Contact

Last updated or reviewed on March 26, 2026

If you are planning an event in Asheville and are not sure where to begin, the Office of Special Events can help point you in the right direction. Contact this office if you need help determining whether your event falls under Public Property or Private Property, have questions about the permit process, or are unsure which forms, approvals, or planning requirements may apply.

When to Contact the Office of Special Events

Contact the Office of Special Events if you need help with any of the following:

  • Deciding whether your event belongs under Public Property or Private Property
  • Understanding whether a permit may be required
  • Finding the correct application or form
  • Understanding deadlines and what to submit
  • Determining whether additional approvals may be needed for food service, alcohol, temporary structures, sound, fire-related activity, or street impacts
  • Understanding what to do before advertising or finalizing event plans

Public property events begin with an inquiry process, while private property events may require electronic submittal of one or more permit applications, depending on attendance, site conditions, and event setup.

Public Property Questions

Use the Public Property section if your event is proposed in a City park, plaza, street, sidewalk, or other City-managed outdoor space. Public property events may involve inquiries, application deadlines, site plans or route maps, safety reviews, food and beverage requirements, and other operational approvals, depending on the event.

Private Property Questions

Use the Private Property section if your event is proposed on privately owned property and may involve more than 49 people in a manner inconsistent with normal property use, temporary structures, mobile vending units, generators, fireworks, pyrotechnics, or open flame activity. Private property events may also require site plans, contractor and vendor information, and an Emergency Action Plan.

Before You Reach Out

To help staff respond more efficiently, be prepared to provide basic information about your event, such as:

  • Proposed event name
  • Location or property address
  • Proposed date and time
  • Estimated attendance
  • Whether the event is on public or private property, if known
  • Whether you expect to use tents, stages, food vendors, alcohol service, amplified sound, street closures, or other temporary infrastructure

Let’s Chat!

Schedule time with us at the following link: https://calendar.app.google/mteqpXGvoS4c6Rbo6

Contact Information

Jon Fillman, Community Event Manager
(828) 259-5738
jfillman@ashevillenc.gov

Kate O’Connor, Business Services Specialist
(828) 713-6705
koconnor@ashevillenc.gov

Helpful Links

You may also want to review the following pages before reaching out:

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