Special Events Funding Program Awardees Announced
The City of Tacoma’s Events & Recognitions Committee voted to approve $125,000 of Special Events funding for 23 organizations to produce events throughout Tacoma in 2023. These events are free, inclusive, all ages events, which reflect many of the diverse communities and cultures throughout the Tacoma.
2023 Special Events Funded Organizations and Events Are:
321 Buddy Fundraising - Day in the Park
Rainbow Center - Pride Festival
Asia Pacific Cultural Center - Chuseok Festival
SENCo - South End Neighborhood Council Block Party
Classical Tuesdays in Old Town - Celebrating Tacoma’s Tapestry
Tacoma Concert Band - Tacoma Concert Band Holiday Concert
Creative Colloquy - Creative Colloquy Crawl
Downtown Tacoma Partnership - Sound Bites
Tacoma Light Trail - Tacoma Light Trail 2023
Tacoma Porchfest - Tacoma Porchfest 2023
Girls on Fire - 6th Annual First Love Yourself Gala
Tacoma Opera Association - Tacoma Method
Hilltop Business Association - Hilltop Street Fair
Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center - Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope
Lincoln International Business Association - Lincoln Foodwalk Series
Tacomarama Street Band - Tacoma Day of HONK!
Metro Parks Tacoma - MOSAIC Tacoma’s Arts & Culture Festival
TEAM WRK - Level Up Tacoma
Milgard School of Business at University of Washington-Tacoma - Dawg Bites
Washington State Historical Society - In the Spirit: Northwest Native Festival
Ocean Fest - Tacoma Ocean Fest 2023
Write 253 - Tacoma Teen Poetry Slam
Proctor District Association - Jr. Daffodil Parade
The next round of funding window for applications is scheduled for fall 2023 to fund 2024 events.
Welcome to the City of Tacoma's Special Events Office
Click here to access the permit application form
Payment of fees will not be assessed until after the review period is completed. If you prefer a paper application, please call our office.
Special Event Road Closure Public Notice Fees
For details about new fees, visit the Fees Schedule web page.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION** REGARDING REQUESTED STREET CLOSURES
If you are considering an event-related street closure that normally requires police officers please contact this office at (253) 970-3866 before submitting an application. Resources are limited, and we want to help you find the best solution for your event. Tacoma Police Department requires advance notice in order to staff various events. This can be done by contacting TPD Special Events at TacomaPoliceEvents@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5932.
Tacoma's Special Events Office is Here to Assist
Whether producing an event or a film, the City's Special Events Office is here to assist you with all aspects of the permitting process. On these pages you'll find information, requirements and suggestions on how to make the process as smooth as possible. Don't hesitate to call the office any time at (253) 573-2523. And thanks for choosing Tacoma!
Requirements for a Special Event Permit
Before beginning, check out the Requirements page (Terms and Conditions) to be sure you are informed about what's expected in the application process.
Applications should be submitted no later than 60 days prior to the event date. This allows for proper internal review as well as the required notification to impacted residents and/or businesses.
What is a Special Event?
A special event is any organized formation or assembly consisting of 50 or more persons and which include any combination of animals, vehicles, that wishes to assemble and/or travel on streets or sidewalks, and which does not comply with normal or usual traffic regulation or controls. This also applies to a public beach, park or plaza.
Types of Events
Concerts, parades, circuses, fairs, festivals, block parties, community events, fund-raising events, private parties, promotional events, marathons and running events, bicycle races or tours, and Constitutionally Protected Activities.
Apply for a Master Film Permit
You may request an application from the Special Events Office or print a Master Film Permit Application form. Master Film Permits may be submitted within a week of production depending on the complexity of the project. The Tacoma Municipal Code specifies the guidelines for issuing Master Film Permits, as well as other requirements. You may want to review this chapter before submitting your application.