Special Events

Planning to hold a special event in Vancouver? Here are some things you need to know.

Contact: 360-487-8630. 

A Special Event Permit is required (under VMC 5.17) for any
special event that has 100 people or more in attendance. Special Events include:

How do I make sure I need (or don’t need) a Special Event Permit?

Call us! We are happy to answer your questions, and help you through the permitting process. (360) 487-8630

How do I obtain a Special Event Permit?

The process for obtaining a Special Event Permit for your event is as follows:

1. Download a Special Event Permit application here.
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2. Contact other agencies from which you may need to obtain a specific permit (for example, contact the National Park Service if you will be using the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, or the Washington State Liquor Control Board if you will need a liquor license, etc…).
3. Submit your completed Special Event Permit Application at least 60 days in advance.
4. Pay the $60 permit application fee. Checks may be made out to “City of Vancouver” and may be mailed along with application, or paid by cash, check or charge at City Hall, 415 W. 6th St. Vancouver, WA 98660. Other fees may apply depending on the scope of your event. These fees are outlined in the permit application.
5. If your event is new and/or will have a substantial impact of the community and/or city services, you may be asked to attend an Events Team meeting. This meeting includes representatives from all City departments and is a great place to get all your questions answered at once. City staff may also make suggestions on ways to improve your event in the interest of public health and safety. This meeting will be scheduled by appointment upon acceptance of a completed permit application. These meetings usually take place Thursday mornings and last 30 minutes.
6. Adjust your event according to any recommendations from City Staff.
7. The City will issue a Letter of Agreement that will serve as your permit.
8. Sign Letter of Agreement for your event, return a copy to the City and keep a copy to have onsite during your event.
9. Schedule any on-site inspections needed for your event (such as Fire Marshal inspections of fences areas or large tenting). Looking for a venue for your event? Vancouver has many options!

Esther Short Park

PDF Fact Sheet - Reservation form

Turtle Place

PDF Fact Sheet - Reservation form

Vancouver Landing

PDF Fact Sheet - Reservation form

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Vancouver Lake Park

Frenchman’s Bar Park

Other Parks

Fort Vancouver National Site