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Fort Smith, AR Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Application deadline
45 days before the event
Minimum liability coverage
$500,000 per occurrence
Approval authority
Chief of police
Fee
Nonrefundable, board-set

Summary

Fort Smith treats a street fair as a regulated special event requiring a police-issued permit filed at least 45 days before the event, with insurance and fees.

Special event means a street fair, art and craft show, carnival, block party, or other neighborhood activity, picnic, dance, rally, promotional or fund raising activity, community celebration and observance, or other organized activity which is conducted on any city street, sidewalk, alley, public right-of-way, or other property owned or controlled by the city... Applications shall be submitted not less than 45 days before the event date.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Fort Smith City Code § 24-201 names a street fair directly in its definition of a "special event," alongside carnivals, art and craft shows, and other organized activities that obstruct normal street or sidewalk use. A street fair doesn't get the block party's streamlined process: organizers must file a verified special-event permit application with the chief of police at least 45 days before the event, pay a nonrefundable application fee set by the board of directors, and, before the permit issues, sign an indemnification agreement and carry public liability insurance with minimums of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury.

Violations & Fines

Running a street fair without an issued permit, or beyond its approved terms, is a misdemeanor under § 24-201(o), (p), and (r), punishable per § 1-9.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead must I apply for a Fort Smith street fair permit?
At least 45 days before the event date, per § 24-201(e)(1).
Does a street fair need insurance in Fort Smith?
Yes: minimum $250,000 per-person and $500,000 per-occurrence liability coverage naming the city as additional insured, § 24-201(k)(1).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

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All Fort Smith rules

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