Special Event Application
Organizers of the following types of Special Events held in Arlington County must fill out and submit a Special Event Application (PDF).

• Pageants
• Celebrations
• Historical reenactments
• Entertainment
• Exhibitions
• Parades
• Fairs, festivals and similar events on public spaces.

Abbreviated Special Event Application
If you are proposing an event that meets certain specific criteria you may be eligible to use the Abbreviated Special Event Application (PDF). This application can be used for events that are:

• Are under 300 participants and attendees
• Do not close Streets or Roads
• Do not need medical support services
• Do not have generators, equipment or conditions that require an Electrical Permit
• Do not use an open flame, propane or conditions that require a Fire Permit
• Do not require construction of a temporary stage, shelter or any temporary structure that would require a Building Permit
• Do not have tents larger than 10 X 10 feet
• Do not have equipment left overnight or that require security

You do NOT need to fill out the special event application for the following events:

• Demonstrations
• Block parties - see the Block Party Permit Guide
• Regularly repeating events such as Farmer's Markets
• Casual public space use by citizens, visitors or tourists.

Submit Application
Please submit the Special Event Application at least 90 days prior to your event.

Check the Special Event Checklist (PDF) to ensure you have all the permits you need.

The completed application may be submitted by email, fax or mail:

Email: lpelze@arlingtonva.us
Fax: 703-228-3328
Hard Copy Mailed to:
Office of Special Events - Special Event Coordinator
Department of Parks and Recreation
2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite #414
Arlington, VA 22201

Fee Reduction
Arlington County offers a Special Events Fee Reduction Program designed to assist, support and encourage those events that would otherwise not be presented if required County fees are cost prohibitive.  This program applies only to eligible non-profit organizations.  The Fee Reduction credits only can be used to offset Arlington County Police, Fire, Safety or emergency medical related charges. Please see the Special Events Fee Reduction Program information (PDF).

Insurance Requirements
When using an Arlington County Facility or a County Public site for a Special Event, most events will require insurance. The County Risk Management Office can provide assistance and direct events to lower cost insurance policies depending upon the nature of the event. Please read the Special Events Insurance Requirements (PDF) for more information.

Dates

• Approved based on the availability of County resources to support the event.
• If County services are unavailable, the County will work with the event organizer to select alternate times or dates.
• County policy prohibits rain dates.

Large Events

Approval

• Upon receipt and review of the application and
• Event Manager obtains necessary permits, licenses, certificates, inspections and pays the fees. 

Review

• You or a representative may be required to attend a meeting with the Special Events Committee to review your application.
• Meetings are once a month.

Questions

• Arlington County Special Events Hotline 703-228-4232
• Special Event Coordinator 703-228-1876

Permits & Services

• Review the Special Events Checklist (PDF) for information on the required permits, contact information and fees.
• If necessary, contact County Staff to determine which licenses, certificates or permits are required
• All permits or certificates must be clearly displayed at the event site.
• Additional information is detailed on the Special Event Application (PDF)

Fire, Police & Street Cleaning Services

You may require fire, police or street cleaning services. You will be informed at the review session or by telephone if any fees are involved. Please confirm reservations/arrangements with the appropriate department(s) two weeks before the event.

• Fire Department Support/EMS is determined by the Special Operations Chief of the Arlington County Fire Department. More info Fire Department Special Events Team: 703-228-0228; ACFDSpecialEvents@arlingtonva.us.
• Police Department Support is determined by the Arlington County Police Department, Special Operations Section or the Commander of the appropriate Police District.
• Street Cleaning Before/After - Contact Parks and Recreation (DPR) at 703-228-7632 for parks and the Rosslyn/Ballston area. For all others areas, contact Department of Environmental Services (DES) 703-228-6570.