Ward Service Office
1447 W. Morse Ave
Chicago, IL 60626
Outdoor Special Events
The City of Chicago requires the completion of a Special Event(s) Permit Packet in order to host a neighborhood festival. These festivals can be a number of things, including large street festivals, 5Ks, outdoor fundraising events, and more. The application process can be arduous and confusing, so please contact my office with any questions.
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Please note the following important changes to the special event permitting process and organize your event to avoid paying large processing fees. DCASE will now charge a nonrefundable processing fee of:
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$100.00 if the application is submitted more than 60 days prior to the event;
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$200.00 if the application is submitted between 59 and 45 days prior to the event;
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$500.00 if the application is submitted between 44 and 30 days prior to the event;
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$1,000.00 if the application is submitted between 29 and 15 days prior to the event; and
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$2,000.00 if the application is submitted between 14 and 7 days prior to the event.
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No application for a special event permit shall be accepted less than 7 days prior to the special event.
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has implemented policies and procedures for outdoor special events:
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All organizations interested in having CTA participate at their 2018 event must submit a written request
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Organizations should provide CTA ample notice of an event to safeguard the CTA resources needed
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Request must specify a priority for CTA’s participation at a parade, for CTA staffed information table, and/or for CTA brochures
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Priority is given to events held within the CTA service area
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CTA is a public entity funded by farebox and sales tax revenue. Therefore, CTA only participates in events not charging a participation fee.
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Kindly submit your request letter via email to mroman@transitchicago.com
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Information is available below if you are interested in advertising your community event on CTA buses and trains