Host an event in perry
Have a great event in mind? Let's Make It Happen!
The City of Perry welcomes events that bring people together, celebrate our community, and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors.
Whether you're planning a community celebration, festival, concert, or another special gathering, we're here to help you navigate the application and approval process.
Hosting an event on City property or requesting City resources requires advance planning and coordination. Our Special Events Application process helps ensure proposed events are reviewed for public safety, operational needs, and potential impacts on the community.
Before You Apply
We strongly recommend submitting your completed Special Events Application at least 45 days prior to your proposed event date.
This allows sufficient time for City department review, communication regarding potential concerns, coordination of resources, and scheduling for City Council consideration.
Important: Events involving alcohol sales have additional requirements and must be submitted in time for City Council consideration at least 60 days before the proposed event date.
Submitting an application does not guarantee event approval, availability of City resources, or placement on a particular City Council agenda.
The Application & Approval Process
We want you to know exactly what to expect! Here's how the process works from application submission to final approval.
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Complete the online Special Events Application with as much detail as possible.
You'll be asked to provide information about your proposed event, including the location, date, activities, anticipated operational needs, public safety considerations, and any City resources you may be requesting.
Incomplete information may delay the review process.
Step 2: City Department Review
Once your application is received, it will be distributed to the appropriate City department heads for review.
Depending on the nature of your event, this may include Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Public Works, and other City departments responsible for evaluating event logistics, safety, staffing, equipment, and potential impacts on City operations.
Each department will review the proposal and identify any concerns, requirements, or operational considerations that need to be addressed.
Step 3: Discuss & Resolve Concerns
If questions or concerns arise during departmental review, City staff will communicate directly with the applicant.
This may include discussions about road closures, event layouts, emergency access, public safety staffing, sanitation, equipment availability, or other event logistics.
Our goal is to work collaboratively with applicants to address concerns and establish an event plan that is appropriate for the proposed location and activities.
Step 4: City Council Agenda Scheduling
Once the applicant and reviewing City departments have addressed outstanding concerns and reached an understanding regarding the proposed event, the application will be scheduled for consideration by City Council.
City staff will notify the applicant of the scheduled meeting date and provide attendance information.
City Council meetings are generally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM at Perry City Hall, 808 Carroll Street.
Agenda placement does not guarantee approval.
Step 5: City Council Consideration
The applicant, or an authorized representative of the sponsoring organization or business, is required to attend the scheduled City Council meeting.
City staff will present the Special Events Application to Mayor and Council. However, City Council members may have questions directly for the applicant regarding event operations, logistics, public safety, or other aspects of the proposal.
Applicants should be prepared to answer questions and provide clarification when requested.
City Council will consider the application and determine whether the event may proceed, including any conditions of approval.
Step 6: Final Notification
Following City Council consideration, the applicant will receive notification regarding the decision and any applicable conditions, requirements, or fees.
If approved, the applicant is responsible for complying with all conditions of approval, securing applicable permits, and coordinating any remaining logistical details with the designated City staff member.
Any proposed changes to an approved event must be submitted to City Council for review.
What You'll Need for Your Application
Being prepared helps keep the review process moving! Before starting your application, gather the following information.
Event & Organizer Information
Event name and sponsoring organization or business
Proposed event location and date
Event start and end times
Setup dates and times
Applicant name, address, phone number, and email
Brief event summary, purpose, and planned activities
Whether the event benefits a nonprofit organization
Event Activities & Entertainment
Be prepared to identify whether your event will include:
Admission fees or ticket sales
Merchandise or other items being sold
Food vendors
Amplified sound
Live music or entertainment, including performer information
If admission will be charged, you'll need to explain the proposed rates and admission procedures.
Event Logistics & Public Safety
Applicants must provide information about:
Requested road closures, including specific streets, dates, and times
Proposed restroom facilities and sanitation plans
Police or security needs
Emergency medical services plans
Proposed event footprint or site map
Vendor loading and unloading procedures, when applicable
The City may request additional information or adjustments during the review process.
City Resources & Equipment
Need assistance with event infrastructure? The application allows you to request consideration for City resources, including:
Portable stage (16 feet deep by 20 feet wide)
Access to electricity
Police support for road closures or event security
Portable lighting towers
First aid tent or services
Trash receptacles
Digital traffic signage
Other City resources
Please note: City resources are subject to availability, departmental approval, and applicable service fees. Submitting a request does not guarantee that equipment or personnel will be provided.
Alcohol Sales & Additional Documentation
Events involving alcohol sales require additional review, permits, and documentation.
Depending on the event, applicants may be required to provide information about the alcohol licensee, business serving alcohol, license numbers, proposed hours of sale, and applicable State and City permits.
A separate Special Event Alcohol Permit is required, and additional deadlines and operating restrictions apply.
Applicants are responsible for reviewing and complying with all alcohol-related requirements included in the application.
Events Requiring a Different Application Process
Not every event or venue is handled through the City's Special Events Application.
For 5Ks, 10Ks, footraces, or parades requiring the use of streets or public spaces, contact the Perry Police Department at 478-988-2800.
Footraces & Parades
For events at these facilities, contact the Perry Leisure Services Department at 478-988-2860.
Rozar Park & Creekwood Park
Perry Events Center
For events at the Perry Events Center, contact Public Works at 478-988-2732.
Please contact the appropriate department before submitting an application.
Important Information
Potential Fees
Depending on the event's scope and requirements, organizers may incur fees associated with City services, staffing, road closures, sanitation, utilities, equipment, or other resources.
City staff will provide an estimate of anticipated service costs within 10 business days of application submission, as outlined in the current application.
Applicants may review these estimated costs before deciding whether to proceed.
Event organizers and participating vendors are responsible for obtaining applicable health permits and coordinating required inspections with the Houston County Health Department.
The City of Perry does not schedule Health Department inspections on behalf of event organizers.
Organizers are encouraged to coordinate with the Health Department at least two weeks before their event.
Houston County Health Department: 478-218-2000
Health Department Requirements
Weather & Emergency Conditions
Public safety is a priority at all events.
The City's Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, or designee, may cancel or temporarily postpone an event if weather conditions are determined to be unsafe.
During lightning or thunder, participants should seek shelter in a building or enclosed vehicle. Activities should not resume until at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning.
