Are you looking to host a special event in Vail?  

A Special Event Permit is required for any organized activity involving the use of, or having impact upon, public property, public facilities, parks, sidewalks, street areas or the temporary use of private or public property in a manner that varies from its current land use. Permit applications should be submitted at least 45 days in advance of the event on our dedicated application portal.

Before you start the permit process, check with the Town of Vail Special Events Manager for any potential conflicts, and secure your venue.  Town staff can also help you identify what documents you may need to include with your permit, setup access to a cloud drive to easily submit these documents, and estimate how much time to plan for staff review.  

To complete your special event permit application, visit https://vailco.portal.opengov.com/categories/1091. 

To complete your special event permit, you may be required to  provide site maps, security plans, transportation and parking plans, entertainment schedules, etc.  It is highly recommended to have these important documents and information on hand. This will simplify and speed up the application submission process. 

Additional resources for submitting your event permit are listed at the bottom of this page.  The below maps can be used for to-scale site maps in Vail Village and Lionshead.  

Annual Amplified Sound Permit Application
Applications for an annual Amplified Sound Permit may be made via the link above. For questions about amplified sound permits, please contact the Special Events Manager at specialevents@vail.gov or Vail Police Records at 970-479-2210 or at vailpolice@vail.gov. A permit may be granted if it is determined that it is necessary for the community’s cultural, historical or social benefit. Special Event Amplified Sound Permits may also be required as part of a Special Event Permit Application if amplified sound is to be a part of the proposed Special Event.

Are you looking to perform a video or photo shoot in Vail?  All commercial shoots are required to complete the photo shoot registration prior to conducting any commercial work. 

Contact the Special Events Coordinator at (970) 477-3551 or jgross@vailgov.com for more information. This form must be submitted at least ten (10) days prior to your shoot. There is no fee for this Registration.

Photo/Video Application Form

The Town of Vail maintains display sites for banners that represent community events or are sponsored by a nonprofit organization and that promote activities that take place primarily within the Town of Vail. If you are interested in hanging a banner in Town of Vail for an event, fill out the form below and contact the Special Events Coordinator at specialevents@vailgov.com, or 970-477-3551, at least 10 days prior to your requested dates to confirm site availability.  Banner placement availability is determined by the Town of Vail.  

 Banner Reservation and Application

Liquor License
It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell or possess for sale any alcohol beverage unless licensed to do so as provided by law. Applications for a liquor license may be made to the Local Licensing Authority Administrator at sbibbens@vailgov.com, or phone (970) 479-2460.

Special Business Promotion Permit
The Special Business Promotions Permit provides an opportunity for an individual business to hold a promotional event extending beyond the interior premises of the business location and that provides additional activities beyond day-to-day business. Outdoor sales of goods alone are not eligible for a special business promotion permit. Please review the guidelines and schedule your dates with the Special Events Coordinator at specialevents@vailgov.com, or (970) 477-3551, prior to submitting your application.

Any tent over 10’x12’ is required to have a tent permit. Canopies are tents without walls, and unless of unusually large size, do not require a tent permit. Tent permits and inspections are performed by the Vail Fire Department and facilitated through the Building Department.  Contact specialevents@vailgov.com or (970) 477-3551 with questions about your tent and what is required. 

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful in planning your event.

Will your event have food vendors?

• Mobile Food Vehicle (MFV) Pre-Inspection checklist
• Eagle County Environmental Health Retail Food at Events

Will your event create any waste? The Town of Vail is a Certified Sustainable Destination.  As part of the certification we work with our event producers to divert waste from the landfill.  Walking Mountains is our partner on waste diversion services.

• Walking Mountains Zero Waste Events