Murfreesboro, TN Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- City Manager or designee
- Application lead time
- 30–364 days ahead
- Vendor info required
- Names, licenses, contacts
- Food truck rallies
- No location exemptions apply
Summary
Street fairs and festivals in Murfreesboro count as special events under city code and need a City Manager-issued permit; food truck rallies get no location exceptions from that permit rule.
includes, but is not limited to, parades, fairs, carnivals, foot races, bicycle races, and block parties. Private gatherings which make no use of public property or streets other than for lawful parking are not included, unless the event constitutes a use of private property that is not usual or customary for that property and zoning district, and any of the following apply: (a) event duration of more than two consecutive days or two consecutive weekends, (b) overnight camping, (c) sale and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer, or (d) estimated daily attendance of more than 250 people.
(Ord. No. 77-25 § 1, 08-11-77; Ord. No. 93-O-07 § 2, 05-27-93; Ord. No. 13-O-14 § 3, 05-16-13)
Section 21-63 - Special event permit required. No person shall engage in, participate in, aid, form or start any special event, unless a permit has been granted by the City Manager or designee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Murfreesboro's special-event code defines a "special event" to include parades, fairs, carnivals, foot races, and block parties held on public property or right-of-way, and bars anyone from starting one without a City Manager-issued permit. Applications must run 30 to 364 days ahead of the event and list every food or beverage vendor's name, contact information, and licenses. Food truck rallies get no relief from this. Code § 13-25 specifically strips away the location-based exceptions in § 21-63, so a rally on private property still needs its own special event permit. Selling food or alcohol on City property also triggers a separate insurance requirement naming the City as additional insured.
Violations & Fines
Holding a fair, festival, or food truck rally without an approved special event permit is a misdemeanor under Code § 1-8, and Police can revoke an active permit on the spot for a safety emergency or standards violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a downtown Murfreesboro street fair need a city permit?
Can a food truck rally skip the special event permit if it's on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
Compare Murfreesboro to another location·View the Tennessee special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.