Collierville, TN Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

A festival, fair or carnival in the Town of Collierville that is held on private property and needs no non-basic Town services is a Class II Special Event under § 151.026(D)(7)(b). The code's examples include outdoor musicals, concerts, festivals, fairs, carnivals, outdoor races and other forms of competition, air shows, equipment shows, promotional events, religious services, classes, meetings and parties, unless the section exempts them.

Attendance decides whether a conditional use permit under § 151.310 is needed. A CUP is required for any Class II event expected to have over 250 people at any one time on private property, and the Town can determine the final attendance estimate. A CUP is also required for a series of related events at one location on consecutive days, weekends or dates that is expected to draw a cumulative total of over 500 people during a calendar year. Applications go to the Development Department no later than 60 days before the event.

Seven exemptions apply regardless of attendance: events inside a permanent facility approved for that use, such as church sanctuaries, country clubs, gymnasiums, assembly or performance halls and conference centers; funeral processions; company picnics for a nonprofit organization or business; private outdoor events on the grounds of schools or churches that do not block driveways or required parking; neighborhood-wide garage sales or social gatherings run by a residential property owner's association for its members; events at an outdoor place of public assembly such as a stadium, pool, athletic field or amphitheater that is shown on a Town-approved site plan; and events wholly on state or Shelby County property with no off-site impacts.

Vendor setups are reached through the permit list. Other Town permits, inspections or approvals can be required for built booths or stands, tents or canopies, electrical hook ups, amusement rides, charitable solicitations, signage visible off site, outdoor display or storage of goods, and alcohol sales. If non-basic Town services such as police security after event hours or garbage removal are needed, the event is reclassified as Class I and referred to the Special Events Committee. Separately, § 151.026(D)(8) limits Town square produce vendor permits to a maximum of six valid at any one time on the south side (North Rowlett) of the square.