Special Event Information

City of Columbia Special Event Information

The purpose of this information is to guide you through the process of organizing a special event to be held in the City of Columbia. Some of the information provided may not be applicable to your particular event.

Complete the steps or forms outlined on this page for any organized activity involving the use of or having impact upon public property, public facilities, parks, sidewalks, street areas or the temporary use of private property in a manner that varies from its current land use.

Step 1: Special Use Permit

Complete a Special Use Application Form and send it to:

Carol Rhodes, City Manager’s Office
701 E. Broadway,
Columbia, MO 65201

Step 2: Temporary Business License

The business/group promoting and organizing the event for profit must obtain a City temporary business license. Contact the City Business License Office for more information: Barb Bremer (573) 874-7378 or Janice Finley (573) 874-7747

Step 3: Other

ADA Awareness:

The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all events held on City property must be accessible to people with disabilities. The City of Columbia’s ADA Coordinator provides the attached guidance to assist you in ensuring that your events are accessible.

Review the following list of topics and complete the necessary actions for all applicable items:

If alcohol will be served:

Review the City of Columbia Alcohol Ordinance
Approval is needed from City Council before alcohol can be served at an event.
Contact Carol Rhodes: (573) 874-7219
A City temporary liquor license (caterer’s permit) is required if alcohol will be sold at the event. Contact the City Business License Office for information: Barb Bremer (573) 874-7378 or Janice Finley (573) 874-7747
A State temporary liquor license is also required. Contact Bill Alton at the State Division of Liquor Control (573) 751-2964 The application for a city temporary liquor license must be received at least 15 days prior to the date of the event. The City license must be obtained prior to the issuance of the State license.

If there will be food vendors:

Each food vendor must receive approval from the City/County Health Department 15 days prior to the event. Call (573) 874-7346.

If a park or park facility will be used:

Complete a Parks and Recreation Special Use Permit request to reserve a park shelter/facility or call (573) 874-7460 for more information

If a parade or other run/walk event will be held:

A permit is needed for parades, special events, run/walk event, etc.

If the event will occur on general city property (streets, downtown, etc.), complete the parade and special events application and submit online or return it to the Columbia Police Department at: 600 East Walnut, Columbia, MO 65201-449. For online submission, a map of the parade route must be emailed to Lt. Scott Young, fax (573) 874-3142 and phone (573) 441-5470.
If the event will occur on a city trail or park, complete the Parks and Recreation Special Use Permit or contact the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department at (573) 874-7460.

Related city ordinance: Parade Ordinance, Permit Denial Appeals, Upholding Denial Standards

If amplified sound or music will be provided:

A sound permit is required for any amplified sound/music. Sound permits can be picked up from the front desk at the police department or completed on-line. Police Department: (573) 874-7652

If street closures are required:

Complete the street closure request form and obtain signatures from all businesses affected by the closure. If the event is held downtown, the signatures should be delivered to Downtown Business District to be approved by the board and then delivered to City Council for approval. For other street closures or for more information contact Carol Rhodes, (573) 874-7219.

Return completed street closure forms to: