Special Events & Permits in Delaware (2026)
11 rules on the books across Delaware, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Block Party Permits
How to get a permit to close your street for a block party, including application timelines, neighbor consent requirements, and insurance needs.
Park Event Permits
Permits required for organized events in public parks, including group size thresholds, amplified sound rules, and reservation procedures.
Kent County
Some RestrictionsKent County requires a permit from the Parks Division to reserve a recreation building, pavilion or grounds for…
Read full rule →New Castle County
Some RestrictionsNew Castle County requires a paid reservation permit for group picnic shelters and a free first-come permit for…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Some RestrictionsWilmington charges a $100 park usage and clean-up fee for any group permit to use city parks and facilities, and…
Read full rule →Parade Permits
How parades and processions are permitted, including route approval, traffic-control requirements, insurance, and First Amendment carve-outs for political marches.
Kent County
Significant RestrictionsKent County does not run a standalone parade-permit office; instead, parades and public gatherings are exempted from…
Read full rule →New Castle County
Some RestrictionsConcerts, carnivals, circuses, outdoor religious meetings and other temporary public gatherings on private or…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Some RestrictionsWilmington requires a parade permit for any parade, march or procession on city streets, filed at least five days ahead…
Read full rule →Street Fair Rules
Permits and operating standards for street fairs and farmers markets, including vendor sourcing, alcohol handling, and street closure procedures.
Sussex County
Some RestrictionsSussex County caps outdoor fairs, festivals and similar special events at three per property per calendar year under…
Read full rule →Wilmington
Some RestrictionsVendors selling food or merchandise at Wilmington street fairs and festivals must get a special events permit from…
Read full rule →Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Permits for tables and seating in the public right-of-way, café and al-fresco programs, clearance widths, barriers, and the operating conditions attached to a sidewalk-dining permit.
Wilmington
Significant RestrictionsWilmington requires a permit before installing an outdoor dining area on a public sidewalk; on Market Street, cafes…
Read full rule →New Castle County
Some RestrictionsRestaurants that already hold a temporary outdoor seating limited use permit under Sec. 40.03.329 can make that seating…
Read full rule →