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Special Event Application
Our Special Event Application is a streamlined approach to gather information about your event and to help you navigate the City’s requirements for hosting your event in the City of Fredericksburg. Our event team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the checklist for a successful, compliant event. A special event application fee of $25 is due at the time of each application. Submission of an application is not a guarantee of approval. The earlier you submit an application, the better, especially during busy seasons when other events are also being scheduled. Please feel free to follow up with our City Events Team at events@fredericksburgva.gov or 540-372-1086.
This Special Event Application is required for:
- Any organized event of 20 or more persons upon any city street or public sidewalk within the City will require a Special Event Application.
- Events that are open to the public, have an attendance of over 100 people and are held within a city parks will require a Special Event Application along with a Park Rental Form.
- Requesting any street closure within the City, regardless of event size, requires a Special Event Application.
Application Instructions:
We strongly encourage you to create an account. Once you login and start the application there will be a save progress button at the top of the page. Please save the document often. Upon completion of your application, click the Submit button which automatically emails your completed application to the Parks, Recreation & Events Department Events Staff. You should receive a confirmation screen upon completion and will be directed to the payment page for the application fee. Set up an account then go to "Activities" and "Special Event Application Fee."
By clicking the link for the application below, you acknowledge the submission option: Special Event Application »
Expression of Speech Event Permit
DEMONSTRATION - A public display of group feeling (as of approval, sympathy or antagonism) especially towards a person, cause or action of public interest. The term includes demonstrations, speechmaking, marching, holding vigils or religious services and all other like forms of conduct which involve the communication or expression of views or grievances, engaged in by one or more persons, the conduct of which has the effect, intent or propensity to draw onlookers.
EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY - One by which the person intends to convey a message through his conduct, and that message is likely to be perceived by an observer of the conduct. Expressive activity shall include any public gathering, demonstration, procession or march, the primary purpose of which is the exercise of the rights of assembly and free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
SPONTANEOUS EVENT - Any public gathering, demonstration, procession or parade which is responsive to events recently in the news, or which attempt to influence an event in the near future (such as a legislative action or an election) for which the effectiveness of expression is time-sensitive.
The City of Fredericksburg works to keep the city safe for peaceful demonstrators exercising their First Amendment right, while also protecting our citizens and property. We stand with all of our community who wish to be heard.
The City requests all who plan to lawfully assemble in the City of Fredericksburg to apply for an event permit as provided in City Code 66-48. If you seek to coordinate an event consisting of more than 20 persons upon any city street or public sidewalk within the City, please apply for a permit using the below link. Larger events that are open to the public, have an attendance of over 100 people and are held within a city parks will require an event permit and a park rental form.
Event applications for demonstrations, spontaneous events and expressive activities will have event fees calculated as per normal procedures. As examples, the standard rental fee for Hurkamp Park (without electrical service) is $50. Electrical service may be provided for a charge of $5 per hour. Old Mill Park rental fees range from $30 for a soccer field to $100 for a picnic shelter.
There is NO FEE for this event application and permit. Park rental and other event fees may apply. See the Special Event Fees (PDF) for a list of fees & deposits that MAY be required as a result of your event application.
This application is a streamlined approach to gather information about your event and help you navigate the City’s requirements to hold a lawful assembly – and to protect your safety. Such events require a 48 hour advance application. Expression of Speech Event Permit »
Film Permits
Film crews that are 20 people or more are asked to apply for a filming permit in the City by submitting a special event application. Crews that will be requesting street closures, setting up large equipment or disrupting daily activity in the City are also requested to apply for a filming permit. Please contact us at events@fredericksburgva.gov.
Residential Block Party Permits
Block parties are gatherings of residents of a specific City block and their guests. Block parties are NOT for open invitation and do not extend beyond the specific residents of that City block and their particular guests. More than half of adjacent property owners must sign the petition to indicate agreement to the block party. Residential Block Party Permit Application deadline: 30 days prior to event. Residential Block Party Permit » (PDF)