Special Events & Permits in Kentucky (2026)
20 rules on the books across Kentucky, 9 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.
Owensboro
Significant RestrictionsOwensboro's Special Events Ordinance names block party directly in its definition of a covered special event, Sec…
Read full rule →Louisville
Some RestrictionsClosing a Jefferson County street for a block party requires a public assembly permit from Louisville Metro's Licensing…
Read full rule →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 →Owensboro
Some RestrictionsOwensboro Municipal Code Sec. 19-4 has the parks and recreation director, with the city manager's approval, set the…
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.
Bowling Green
Significant RestrictionsA parade in the City of Bowling Green, Kentucky is a special event, and it is unlawful to stage one without a permit…
Read full rule →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 →Owensboro
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of Owensboro, anyone organizing a parade, march, ceremony or procession on a street, park or public place…
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 →Franklin County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated Franklin County, Kentucky, the Fiscal Court defines a vendor fair as any event of seven or fewer days…
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 →Jessamine County
Significant RestrictionsUnder the Jessamine County, Kentucky, Fiscal Court's alcoholic beverage chapter, a licensed restaurant in the Downtown…
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…
Read full rule →Oldham County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated Oldham County, Kentucky, a licensed restaurant that also holds an alcohol license may apply to the…
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