permit already includes the right to vend, so the host and its authorized vendors don't need a separate vending permit for the event.
How far ahead must an Atlanta festival organizer apply?
At least 90 days before the festival start date, per § 142-52(c)(2), filed with the Office of Special Events along with a site plan, internal security plan, and the application fee.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Atlanta

Sidewalk Dining & CafésSome RestrictionsParade PermitsSignificant RestrictionsPark Event PermitsSome RestrictionsBlock Party PermitsSome RestrictionsCommercial Filming on Public Right-of-WayLight RestrictionsParkletsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Atlanta rules

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Street Fair Rules in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Fulton County handle street fair rules.

Sandy Springs, GA
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Roswell, GA
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