Wilmington, DE Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed
- Yes, in advance
- 1-3 day event fee
- $10.00
- Up to 9-day event fee
- $25.00
- Max permits per vendor
- 12 periods per year
- Issuing office
- Licenses and Inspections
Summary
Vendors selling food or merchandise at Wilmington street fairs and festivals must get a special events permit from Licenses and Inspections before setting up.
There shall be authorized in the city, through the department of licenses and inspections, special events permits, which shall be obtained, in advance, by all vendors of nonedible commodities and by all vendors of edible commodities who wish to participate in, take part in or otherwise be engaged in business activities for any period of from one to three days, for up to 12 different periods of such time per year. ... Any event of from one to three consecutive days duration: $10.00. Any event of up to nine consecutive days: $25.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 5-107 requires any vendor of edible or nonedible commodities working a street fair, festival, or similar short-run event to get a special events permit in advance from the department of licenses and inspections. The permit is color-coded by month, dated, and must be displayed on the vendor's stand. A vendor can hold up to 12 separate one-to-three-day permits per year; go over 30 total days of activity in a calendar year and the city requires a full annual business license instead.
Violations & Fines
Vending at a street fair without displaying the required color-coded special events permit is a licensing violation enforceable by the department of licenses and inspections; unlicensed vendors can be ordered to stop selling on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do street fair vendors in Wilmington need a permit?
What does a Wilmington special events permit cost?
What if a vendor works more than 30 days a year?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
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