Lake Elsinore, CA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Under LEMC § 5.88.020, no person may operate, maintain, conduct, advertise, or sell or furnish tickets for an outdoor festival, defined by § 5.88.010 as any music, dance or 'rock' festival open to the paying or free public, without first obtaining a City license. The application under § 5.88.030 goes to the Community Development Director at least 60 days before the event, with a nonrefundable $500.00 fee, and must disclose the applicant's identity, the festival's character, site ownership or consent, dates and hours, expected attendance, and anyone with a financial interest over $500.00; the applicant must also be fingerprinted by the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Department.

The City Clerk then sets a public hearing before the City Council within 15 to 30 days, with the Chief of Police, County Health Officer, City Manager, Planning Director and Director of Building and Safety reporting recommendations before the Council grants, denies or conditions the license under § 5.88.060. Conditions imposed under §§ 5.88.090 through 5.88.230 can require one law enforcement officer for every 500 attendees paid for by the licensee, 15 gallons of potable water per person per day, one flush toilet per 40 attendees of each sex, indemnity or cleanup bonds set by the Council, and fire protection approved by the responsible fire agency.

Section 5.88.160 forces every licensed festival to close between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Licenses are not transferable and must stay posted on site under § 5.88.070; the Council can revoke one under § 5.88.260 for nonpayment of fees, violating imposed conditions, disorderly conduct, or a licensee conviction listed in § 5.88.240.