What is a Special Event?

A Special Event Permit is required when the event involves:

• Closing and exclusive use of a public street, alley, or public right of way. 
• Has over 250 people at any one time attending the event on private property, except those situations where a constitutional right is being expressed - marches and public assemblies.
• City ordinances and rules require public safety support by city employees.
• Will require extraordinary services by any city department.
• Hours of the event extend beyond those otherwise adopted in city ordinances.
• Alcohol, beverages, food, and/or merchandise will be offered for purchase.

Don't know if your event qualifies? Email the Wauwatosa Police Department at PD-SpecialEvents@wauwatosa.gov or call (414) 471-8430.

Application & Permit Process Information

• Special Event Applicant Organizer Notification
• Agency Notification Certification 
• Special Events Ordinance– Chapter 7.50 – Special Events
• Special Events Ordinance – Chapter 12.40.010 - Blocking Streets for Unusual Purposes

How to Apply

All Special Event applications must be submitted online through the city's self-service portal.

1. Create an account.
2. Once logged in, under permits, choose from three special event types.
3. Follow the prompts and fill in all required fields.
4. Attachments will be required. (See list below)
5. After submittal, staff will complete an initial review of the application.
6. You will receive an invoice for the $250 application fee. Once payment is received, your application will be reviewed by all relevant departments. After all staff have reviewed, if additional service fees apply, a final invoice will be issued.
7. Payment for those services must be paid within 30 days after the event
8.  The approved permit will be emailed to the email provided in the application.

Attachments required:

• Certificate of Insurance (must have a minimum liability of $1 million per occurrence and name the City of Wauwatosa and its employees as an additional insured).
• Parking plan, including the estimated number of vehicles. 
• If your event is a run/walk, include your proposed route plan. Or, you may select one of the approved routes. (See below)

Approved Run/Walk Routes

Below are available approved run/walk routes:

Things to Know

• Questions? Contact the Wauwatosa Police Department's Community Support Division. Email PD-SpecialEvents@wauwatosa.gov or call (414) 471-8430.
• Fees and Deadlines: 
  • Application Fee: $250 (non-refundable)
  • Extraordinary Service Fees: May apply if your event requires services beyond normal operations (i.e., a measurable financial cost to service the event that exceeds normal levels of service). 

• Applications may not be submitted more than one (1) year before an event, and no less than 90 days before an event.
• Special Events can be held between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 am.

2026 Blackout Dates

• Friday, June 26 through Sunday, July 12
• Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 9
• Friday, August 28 through Sunday, September 13
• Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 12 

Special event applications will not be accepted for events that fall within the blackout dates unless Police Services are not needed.

Block Parties

Learn more about block parties.

Temporary Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (TDORA)

The City has three approved Temporary Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (TDORA) that can be utilized in connection with special events.

A TDORA is a designated area where people may purchase an alcoholic beverage from an approved participating business and enjoy it outdoors during an approved special event. TDORAs are temporary and are only in effect during the dates and times approved by the Common Council. 

TDORAs are authorized only in the following areas: 

• The Village of Wauwatosa
• Midtown
• East Tosa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)