Special Events

WHAT IS A SPECIAL EVENT?

A special event is a temporary planned event, whether publicly or privately sponsored, including, without limitation, a block party, organized competitive event, parade, festival, or public assembly occurring on or within one or more city parks, squares, public rights-of-way, or that involves the reservation and use of a public venue, or closure of one or more rights-of-way, for a particular purpose which may involve the use of city services.

2025 Step-By-Step Guide for Applying for a Special Event Permit

2025 Parks and Squares Guest Capacity List

City of Savannah Special Event Ordinance

City of Savannah Revenue Ordinance

Current Special Events Fees

Common Special Event Questions

Q: Do I need a permit?

If you are planning a special event or wedding in one of Savannah’s public right-of-way or beautiful parks and squares, you typically need a permit. Any special event or wedding with chairs, isle runners, tents, tables, or any other décor requires permission from the City of Savannah via our permit approval process. When you obtain a permit, you must hire an off-duty Savannah Police Officer for the duration of your event, completed through the permitting system.

Sec. 3-6002. — Special event permit required. - It shall be unlawful to promote, stage, conduct, organize, or sponsor a special event within the City without first applying for and receiving a special event permit. (Special Event Ordinance)

Q: When can I apply for my permit?

You may apply as early as one year from the month of the date you are applying. For example, if your special event or wedding is on July 25th, 2026, you may apply starting at 12:01 AM on July 1st, 2025.

Q: What if my special event or wedding is very small and has no setup?

If you are planning a small special event or wedding with fewer than fifty people, you may proceed without a permit. Activities in the squares are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check the special event calendar to see if there is already a permitted event on that day.

SPECIAL EVENT CONTACTS

Georcette Washington
Special Events Supervisor
Email

Leigh King
Special Events Coordinator
Email

Jonika Rountree (Weddings)
Special Event Coordinator
Email

Mail:

P.O. Box 1027
Savannah, GA 31402

Office:

1 Waring Drive
Savannah, GA 31404

Ph: (912) 351-3837
Fx: (912) 351-3893

Hours

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CURRENT FEES

Peak Season Months:

March, April, May, September, October, November

Off Peak Months:

January, February, June, July, August, December

Application Fee: $30

Permit Fee (4 Hour Minimum Rental):

Resident: $350 (Peak / Off-Peak)

Non-Resident, Peak Season: $725

Non-Resident, Off-Peak Season: $575

Additional rental time: $60/per hour

Q: What is the difference between resident fees/non-resident fees, peak season, and off-season?

Resident fees are offered to City of Savannah applicants with proof of residency. All other applicants pay the non-resident fees. Our peak seasons are March, April, May, September, October, and November, and will be assessed the peak season fee schedule. Other months will be assessed on the off-season fee schedule.

Q: There is another special event or wedding on the calendar for the same day as mine. Why is that?

We permit up to two events per day within our parks and squares. You may notice a special event or wedding happening a few hours away from yours. We factor in buffer time for public use and changeover of events. We do not permit overlapping events.

Q: I applied for the Forsyth Fountain and just realized there is a lot of activity in the park. Is this normal?

Special events and weddings held in the public right-of-way are subject to other typical activities happening within the public realm. For example, there may be street performers or a farmer's market in the distance with sound that may travel to your wedding location. There may also be vehicle noise, tours, pet sounds, etc. Please take this into consideration when planning your event. However, remember that your immediate area will be secured and cleared for your event.

Q: I want to have my special event or wedding in March! What should I expect?

Please expect annual block-out dates in preparation for the St. Patrick's Day Celebration. The block-out dates are shown on the Special Events Calendar. Additionally, the fountain in Forsyth Park is dyed green at the beginning of March. We DO NOT clear the fountain color until AFTER the annual celebration. Please keep this in mind when planning your date.

Q: Can I set up an inflatable attraction (bounce house, obstacle course, water slide, etc.) at my special event or wedding?

With a permit we can accommodate a wide variety of inflatables. Without a permit you are limited to a small dry bounce house that must be weighted down, not staked into the ground. These are all at your own risk.

Q: Can I release balloons or confetti at my special event or wedding?

We do not support balloon releases or confetti throwing of any kind as it is harmful to the environment.