Marches, Rallies, & Demonstrations

Marches

A Street Use permit is required if any of the following apply:

• The march will disrupt traffic, Metro operations, or Metro bus stops
• "No Parking" signs are needed along the route
• The number of participants will significantly impact residents or businesses
• Amplified sound will be used
• Any infrastructure will be set up along the route (stages, tents, tables, etc.)
• Vendors will sell merchandise, food, or beverages

A Street Use permit is not required if all of the following apply

• The march will remain on sidewalks and participants will follow all traffic and pedestrian laws
• Fewer than 100 people will participate
• No amplified sound will be used
• -or- the entire march will be on State of Wisconsin Capitol Grounds

Rallies & Demonstrations

Downtown Performance Space Permit

A Downtown Performance Space permit is required if all of the following apply:

• The location and schedule fall within Downtown Performance Space parameters
• Amplified sound will be used
• No structures (tables, tents, stages) will be set up
• No items will be sold
• No march is planned from the rally location

Street Use Permit

A Street Use permit is required if any of the following apply

• The location or time falls outside Downtown Performance Space parameters
• Amplified sound will be used
• Structures or equipment will be set up such as stages, tents, tables, etc.
• Vendors will sell merchandise, food, or beverages
• A march is planned that will not remain on sidewalks and participants will not follow all traffic and pedestrian laws

No Permit Required

A permit is not required if all of the following apply:

• Fewer than 100 people will attend
• No amplified sound will be used
• No structures or equipment will be set up
• Traffic and Metro operations will not be disrupted

Unsure if you need a permit?

Many small, spontaneous gatherings that do not use amplified sound or equipment and do not disrupt traffic do not require a permit.
If you are unsure, please contact us: madisonevents@cityofmadison.com 

The size and type of your event help determine which locations are most appropriate and whether a permit is required.

Marches

Fewer than 100 People

Appropriate locations include:

• City sidewalks (participants must obey all traffic and pedestrian laws and stay on sidewalks)
• City of Madison park

More than 100 people

Appropriate locations include:

• City of Madison park
• City streets, sidewalks, or parking areas - Street Use permit is required

Rallies and Demonstrations

Fewer than 100 People

Appropriate locations include:

• Downtown Performance Space
  These spaces are designed for small, spontaneous, expressive gatherings and rallies.
• Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds - State Facility Permit required
• City of Madison park

More than 100 People

Appropriate locations include:

• Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds - State Facility Permit required
• City of Madison park
• City streets, sidewalks, or parking areas - Street Use permit required

Safety First! Contact Us

Planning a march, rally, or demonstration? We encourage organizers to reach out with questions early in the planning process. Connecting with us helps support a safe and successful event, coordinate City services, reduce impacts to the surrounding community, and protect everyone's First Amendment right to gather.

madisonevents@cityofmadison.com

mpdevents@cityofmadison.com

Marching on State Street 

Marches may occur on the sidewalks of State Street without a permit, as long as participants obey all traffic signals and pedestrian laws.

Closing State Street to traffic is highly disruptive—particularly on weekdays. Organizers should review the Downtown Zone Rules when considering a march that may impact State Street.

Tips for Marches

• Plan for an adequate number of marshals based on the size of your march to help maintain public safety and keep the march moving as scheduled
• End your march at a location where participants can gather off the street, such as:
  • A City of Madison park
  • Wisconsin State Capitol Grounds - State Facility Permit required
• For larger marches, a Street Use permit may be required. This allows for coordinated street closures, barricades, traffic management, and other safety measures.