Office of Special Events – a division of the (new) Department of Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities Last updated or reviewed on September 19, 2023 The Department of Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities manages a unique collection of sporting & entertainment facilities and operations. Over 1.5 Million people participate in programs or attend events at the facilities, including the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, ExploreAsheville.com Arena, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, WNC Nature Center, McCormick Field, Aston Park Tennis Center, John B Lewis Soccer Complex and outdoor events within parks and public spaces, permitted by the City’s Office of Special Events. Permitting Outdoor Special Events on Public Property including City Streets, Sidewalks, and Parks Outdoor Special Event Guide A comprehensive overview of fees, timelines, policies, and production requirements including links to required forms and a production calendar to check the availability of public space in real-time. OSE Guide Supplement for Pack Square Park OSE Guide Supplement for Neighborhood Block Parties Special Event Resource Library A document of links to resources including supplemental application forms, information on event safety, food service, local event service providers, city property information, maps, and more. *The independent events listed within this schedule are solely those of producing organizations that have applied for permits for special use of outdoor public spaces within Asheville city limits. They should not be construed as representing the views of the City of Asheville, its affiliates, or staff. Stay Connected – Join the Group! Group members receive general alerts and advisories, information and updates on event production, regulatory and procedure changes, and industry news on trends and best practices. Group members are encouraged to actively participate, share opportunities to collaborate on projects, ask for peer feedback on ideas, highlight new events that are in search of vendors or contracted services. Request to join here. Non-Permitted Free Speech Public Assemblies The City of Asheville supports and respects an individual’s constitutional right to exercise free speech in a peaceful manner. Please use this form to share details with us of your activity so City staff can be best prepared. We’ll respond with confirmation of receipt. In order to maintain the safety of everyone in our community, we would like to remind everyone that causing harm or injury to persons or property, blocking streets and intersections, and trespassing are illegal offenses and can result in arrest. The Asheville Police Department will stand by for anyone that may need assistance. Street Performer Guidelines Permits are not required for sidewalk performers who wish to busk downtown during periods when sidewalks, streets, and parks are not otherwise reserved for outdoor special events. Busking etiquette from the Asheville Buskers Collective – take two-hour turns, watch your crowd size, keep your amps turned down and rules from the City – avoid obstructing sidewalks, doorways or streets and provide a minimum of 6 feet of pedestrian passageway. No selling or displays of any tangible good in exchange for money or donation is allowed. Performances may only be between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Outdoor Special Events held on a Privately-Owned Property? You will not need to consult with or apply for permits through this office for events held exclusively and entirely within indoor or outdoor privately-owned properties. Instead, please visit the Development Services Department located in the Public Works Building at 161 South Charlotte Street (828-259-5846) to apply for the appropriate temporary use permits with a residential or commercial permit facilitator. A Temporary Use Permit Application for an event held on a privately-owned property will most often require: Site map showing details of proposed temporary uses Proof of property ownership or lease List of contractors (electrical, tent/inflatable rental services, construction) involved in the event An Emergency Action Plan Electronic Submittal: To submit your application electronically, please use this form to attach and transmit the application with attachments for review. Upon receipt of the submission, a permit facilitator will be in touch to collect fees and advise of the next steps. Contact Information Jon Fillman, Community Event Manager 828-259-5738 Let’s Chat! – Schedule time here: https://calendar.app.google/mteqpXGvoS4c6Rbo6 City of Asheville Office of Special Events Department of Community & Regional Entertainment Facilities 29 Haywood St. (by appt.) Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 7148 Asheville, NC 28802