Tuscaloosa, AL Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Sec. 21-27 makes it unlawful to organize, hold, assist in organizing, or take part in a 'special event,' defined broadly to include any concert, demonstration, marathon, march, memorial, parade, race, or walk, or any other gathering of persons, animals, or vehicles on public property organized for amusement, charity, education, or entertainment, without a permit issued by the director (the arts and entertainment director or a designee). A street fair or festival vendor operating on city streets, sidewalks, or parks falls squarely within that definition. Applications go to the director during regular business hours, can be filed up to twelve months before the event, and must be filed at least seven days before it (or sixty days ahead if alcohol will be sold or served on public property); the director must grant or deny within five business days, or within twenty-four hours for a shortened, 'spontaneous event' application.

00, with additional damage, cleanup, or reservation/rental deposits set on a schedule the director posts annually and the mayor approves. The ordinance lists numerous grounds for denial, including an incomplete or fraudulent application, a scheduling conflict with another public use, a route that would divert too many police officers or ambulances from normal city coverage, or a request to close a major arterial road the event doesn't truly need. For-profit events or gatherings over 500 people must carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured, and events serving alcohol need the same limit in dram shop coverage. the next business day.