Host an Event
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Any event (i.e. festival, concert, run/walk, art show, etc.) that uses, or will likely have a large impact on, public or City-owned property, such as streets or parks, requires a Special Event Permit Application. If you’re the person or organization hosting or sponsoring an event you’ll need to follow the guidelines below. This is information that we require in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly and safely.
Special Event Permit applications must be submitted no less than forty five (45) days prior to the event.
Permit applications should be delivered to the Danville Police Department, 445 W Main Street, or by e-mail.
Special Event Permit Guidelines
Please review the information below before completing your special event permit application.
The following regulations shall also apply, see Ordinance Number 1882 (PDF) and Occupational License Ordinance (PDF).
Based on the size and type of event you’re having, a fee is required when you submit your application:
- Block Party Permit ($25.00 fee): Neighborhood gatherings confined to a block or a portion of a street where no alcohol is allowed, served or consumed on public property; less than 200 people. (due 30 days prior to event)
- Low Impact Permit ($25.00 fee): Events including, but not limited to, neighborhood picnics, social gatherings or meetings, small theatrical performances; no alcohol served; less than 1,000 people. (due 30 days prior to event)
- Medium Impact Event Permit ($50.00 fee): Events including, but not limited to, dances, animal shows, rallies, flea markets; no alcohol served; 1,000 - 2,500 people. (due 30 days prior to event)
- High Impact Event Permit ($75.00 fee): Events including, but not limited to, non-professional sporting events, circuses, carnivals with rides; no alcohol served; 2,500 - 5,000 people. (due 45 days prior to event)
- Special Impact Event Permit ($100.00 fee): Events including, but not limited to, Brass Band Festival, rock concerts, professional sporting events, fireworks displays; any event where alcohol is sold, served or otherwise available; 5,000 plus attending. (due 90-120 days prior to event)
If alcohol will be served or sold at your event, you must obtain additional Alcohol Beverage Control Licensing through the State of Kentucky and City of Danville.
- If alcohol is to be served at your event, and you do not currently hold an ABC License, a Special Temporary Alcohol License may be issued. Complete the application here and submit to ABC Administrator at least 30 day prior to the event. Additional fees, insurance requirement may apply.
- To obtain an ABC License (not special-temporary), you should apply online with the State of Kentucky. Once permitted, you may complete the ABC License Application for the City of Danville. Contact ABC Administrator for guidance.
For additional guidance on ABC Regulations, please visit https://www.danvilleky.org/211/Alcoholic-Beverage-Control-ABC or contact the City of Danville's ABC Administrator.
Entertainment Destination Center
During your special event, you may request that the Downtown Entertainment Destination Center be "activated" - This allows guests to carry alcoholic beverages, in approved EDC cups, from the serving establishments (restaurants), throughout the designated area. You must request this activation when submitting your special event permit application.
Please review:
- Ordinance Establishing Danville Entertainment Destination Center
- Downtown Danville Entertainment District Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Entertainment Destination Center? The EDC allows patrons at participating restaurants and bars to leave the premise with an alcoholic beverage in a specially marked cup. A newly established Entertainment Destination Center will boost our restaurant and hospitality industries, and draw more people Downtown.
Where can I have alcoholic beverages in downtown Danville? Alcoholic beverages purchased from a business in the EDC must be consumed within the boundaries. (See map) EDC map
When are alcoholic beverages allowed in the EDC? Alcoholic beverages are only allowed on public property when the EDC is activated per event.
Can I take my EDC cup anywhere within Danville's EDC district? Businesses participating and located in the EDC may allow patrons to leave its premises with alcoholic beverage drinks and consume those drinks at other licensed premises or any EDC common area. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in unlicensed premises but are permitted in EDC common areas. Taking alcoholic beverages outside the physical boundaries of the EDC is prohibited.
Can I take my EDC cup adjacent to the program boundary? To-go drinks stay in the district. Beverages purchased outside the district are prohibited.
Can I purchase an EDC cup and put my own drink in it to walk around downtown Danville during a special event? No, only drinks purchased from a participating business in the EDC are allowed by state law. No cans, glass bottles, or outside drinks are permitted within the boundaries. Anyone with alcohol on public property not purchased from a participating business during permitted hours or during a designated special event can be cited and/or arrested.
Can I bring my EDC cup back to another event? No. District cups are only permitted for a single use when leaving a downtown business to walk to another location within the EDC.
What are the repercussions for those exiting the boundaries with alcohol? Should patrons leave the boundary, they can be cited and/or arrested.
The City of Danville owns and maintains Weisiger Park (courtyard and stage next to Boyle County Courthouse)
This is the primary event venue in Downtown Danville.
Reservation of Weisiger Park only for organized gatherings requires the Weisiger Park Application
Please contact Danville Police Department for additional information.
Boyle County Fiscal Court owns and operates the Constitution Square State Historic Site. To reserve Constitution Square, please contact the County Administrator.
If street closures are required, please submit a special event permit application, as well, to the City of Danville.
A City of Danville Business License is required by vendors for the sale of goods in the City. All vendors must obtain a Business License through the Finance Department prior to conducting business. A license from another jurisdiction is not applicable. Additional licenses/permits may be required for various types of businesses (Food Trucks, Alcohol, etc.) The vendor must also be registered with the State of Kentucky.
The Special Event Host is responsible for reporting all vendors expected at the event. The Special Event Permit Report (PDF) or Special Event Permit Report (XLSX) must be submitted to the Finance Department at least 5 days prior to the event.
Contact the City of Danville Finance Department for more information.
To host a Special Event in one of our parks, please contact Danville-Boyle County Parks & Recreation at 859-238-1233. Special Event Applications and Vendor requirements apply to parks events, as well.
Parks Available:
Millennium Park
Jackson Park
Michael M Smith Memorial Park
Bruce Crowley Park @ Lexington Avenue
Cowan Street Park
Butler Drive Park
Shelter Rentals are also available by request.
Applicants must provide a certificate of general liability insurance naming the City of Danville as an additional insured for the date(s) of the event. Liability limits are $500,000 for low impact events and $1,000,000 for medium, high, and special impact events. (MO 05-14-01-2018 sets the same limits for all events) - Contact an insurance provider for details. Additional insurance may be required for events involving alcohol.
If you plan to have fireworks at your event, you will need to submit an Application for Supervised Public Display of Fireworks to the Division of Fire Prevention at 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601-1987 and proper notification to the City of Danville. Please contact Danville Fire Department at 859-238-1211 for more information
Events on private property do not require a Special Event Permit Application unless:
- Vendors are present
- Street/Road Closures are required
- Large crowds require law enforcement presence or traffic control
- Alcohol is sold
Contact Danville Police Department to determine your requirements for an event on private property.
Please keep in mind that City of Danville ordinance, including alcohol, noise and nuisance ordinances are applicable.
It is the responsibility of the host to manage waste at the event. You should ensure there is no garage remaining after the event.
For Downtown Danville events, you may request assitance through the Public Works Department (additional fees may apply).
Waste Management during the Parks events should be discussed prior to events and a waste management plan approved by the Parks & Recreation staff.
For other events, you may request assistance from Boyle County Solid Waste & Recycling.
Food Trucks that plan to attend a single event in the City of Danville should obtain a City of Danville Business License and proper verification from the Boyle County Health Department and City of Danville Fire Departments.
Food Trucks who regularly operate in the City of Danville, more than one time per year, are required to obtain a City of Danville Food Truck Permit.
Is your event open to the public? Submit your events to the organizations below to help get the word out! Provide as much detail as possible.
Special Event Permit Application
Please complete this application, with as much detail as possible, and proper documents/maps/insurance attached, and submit it to the Danville Police Department at least 45 days prior to the event.
Special Event Permit Application
Additional Resources
- (Required Vendor List) Special Event Permit Report (PDF) or Special Event Permit Report (XLSX)
- Special Event Permit Reconciliation Report (PDF) or Special Event Permit Reconciliation Report (XLSX)
- To be submitted no later than 20 days after the date of the event or deposit will be forfeited in full.
- Alcohol Beverage Control
- Reserve Weisiger Park (near Boyle County Courthouse)
- Temporary Alcohol License Application
- Is your event open to the public? Add it to the community calendar
- Business & Occupational Licensing
- For use of Constitution Square Park, please contact the Boyle County Courthouse.
- Questions? Contact us