Special Event FAQ

A special event includes any activity that occurs on private or public property and affects the ordinary use of public parks, streets, rights-of-ways, and/or sidewalks. For practical purposes, this includes, but is not limited to parades, fun runs, cycling, art fairs, and festivals.

Yes, a Special Event Permit is required for organized public gatherings such as a fair, festival, concert, performance, show, parade, run/walk/bike, etc. Depending on the type of activities planned, additional permits may be required.

A Special Event Permit is required to safeguard public safety, reduce disruptions, and preserve city resources. It ensures that activities comply with legal requirements for the use of public right-of-ways. It allows the City to coordinate necessary services, such as public safety measures, traffic management, and sanitation. The permit also serves to notify the City about any unique events, enabling emergency service providers to stay informed and prepared.

See the Special Event Guide(PDF, 8MB) and Kirkland Municipal Code Chapter 19.24 Special Events.

Yes, Event organizers are required to obtain comprehensive general liability insurance along with an additional insured endorsement to protect the city against legal liability for bodily injury and property damage arising from the event. Additional insurance requirements may apply, depending on the activities associated with your event. 

You can submit an Event Interest Form (EIF) up to 13 months, but no less than 6 months in advance of your event date. The EIF is used to request the date and venue for your event.

Once your date and venue are secured you will be notified of the deadline to submit a Special Event Permit Application which is typically 3-4 months in advance of your event.

It is important that you start planning your event well in advance of the permit application deadline as you will be required to explain your event plan in detail as a part of the application process. You are expected to have fully planned your event prior to submitting your permit application. Just like if you were building a house, you would be expected to submit a complete set of building plans, you are required to submit all event details with your permit application. 

Yes, there are many restrictions on holding a public event in a city park, some examples include:

• Event Frequency Limits – No more than two special event permits may be issued per calendar month at any one venue or along any one street.
• Time Restrictions – Events must adhere to set time limits, for example timed athletic events must be off the roadway no later than noon while multi-day events are limited to a maximum of three consecutive days and Community Programs must run weekly for a minimum of four weeks.
• Space & Layout Rules – Certain areas must remain open to the public, and some locations have specific layout requirements, such as a 20’ emergency access lane.
• Public Benefit - All events which impact public-right-of-way must provide a public benefit. For example, events with gated/ticketed areas must also provide festival areas that are open and free to the general public to enjoy. Events held in public parks must also include dedicated open space for people not attending the event.

To include food and beverages at your event, all vendors must obtain the required operational permits or licenses from regulatory agencies like the Seattle-King County Health Department or Washington State Department of Agriculture. Food trucks producing smoke or grease-laden vapors must also have an International Fire Code (IFC) Permit and a passed inspection report. Additionally, vendors must ensure compliance with fire code regulations, such as maintaining proper distances between structures, using UL-listed canopies, and providing appropriate fire extinguishers.

Event organizers are responsible for proper waste and environmental compliance. This includes renting FOG barrels or arranging off-site disposal for fats, oils, grease, and wastewater. Dumping any food waste or liquids into storm drains is prohibited, with fines starting at $500. Vendors are encouraged to complete a free online course at wastormwatercenter.org to learn about pollution prevention and waste management practices.

By adhering to these regulations, organizers can ensure public health, safety, and environmental responsibility at their events.

To serve or sell alcohol at your event, you need City authorization, a Special Occasion License from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, and liquor liability insurance with coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. The City of Kirkland must be listed as an Additional Insured.

Events serving alcohol require a minimum of two off-duty Kirkland Police officers, security staff for ID checks at entry points, and one additional security personnel per 250 attendees in alcohol service areas. All servers must be over 21, hold a Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST) permit, and follow strict rules regarding alcohol consumption while on duty.

Alcohol must only be served in enclosed areas with proper signage and lighting. Service is limited to beer, wine, and one signature cocktail and can only occur between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., stopping 30 minutes before the event ends. Barriers and setup must comply with city regulations.

Yes, there are restrictions on the types of activities and entertainment allowed at public events, some examples include:

• Noise Limits – Amplified sound is restricted to certain hours and may require a noise variance.
• Fireworks & Pyrotechnics – Require special permits and city-approved safety measures. Consumer fireworks are prohibited.
• Drones – Allowed only with city approval and must comply with FAA commercial use regulations (e.g., no flying over crowds). Aviation liability insurance is required.
• Inflatable Bouncers & Amusement Rides – Setup and operations must be provided by a Washington State Department of Labor & Industries approved certified operator, each unit must have a current safety inspection sticker, and air-supported structures over 400 square feet may require an IFC Permit.
• Gambling & Raffles – Allowed only with proper licensing and tax compliance.

• Fire Pits – Require special permits and city-approved safety measures.

Not Allowed in Kirkland

• Releasing items into lakes, streams, or sky so they are no longer under a person’s physical control (i.e. sky lanterns, water lanterns, etc.).
• Confetti, glitter, and other materials that can cause litter are prohibited.

Yes, you can collect booth fees and/or sponsorship fees from vendors and businesses that participate in your event. 

You cannot charge for parking located on city property. 

If on-site facilities are insufficient, Event organizers may be required to arrange off-site parking with shuttle service to/from the event site. You may charge passengers for use of event shuttles if desired. 

Yes, some parks have power, water, and lighting that may be utilized for public events, but availability varies by location. Event organizers may want to provide generators if power is essential to the event. There may be a nominal charge to connect to city water sources, depending on the details of your event. 

Restrooms are available at most parks, but you may need to rent supplemental portable toilets and hand-wash stations depending on the event size, type, location, and duration. Event organizers are responsible for providing sufficient restroom facilities, including hand-wash stations for event attendees. When on-site facilities are insufficient, Event organizers must provide a minimum of one toilet for every 250 people, with 10% ADA-compliant facilities.

Event organizers are required to provide sufficient trash, recycle, and compost collection carts for event activities. Event organizers must monitor and maintain all waste collection bins throughout the event. All solid waste must be disposed of off-site. City dumpsters are not available for event use. Event organizers must ensure all event areas are clean and returned to pre-event condition prior to leaving the event site.

The City of Kirkland provides certain services and resources for special events. City crews typically service permanent park amenities upon park opening, at mid-day, and prior to park closing. Service includes removing trash, replacing liners, and disposal.

Event organizers may check-out Clearstream Collection Kits from the city, at no charge, for the collection of garbage, recycle, and compost waste. 

Services Not Provided by the City

• Cleanup Crews – The City does not provide cleaning services.
• Service Limits – City Crews will not be dedicated to the event, maintain event provided waste receptacles, provide service within gated/ fenced areas, or dispose of waste collected by Event staff.

Depending on the size and nature of your event you may need to hire police officers, security personnel, or crowd management staff. 

• Police Officers – If your event includes alcohol service, street closures, or has a mobile component such as a race or parade, you will be required to hire off-duty Kirkland police officers for security and/or traffic control.
• Security Personnel – Events with alcohol must also have security staff at entrances and exits, plus at least one security guard for every 250 attendees.
• Crowd Control Staff – Large gatherings, concerts, and festivals require one trained crowd control personnel for every 250 attendees. 

This depends on the scope of the event. All events are required to pay a non-refundable application fee and a permit fee. Additional fees required to provide services necessary for public health, safety and welfare may be identified through the review process. For example, additional fees may be required to provide traffic control and sanitation. Refer to the Special Event Guide(PDF, 8MB) for a list of common event related fees.

The Application Fee is due at the time of application. All other fees must be paid before the permit will be issued.

Depending on the scope of your proposal, you may be required to make arrangements for notification to affected businesses and residences, sanitation facilities, traffic control equipment, electrical inspections, King County health department inspections, first aid stations, etc. City staff will assist you in identifying these needs. However, the applicant has sole responsibility for obtaining required permits and complying with the City's Special Events Ordinance. Refer to the Special Event Guide(PDF, 8MB) for a general overview of City regulations and requirements.

This protected class of activities includes conduct for the sole purpose of communicating political or religious ideas. No fee or donation may be charged or required to participate or attend. Free speech activity does not include fairs, festivals, concerts, performances, parades, athletic events, fundraising events, events for entertainment, etc.

Activities which are publicly attended and held in whole or in part upon publicly owned property or public rights-of-way, or if held wholly upon private property, will nevertheless affect or impact the ordinary and normal use by the general public of public property or public rights-of-way within the vicinity of such activity requires a permit.

For impromptu free speech activities (i.e. candlelight vigil in response to a specific incident or developing situation) intended to be held on public property on an evening or weekend and for which advance coordination with the City for permitting is not feasible, you must notify the City by contacting the Kirkland Police Department non-emergency number at 425-577-5656.

Permits for events protected under the First and Fourteenth Amendments are subject to reasonable exercise of public control or limitation in the interest of public health, safety, morality and welfare.

For all other permits, applications will be denied if the proposed activity disrupts traffic beyond practical solution; interferes with access to fire stations and fire hydrants; causes undue hardship to surrounding residences or businesses; requires the diversion of so many public employees that service is denied the public at large; endangers the public health, safety or welfare; the applicant fails to provide complete and accurate information or comply with the terms of the permit; is unlawful, or fails to comply with applicable legal requirements.

You may appeal in writing (including email) within 7 business days of notification of denial.