Oak Park, IL Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Village Code Section 30-1-1 defines a "special event" to include gatherings on public property for markets, ceremonies, celebrations, shows, festivals, exhibitions, pageants, circuses, sidewalk sales and similar activity, so a street fair or festival vendor event needs a permit issued by the Special Events Committee under Section 30-1-2 before it can operate on Village streets, sidewalks, parkways or parking lots. The sponsor must file with the Village at least 90 days ahead if alcohol will be served or more than 500 people are expected, or at least 60 days ahead otherwise; the Village may accept a late filing for an added $150.00 fee. The application must list, among other items, the number of vendors, merchants, exhibitors and units expected to participate and the facilities expected to accommodate them, plus a site diagram, insurance evidence and the hours of operation.

The Special Events Committee routes the application to Police, Fire, Public Works, Development Customer Services and Public Health, which report back within 14 days, and the Committee issues its decision within 21 days of a completed filing. Before the permit is issued the sponsor must provide public liability insurance naming the Village as an additional insured, with at least $1,000,000.00 in bodily injury and $1,000,000.00 in property damage coverage. The nonrefundable application fee is $100.00 per event, and the sponsor must deposit 50 percent of the Village's estimated service costs at least seven days before the event, with a final bill and true-up due within 30 days after it ends.