Special Events Policy
Special Events
Special events are extremely important to the quality of life for Wake Forest residents. However, any event scheduled to take place on public property requires the coordination of multiple town resources.
To facilitate the planning process, each approved event, no matter the size, must receive a special event permit.
Please Note
An application to hold a special event does not constitute approval for the event nor issuance of a permit. It simply provides information necessary to process and consider permit issuance. Final event approval and permit will be determined in accordance with the Town of Wake Forest's adopted special events policy.
- Applications for special events are accepted for consideration through a formal approval process.
For events at Town parks, contact the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department at 919-435-9560.
For events at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, call 919-435-9458.
How to Apply for a Special Event Permit
Read the Special Events Policy.
Contact the Community Events Coordinator if this is your first request for a special event at 919-435-9415. She will determine whether or not a permit application should be submitted.
If determined necessary, complete the Town of Wake Forest Special Events Permit Application. All applications must be submitted to the Town of Wake Forest no less than 45 days prior to the start of the event. Please ensure that the required application fee and any required documents are submitted as well.
The Special Event Permit process utilizes the following criteria when evaluating and permitting Special Event Permit Applications:
The event purpose meets the public purpose requirement.
The Public Area to be used can accommodate the number of people expected to participate;
The general health, safety, and welfare of the participants in/or attending the event as well as the surrounding community;
Potential conflicts with prior scheduled permitted Special Events.
Economic benefits to the businesses and community;
Whether the activities are in compliance with other applicable laws and Town ordinances;
Frequency - No permit shall be issued which allows a particular Public Area to be closed for more than 12 continuous hours; for more than two days in a calendar month;
Benefit - No permit shall be issued for an event which is substantially intended to financially benefit the event organizer or sponsor of the event unless the individual or sponsor can demonstrate the public purposes to be achieved;
The individual making the application is a responsible individual with no criminal record;
Priority is given to Town-based groups, chapters, and organizations; and
No political groups/events.