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Community Events on Madison Streets

The use of Madison streets, sidewalks, or parking spaces/lanes for an event or activity requires a Street Use Permit.

Street Use Permit applications are reviewed at Street Use Staff Commission public, biweekly meetings.

The Street Use Staff Commission approves or denies a Street Use Permit based on the Standards of Issuance in MGO 10.056.

A permit is required for any of the following:

  • The event/activity would close or reserve any portion of a Madison street, sidewalk, parking lane or space.
  • The proposed time for the event/activity would create more than minimal disruption or rerouting of traffic from the requested street(s).
  • The event/activity is scheduled at one of the downtown performance spaces outside of the time periods allowed by Downtown Performance Space Permit.

PERMIT APPLICATION, INSTRUCTIONS & FEE SCHEDULE

REQUIRED EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

  • Emergency Action Plan Form A: PDF | MS Word – required for all events with an estimated attendance of less than 1,000.
  • Emergency Action Plan Form B: PDF | MS Word – required for all events with an estimated attendance of 1,000-9,999.
  • Custom Emergency Action Plan is required for all events with an estimated attendance over 10,000, as an addendum to the application.
  • Watch the Community Event Safety Symposium to help develop an Emergency Action Plan – a video of the City of Madison 2024 Safety Symposium.

DOWNTOWN MADISON EVENT RESTRICTIONS

  • Downtown Zone restrictions – if your event is in the Downtown Zone (see DZ map) and has a traveling component (such as a march, parade or run/walk), review these special considerations before applying.

When to apply:

The application, documents and non-refundable application fee must be submitted:

  • At least 60 days prior to your event if alcohol will be sold or a Special Event Resolution is needed to allow merchandise to be sold in the Mall Concourse area and / or organizers want to select their own vendors and invalidate City Vendors' licenses within the event perimeter.
  • At least 30 days prior to your event, if event does not require additional licenses or resolutions. If your event requires a Certificate of Insurance, it must be received by the City of Madison Risk Management Office 30 days prior to the event.
  • Email or call, (608) 264-9289, to see if your preferred date and location are available or with any questions.

Helpful Resources

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