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’re hosting an event—whether it’s free or ticketed—at an indoor venue that is open to the public or by invitation only. Venues included but are not limited to restaurants, hotels, function halls, music venues, nightclubs, etc...

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.
• Before you apply, you also need to make sure to pay any outstanding bills with the City.

Complete the one-time entertainment license application.

You will need to get your application signed by the Boston police captain from the district where you’re holding the event. To check which police district, you can enter the event address here.  Then click on "Public Safety" icon. The Police District will be noted there.

If the event is indoors, we will need a copy of the venue's Building Inspection Certificate and Place of Assembly Permit (if over 49 people). We may also ask you for extra documents, including:

• a certificate of Liability Insurance
• a letter/contract from the property owner, and
• any other information we need.

Email your one-time application to MOCAL@boston.gov with the accompanying documents. You may also drop off the application at City Hall (Room 809) but we are not able to process it immediately. It is quicker to email the application to MOCAL@boston.gov. Also, you won't need to pay or find parking!

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.

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.

Once you receive the entertainment license, you should have the license posted or readily available during the event for Boston Police or other City departments..

Note: If the event is cancelled, you must email MOCAL@boston.gov BEFORE the event should they want a refund or credit.

You must get a one-time entertainment or special event license for public shows at certain events. You’ll need to apply for a license if you’re hosting an event—whether it’s free or ticketed, public or private—if:

• The event is held on outdoor public property (e.g., a block party, sidewalk, or City park)
• The event takes place on outdoor private property (e.g., a commercial business parking lot or a church property), or

• the event requires other City permits, or  special event application process.

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.

If the event will take place at location with an existing annual entertainment license such as a restaurant and you'd like to have entertainment for one day on the restaurant patio, complete the one-time entertainment license application.

If the event will take place at an unlicensed outdoor space/venue or the outdoor area of an existing annual entertainment license premise but at a larger scale, complete the Special Event application.

If you are holding a carnival, you also need to print out and complete the one-time carnival license application. 

Not sure what application you need to fill out? Email us at MOCAL@boston.gov.

You will need to get your application(s) signed by the Boston police captain from the district where you’re holding the event. To check which police district, you can enter the event address here.  Then click on "Public Safety" icon. The Police District will be noted there.

We may also ask you for extra documents depending on the details and nature of the event, including:

• a certificate of Liability Insurance
• a license to Operate Amusement Devices for carnival games/rides
• a parks permit for events held in the Parks
• an electrical permit for generators
• a building permit for tents or stages
• a health permit for food service
• an alcohol license for alcohol service
• an open/burning cooking permit for open flames such as the use of grills or sternos
• a letter/contract from the property owner, and
• any other information we need.

Review the Special Event application process here. 

Email your Special Event or One Time application to MOCAL@boston.gov with the accompanying documents. You may also drop off the application at City Hall (Room 809) but we are not able to process it immediately. It is quicker to email the application to MOCAL@boston.gov. Also, you won't need to pay or find parking!

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.

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.

Once you receive the entertainment or special event license, you should have the license posted or readily available during the event for Boston Police or other City departments..

Note: If the event is cancelled, the Applicant must email MOCAL@boston.gov BEFORE the event should they want a refund or credit.