How to get a one-time entertainment license

You must get a one-time entertainment license for public shows at certain events. You'll need to apply for a license if you are hosting an event — whether it is free or ticketed — if:

• the event is at an outdoor public property
• the event is at an outdoor private property (for example, Lawn on D or a church parking lot)
• the event is at an indoor venue and is open to the public or by invitation only, or
• the event requires other City permits, or a special event license.

Are you an annual entertainment license holder? You need a one-time entertainment license if you would like to have entertainment that is not on your annual license.

What's considered a public show?

Public shows are concerts, dance exhibitions, cabarets, and other events that include:

• dancing, whether by performers or patrons
• recorded or live music
• an amplification system
• a theatrical play or a film screening
• a floor show or light show, or
• any other audio or visual show.

You can get more detailed information about regulations from this City booklet.

Please note:

• We do not license entertainment on private residential properties. Examples include house parties or condominium barbecues for residents.
• Before you apply, you also need to make sure to pay any outstanding bills with the City.

Complete the one-time entertainment license application. If you are holding a carnival, you also need to print out and complete the one-time carnival license application. You will need to get your application signed by the Boston police captain from the district where you’re holding the event. 

If the event is indoors, we will need a copy of your Inspection Certificate and Place of Assembly Permit. We may also ask you for extra documents, including:

• a Certificate of Liability Insurance
• a license to Operate Amusement Devices
• a parks permit
• a building permit
• a fire permit for open flame
• a letter from the property owner, and
• any other information we need.

To get an idea of what it costs to apply, you can view a list of common fees. We take certified checks, money orders, or credit or debit cards.

You may request to have the one-time entertainment license fee waived or prorated if you are a certified tax-exempt, nonprofit (501 c-3). You'll need to fill out this waiver form and give us proof. The waiver request must be submitted to the Licensing Division at least seven days before the event date for review and approval.

Email your one-time application to MOCAL@boston.gov with the accompanying documents.

Keep in mind:

• You will need to give us your application at least two weeks before the event for review and processing.
• We will not accept applications without the Boston police captain signature.

Upon submission, a Licensing staff person will reply to your email confirming the receipt. Please note: Licenses are not issued until the week before the first event date due to the volume of applications. Upon review, an email will be sent with the option to pay online via credit card, debit card, or check. After you make your payment, we will email you the license.

If you would like to pay in cash, we will issue you an invoice which you must bring to City Hall Window M-8. After you make the payment, you may visit room 809 and we can print a copy of the license for you.

You must get a one-time entertainment license for public shows at certain events. You'll need to apply for a license if you are hosting an event — whether it is free or ticketed — if:

• the event is at an outdoor public property
• the event is at an outdoor private property (for example, Lawn on D or a church parking lot)
• the event is at an indoor venue and is open to the public or by invitation only, or
• the event requires other City permits, or a special event license.

Are you an annual entertainment license holder? You need a one-time entertainment license if you would like to have entertainment that is not on your annual license.

What's considered a public show?

Public shows are concerts, dance exhibitions, cabarets, and other events that include:

• dancing, whether by performers or patrons
• recorded or live music
• an amplification system
• a theatrical play or a film screening
• a floor show or light show, or
• any other audio or visual show.

You can get more detailed information about regulations from this City booklet.

Please note:

• We do not license entertainment on private residential properties. Examples include house parties or condominium barbecues for residents.
• Before you apply, you also need to make sure to pay any outstanding bills with the City.

Print out and complete the one-time entertainment license application. If you are holding a carnival, you also need to print out and complete the one-time carnival license application. You need to get your application signed by the Boston police captain from the district where you’re holding the event. 

If the event is indoors, we will need a copy of your Inspection Certificate and Place of Assembly Permit. We may also ask you for extra documents, including:

• a Certificate of Liability Insurance
• a license to Operate Amusement Devices
• a parks permit
• a building permit
• a fire permit for open flame
• a letter from the property owner, and
• any other information we need.

To get an idea of what it costs to apply, you can view a list of common fees. We take certified checks, money orders, or credit or debit cards.

You may request to have the one-time entertainment license fee waived or prorated if you are a certified tax-exempt, nonprofit. You'll need to fill out this waiver form and give us proof. The waiver request must be submitted to the Licensing Division at least seven days before the event date for review and approval.

Bring your completed application, documents, and payment to:

Consumer Affairs and Licensing
1 City Hall Square, Room 809
Boston, MA 02201
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Please note: Email is the most preferred method and results in quicker processing. Email your one-time application to MOCAL@boston.gov with the accompanying documents.

Keep in mind:

• You need to give us your application at least two weeks before the event.
• We will not accept applications without the Boston police captain signature.

Upon submission, a Licensing staff person will reply to your email confirming the receipt. Please note: Licenses are not issued until the week before the first event date due to the volume of applications. Upon review, an email will be sent with the option to pay online via credit card, debit card, or check. After you make your payment, we will email you the license.

If you would like to pay in cash, we will issue you an invoice which you must bring to City Hall Window M-8. After you make your payment, you may visit room 809 and we can print a copy of the license for you.

You must get a one-time entertainment license for public shows at certain events. You'll need to apply for a license if you are hosting an event — whether it is free or ticketed — if:

• the event is at an outdoor public property
• the event is at an outdoor private property (for example, Lawn on D or a church parking lot)
• the event is at an indoor venue and is open to the public or by invitation only, or
• the event requires other City permits, or a special event license.

Are you an annual entertainment license holder? You need a one-time entertainment license if you would like to have entertainment that is not on your annual license.

What's considered a public show?

Public shows are concerts, dance exhibitions, cabarets, and other events that include:

• dancing, whether by performers or patrons
• recorded or live music
• an amplification system
• a theatrical play or a film screening
• a floor show or light show, or
• any other audio or visual show.

You can get more detailed information about regulations from this City booklet.

Please note:

• We do not license entertainment on private residential properties. Examples include house parties or condominium barbecues for residents.
• Before you apply, you also need to make sure to pay any outstanding bills with the City.

Print out and complete the one-time entertainment license application. If you are holding a carnival, you also need to print out and complete the one-time carnival license application. You need to get your application signed by the Boston police captain from the district where you’re holding the event. 

If the event is indoors, we will need a copy of your Inspection Certificate and Place of Assembly Permit. We may also ask you for extra documents, including:

• a Certificate of Liability Insurance
• a license to Operate Amusement Devices
• a parks permit
• a building permit
• a fire permit for open flame
• a letter from the property owner, and
• any other information we need.

To get an idea of what it costs to apply, you can view a list of common fees. We take certified checks, money orders, or credit or debit cards.

You may request to have the one-time entertainment license fee waived or prorated if you are a certified tax-exempt, nonprofit. You'll need to fill out this waiver form and give us proof. The waiver request must be submitted to the Licensing Division at least seven days before the event date for review and approval.

Mail your completed application, documents, and payment to:

Consumer Affairs and Licensing
1 City Hall Square, Room 809
Boston, MA 02201

Please note: Email is the most preferred method and results in quicker processing. Email your one-time application to MOCAL@boston.gov with the accompanying documents.

Keep in mind:

• You need to give us your application at least two weeks before the event.
• We will not accept applications without the Boston police captain signature.

Upon submission, a Licensing staff person will reply to your email confirming the receipt. Please note: Licenses are not issued until the week before the first event date due to the volume of applications. Upon review, an email will be sent with the option to pay online via credit card, debit card, or check. After you make your payment, we will email you the license.

If you would like to pay in cash, we will issue you an invoice which you must bring to City Hall Window M-8. After you make your payment, you may visit room 809 and we can print a copy of the license for you.