Special Events

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The City of Eau Claire encourages and supports Special Events!

Special Olympics Run in Carson Park

Participants start a race hosted by Special Olympics in Carson Park

Events that are...

scheduled gatherings,
open to the public, and
held on City-owned property

AND have any one of these....

expect 100+ people to attend
accept donations
serve/sell food
serve/sell alcohol
sell merchandise
charge an entry/registration fee
close the street, sidewalk, or trail
a tent over 250 sq. ft.
alter park hours (4am-11pm)

...require a Special Event Permit!

See Ordinance 9.59.010 for a full list and description of special event criteria.

If you have questions about the application materials, or about holding your event, email Special Events for assistance.

NOTE: If you are hosting an event that is just for the people on your block or in your neighborhood, consider if it will qualify as a Block Party or Neighborhood Association Event.

Step 1: Save the Date

As soon as you have an idea for when you want to host your event, submit a Save the Date form below to get the process started. We will work with you to make sure there are no conflicts with your chosen date and location.

Step 2: Apply

When you have the details of your event worked out, submit the full application and supporting materials. Make sure to include the application fee, a map of your event, certificate of insurance, and any other forms requested by the application. Applications are required to be submitted at least 30 days prior to your event. New events and those that require City Council approval are due 60 days prior to your event.

Step 3: Get Approval

First time events and large/complex events are required to meet with the Special Events Committee. Representatives from the various City Departments will review the event and will be available to respond to any questions.

Events that meet certain criteria also require approval from the Eau Claire City Council. These criteria are listed on the application.

Step 4: Pay the Bill

The City will invoice you for City services after the conclusion of the event. This typically includes any reservation fees, rentals, and any staff labor that was requested, including police services. See the "payments" section below for a full list of fees and charges. Estimates will be provided upon request.

Special Event Application Materials

2025 Special Event Forms:

To hold your 2025 date/space, complete 2025 "Save the Date" Form

Once your date is saved, complete the 2025 Application

Applications are reviewed by the Special Events Committee. New events and large/complex events may be required to meet with the Committee before approval.

2026 Event requests will be accepted beginning in late November 2025.

Additional Application Information:

Check out the additional tabs on this webpage for further application requirements:
- Payment and insurance information
  - There are costs associated with hosting a Special Event. Make sure to review the payment tab and/or ask for a quote.
- If you are serving or selling food
- If you plan to put up a tent
- If you are serving or selling alcohol
Applications for events are due at least 30 days in advance of your event.
- Applications for events that are new, or require City Council approval, are due 60 days in advance of your event.
Submit your completed application materials for approval
- By email to Special Events
- or by mail/drop-off to 910 Forest Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703
- Questions, email specialevents@eauclairewi.gov

Payments (required)

Fees Due with Application Materials

Special Event Application Fee - $60.00 (Required)

Temporary Class B License Fee $10.00 (if applicable-see alcohol information tab)

Tent Permit Fee $62.00 (if applicable-see tent information tab)

Submit payment with your application, payable to the City of Eau Claire.
- Remit to Community Services at 910 Forest Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703
- Complete Credit Card Authorization Form and submit by e-mail to SpecialEvents@eauclairewi.gov

A final invoice with any remaining charges will be sent after the event is concluded, see links below for full list of Special Event charges.

Current Park Reservation Pricing
Full Special Events Fee List (Choose "Fees and License Schedule")

Insurance Information (required)

Insurance Requirement

An event sponsor shall be required to provide a valid certificate of insurance,

showing limits of liability not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence
and naming the City of Eau Claire, 203 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire WI 54703 as an additional insured in the description
and naming the City of Eau Claire, 203 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire WI 54703 as the certificate holder

Submit via email to Special Events or mail to Community Services at 910 Forest Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Serving or selling food?

If your event will feature for-profit food vendors...

The Eau Claire City-County Health Department requires a food permit to sell or serve food at a Special Event. All food vendors are required to apply for a Transient Food Permit when participating in a Special Event. This application and applicable fees must be submitted prior to the event. Please review Temporary Food Stand Requirements before filling out the application.

Transit Food Permit Application

If a non-profit will serve or sell food at your event...

Please fill out and submit this application if a religious, fraternal, youth, patriotic, service, or civic group (non-profit) will be serving or selling food at your event. Please review Temporary Food Stand Requirements for food safety standards.

Non-Profit Temporary Food Stand

Submit with your application via email to Special Events or mail to Community Services at 910 Forest Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

2019 Food Truck Friday

Putting up a tent(s)?

If you plan to put up a tent larger than 250 square feet, complete the following application:

Tent Permit Application

NOTE: An electrical permit shall be required if electricity is to be provided in the tent, and all electrical work shall comply with the National Electrical Code standards, including the temporary use of extension cords. Contact 715-839-4947 for an electrical permit and an electrical inspection.

Tent Permit Guidelines

Submit with your application via email to Special Events or mail to Community Services at 910 Forest Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

Will there be alcohol?

If you are planning to serve or sell alcohol at your event, you must obtain a Temporary Class "B" Picnic License.

Required:

$10 Application Fee
Temporary Class B Picnic License Application & Instructions
Attend License Review Committee Meeting (for first-time or repeat events with changes)

If you have questions about the alcohol component of your Special Event, please reach out to us at specialevents@eauclairewi.gov. More information is also available through the Licensing Office.

Will there be a drone?

Sample Event Route Maps & Bike Rack Locations Map

City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin