Special Events & Permits in Kentucky (2026)
13 rules on the books across Kentucky, 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.
Campbell County
Some RestrictionsAnyone reserving a section of A.J. Jolly Park or Pendery Sports Park for a group event, tournament or gathering in…
Read full rule →Kenton County
Some RestrictionsReserving a Kenton County shelter house, athletic field or court for exclusive use requires a permit under County Code…
Read full rule →Lexington
Some RestrictionsAny group wanting exclusive or organized use of a Lexington-Fayette park, whether a picnic reservation, amplified event…
Read full rule →Louisville
Some RestrictionsAny event, use, or activity in a Louisville Metro park requires a permit from the Director of Parks before you promote…
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.
Lexington
Significant RestrictionsAny parade or procession on a Lexington-Fayette public street needs a special license from the police chief before it…
Read full rule →Louisville
Some RestrictionsParades and public assemblies of 25 or more in Jefferson County need a Metro permit filed at least 5 business days…
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.
Lexington
Significant RestrictionsSelling food or goods inside a mayor-designated festival area in Lexington requires a permit from the festival or…
Read full rule →Louisville
Some RestrictionsLouisville Metro treats street fairs and festivals as "Community Fairs" under Chapter 100: organizers and vendors must…
Read full rule →Parklets
Curbside parklets converting parking spaces into outdoor dining or public seating, including LADOT People St guidelines, ADA, and seasonal-removal rules.
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.
Campbell County
Significant RestrictionsRestaurants in Campbell County's unincorporated NC Neighborhood Commercial and Rural Commercial zones may add up to ten…
Read full rule →Lexington
Significant RestrictionsGetting a Lexington outdoor cafe permit means filing detailed paperwork with the division of building inspection under…
Read full rule →Louisville
Significant RestrictionsLouisville Metro treats sidewalk café tables, chairs and other outdoor restaurant furniture as street furniture: Public…
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