Evansville, IN Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- License fee
- $25.00
- Who may apply
- Not-for-profit organization only
- Issuing office
- City Controller
- Appeal/revocation body
- Board of Public Safety
Summary
A not-for-profit organization must obtain a City festival license before letting vendors sell goods or run rides or games at a street fair in Evansville, Indiana.
“Festival” means any activity consisting of a not-for-profit organization deriving revenue by providing space within a designated area to a person or entity which is not tax-exempt for the purpose of allowing that person or entity to:
(1) Sell, barter, trade, exchange, or offer for sale or trade any goods, crafts, wares, articles, food products, or other items of personal property.
(2) Charge a fee for the use of any ride or amusement device.
(3) Charge a fee to participate in any game of skill or chance.
“Not-for-profit organization” means any entity which qualifies for tax-exempt status under the provisions of Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. [Ord. G-82-27, passed 5-3-82. 1962 Code, Ch. 766, § 1; 1982 Code § 110.25; 1983 Code § 11.110.25.]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Evansville Municipal Code Chapter 5.10, only a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization can hold a festival license, and only that license lets it rent space to vendors who sell goods, run amusement rides, or charge for games of skill or chance. The City Controller issues the license for a $25.00 fee and sets the term; the Board of Public Safety can refuse or revoke it after a hearing. Licensed festival participants are exempt from the City's separate peddler and Chapter 5.05 licensing chapters, but the licensee may not block or obstruct any public street, right-of-way, or sidewalk without approval from the City department controlling that property.
Violations & Fines
Vending or running a ride/game at an unlicensed festival, or obstructing a public way without City approval, is enforced under the general penalty in EMC 1.05.180; the Board of Public Safety may also refuse or revoke the license after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a for-profit business get an Evansville festival license?
Do festival vendors need their own peddler's license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
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