Auburn, AL Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Article X of the Auburn code, § 12-247, tells vendors and merchants when and how they may sell wares on a public sidewalk inside the entertainment district defined at § 3-58. Sales are allowed only during specific windows: promotions run by an organization such as the chamber of commerce or a downtown merchants' association and approved by the city council; Auburn University home football and graduation weekends from Thursday through Sunday; council-approved community events with street closures, such as downtown trick-or-treat, the Christmas parade, or the summer night art walk; the days surrounding official city holidays; and state sales-tax-free holidays.

Outside the entertainment district, or outside these windows, sidewalk sales are not permitted. During a permitted sale, display of merchandise is limited to the sidewalk directly in front of the participating merchant's own storefront, and outside vendors, those without a physical business in the district, may only take part if the event's sponsoring organization invites them. Displays can occupy up to half the sidewalk width, but a minimum of five feet must stay clear for pedestrian and accessibility traffic, and nothing may sit within two feet of a stairway or ramp.

Tables or displays taller than 27 inches cannot protrude more than four inches into the walking path, and no display may occupy on-street parking spaces except during a council-approved street closure. Participating merchants and organizations must agree to indemnify the city against any liability from the sale. Charitable and nonprofit sales, and registered ticket scalpers under § 16-52, are exempt from this section.