Lexington is committed to local and visiting events that provide high quality and safe experiences for the community.
The Office of the Mayor, Parks and Recreation and all supporting city services have collaborated to create a new Special Events Planning Guide. This guide includes updated policies and procedures to help event producers understand the process, requirements, and options for presenting events on public property in Lexington-Fayette County. The Planning Guide may also provide guidance for event producers planning events on private property as well.
If you are interested in presenting a public event, first review the Special Event Planning Guide, contact appropriate departments with questions, then submit the Special Events Permit Application, $50 application fee, and other required documents, a minimum of 12 weeks prior to the event. This application will be submitted throughout city government departments for approval and cost estimates.
If interested in the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza for your event, please be sure to also review the Robert F. Stephens Plaza event guidelines and the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza map prior to submitting your application. A blank Courthouse Plaza map is also available for planning.
Events on Private Property
Events on private property that will include any of the following elements, must submit a Private Property Event Notification at least eight weeks prior to the event.
- 500 or more guests
- Runs or walks that wish to utilize a public road as part of the route (submit a map of the route)
- Events where alcohol will be sold