You’ve been to the Cottage Home Block Party and Bates-Hendricks Street Fest, block parties with music, food and retail vendors. Now, you’re interested in creating your own.
So, what does it take to create an event in your neighborhood? Mirror Indy broke down the process for you.
What time can I host an event?
Community events can operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to the city noise ordinance.
When do I need a permit?
You always need a special event permit if you want to close a road, but the fee varies depending on the anticipated size of the event.
- Block parties, which are typically 75 or fewer people, don’t have a special event permit fee.
- Events expecting 250-2,500 attendees must pay a $75 fee.
- Events expecting more than 2,500 attendees must pay a $268 fee.
The city allows residents to rent barricades for free, but it can be more difficult to secure one during popular event weekends, such as Indy 500 and Indiana Black Expo. There is a fee to block parking meters.
What do I need for the permit application?
The special event permit application includes roughly 30 questions related to attendees, equipment and other party planning details. Planners will also need to provide the following:
- A certificate of insurance covering $1 million in general liability
- A map outlining which streets will be impacted by the event
- An emergency action plan
Applications must be submitted at least 45 days before the event.
Residents must notify nearby residents and neighborhood organizations at least 30 days before an event. This can be done in-person or by mailers or flyers. Party planners can check online to make sure they’ve reached out to community groups in their area.
How do I prepare for emergencies?
When completing the emergency action plan, party planners must designate a point person should an emergency occur. That person will monitor weather conditions in advance of the event to determine if it should be postponed.
Block parties are required to have a 12-foot-wide to 15-foot-wide emergency lane at all times, to allow quick access for first responders. Emergency lanes at large events are required to be 20 feet wide.
Organizers may need to contact additional city departments depending on the size and type of event. More information can be found in the city’s special event emergency action plan document.
Can I distribute food?
Small block parties that don’t include outside vendors don’t need to register for a food permit.
Events sponsored by a church or business, or that include outside vendors, must register with Marion County Public Health Department’s food and consumer safety department.
How do I get a food permit?
Event organizers may need a temporary food permit if items such as snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn aren’t pre-packaged or if individually wrapped items such as sandwiches and ice cream are pre-packaged. Nonprofits must register with the city’s health department, but you are exempt from licensure if you serve your own food or items from a licensed food establishment.
Temporary food permits are free and must be submitted to the Marion County Public Health Department at least 30 days before the event. The application will request a map of the event area that outlines locations of food vendors, restrooms and handwashing facilities, drinking water access and trash cans.
Additionally, licensed food vendors must apply for a temporary food establishment license with the health department either in-person or by mail. Home-based vendors aren’t allowed to participate in temporary events. A vendor’s food establishment license can be verified online.
Organizers must provide food vendors with access to water so they can wash their hands and utensils. If a water spigot is needed, residents can rent a hydrant meter from Citizens Energy Group by calling 317-263-6360.
If an event will serve alcohol, beer or wine, you must contact the state excise department by calling 317-541-4100. More information about food permits can be found online.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Elizabeth Gabriel covers the south side of Marion County. Contact her at elizabeth.gabriel@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X at @_elizabethgabs.
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