Event Categories

This includes any sport, physical activity, race, and recreational or competitive contest.

• Usually requires individual or team registration and/or a type of payment or entry fee.

• Participation is generally not free or open to all members of the public.

• Examples: charity runs/walks, races, bicycle rides, rowing competitions, swimming. 

Learn more about the specific permit fees and policies for this category here. 

Any private event with controlled or ticketed entry. This includes pay-upon-entry or suggested donation at entrance. Other features of a Commercial Event include:

• Event name features the name of a for-profit or non-profit business or organization,

• Event concentrates around a single storefront or building,

• Event is an extension of activity within a store or place of business.

Examples:

• Concert or festival that requires a ticket or paid admission

• Business grand opening or anniversary celebration

• Marketing event

Learn more about the specific permit fees and policies for this category here.

This type of event provides a public benefit and/or stimulates broad economic or cultural activity in a neighborhood or business district. These events must be free and open to all members of the public as well as:

• Organized by neighborhood-based, community-based, ad-hoc groups, or

• Groups that do not have a geographic base, and

• Event has received a government grant (not including sponsorships) to produce the event.

Examples:

• Large block party

• Free festival or fair

• Free concert

• Public holiday celebration

Learn more about the specific permit fees and policies for this category here.

A parade with defined start and end points (fixed point parade) occurs in the public right-of-way with vehicles, animals, and/or other participants but does not include a “march.”

It is also: 

• Free and open to all members of the public 

• Provides a public benefit and/or stimulates economic activity

• Organized by a non-profit entity, or

• Anticipated to require less than 300 hours of police officer time.

Learn more about the specific permit fees and policies for this category here.

A Free Speech Event is an organized, pre-planned event held to express a view or belief. Marches, rallies, and demonstrations are Free Speech Events.

These events don't include non-expressive activities like recreation, food sales, or athletic events. They may include amplified sound from a portable or handheld device.

Mixed Free Speech Events include both an expressive activity and non-expressive activities. As well as a march, rally, or demonstration, there may be:

• Recreation like games, arts and crafts activities, or music and dancing

• Competitions like a scavenger hunt or art contest

• Spectator sports like boat races, hockey, or basketball

• Athletic events like a race or a run

• Circuses/fairs/carnivals with booths, games, rides, or similar amusements

• Food-related activities like barbecues, cook-offs, picnics, food distribution, or food festivals.

• Sales, trade shows, and/or business promotions. These may be crafts shows, antique shows, merchandise sales, or product launches.

• Beach or park clean-ups

• Training activities like corporate summits or team-building activities

Read more about the policies and fees for Free Speech Events and Activities here.

Citywide events are defined by Seattle Municipal Code 15.52.005. These are events expected to attract a large citywide and/or regional crowd, and: 

• The event can be viewed by the public outside of the immediate event footprint or boundaries.

• The estimated amount of total police officer hours to be assigned to the event is anticipated to exceed 300 hours.

• The event is a recurring event held in Seattle for at least 15 of the last 20 years.

• The event is a celebration of a local, regional, or Federal holiday.

• The event is a celebratory parade or event for a local team winning a major national competition, or

• The event would not typically be defined as an athletic event, commercial event, free speech event, or mixed free speech event.

Examples of recurring citywide events:

• Fremont Solstice Parade 

• My Macy's Holiday Parade 

• Seafair Hydroplane Races and Blue Angels Weekend 

• Seafair Summer Fourth on Lake Union Seafair

• Torchlight Parade

For more information on permit fees and policies for this category, contact the Special Events Office.