Special Event Permitting Updates

Posted March 2, 2023.

Office of Economic Development Hiring Administrative Specialist II

We are hiring a permanent full-time Administrative Specialist II to support the Special Events Permit Program and the Film Permit Program.

Deadline for applying is Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Job details and instructions for applying are at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/jobs/3931563/permit-coordination-administrative-specialist


Posted March 2, 2023.

The WA Festival and Events Association (WFEA) in cooperation with and the Seattle Office of Special Events invites you to Learn How to Work with the City on Special Event Permitting, Grant Opportunities, And How to Make Your Event Safe

When: Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Where: Miller Community Center, 330 19th Avenue East, Seattle WA 98112
Metro bus service, off-street parking lot, handicap accessible, elevator.

Event Details:

  • For event information and registration, visit wfea.org/event-5173632
  • Pre-registration requested.
  • Event is open to non-members and there is no obligation to join WFEA in order to attend.
  • The presentation is FREE to attend.
  • There is an option for advance purchase of a lunch for $19.00. Attendees are welcome to bring their own meal if they choose.
  • For questions, please contact: info@WFEA.org

Posted March 8, 2022.

The Special Events Office is accepting all applications for events that require a Special Event Permit.

Regarding COVID-19 mitigation requirements for outdoor public gatherings and events:  

  • As of March 1, 2022, the King County health order requiring vaccination or negative verification for outdoor public gatherings of 500 or more is ended. There is currently no requirement for verification at outdoor public events. For more information visit this Seattle King County Public Health page: kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/current-guidance/verify.aspx  
  • As of February 18, 2022, the King County health order requiring masks to be worn at outdoor public gatherings and events ended, in alignment with the WA State outdoor mask mandate. For more information visit this Seattle King County Public Health twitter post: twitter.com/KCPubHealth/status/1491586917850234880

About the Office of Special Events

The City of Seattle plays a strong role in helping event planners bring people together safely and successfully in both city-wide and neighborhood events. Within this site are guidelines and requirements, event calendars, and contact information.

During both good and difficult times for the City of Seattle, special events help build a sense of belonging and community pride.

Special events such as fairs, arts, art-centered performances, festivals, concerts, sporting activities and others, bring people together from different backgrounds and different neighborhoods throughout the city. Together our citizens share a day, a week or an hour of transformation, laughter and fun. Special events weave the fabric of our community by creating opportunities to interact, celebrate, enrich people's lives, promote inclusiveness, and stretch imaginations.

Special events build family traditions, opportunities to participate, inclusiveness and unique experiences. Special events provide a chance for neighbors and strangers, big communities and small groups to interact and have common experiences.

It is important that the City of Seattle play a strong role in encouraging and helping events that bring the community together to take place safely on its streets and in its parks. These events encourage and support the interaction of neighbors, friends, families and strangers in addition to providing positive economic impact. It is essential that the City of Seattle encourage and support the safe interaction of neighbors, friends, families and strangers through the shared experience of special events. Special events create wonderful memories and provide the bonding that every community needs for economic and emotional growth.

As a dynamic city, Seattle has many constitutionally protected free speech events. One purpose of these guidelines is to assist event organizers in exercising their constitutional rights balanced with the City's right to regulate the time, place, and manner of special events in order to protect public health and safety, to reduce adverse impacts on the public places and neighboring areas, and to protect the rights of other users of our public places.

The Seattle Special Events Office processes applications for review by the Special Events Committee and the City's Special Event Coordinator serves as your primary contact with the Seattle Special Events Committee.

Special Events

Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5752, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94708, Seattle, WA, 98124-4708
Phone: (206) 684-8017
Fax: (206) 684-7025

The City of Seattle plays a strong role in helping event planners bring people together safely and successfully in both city-wide and neighborhood events.