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How to hold an event near City Hall

Last updated:

Please note: Effective October 19, 2021, the City of Boston is no longer accepting flag-raising applications.

Step
1

Before you get started online

You need our permission if you want to hold a public event at certain properties near City Hall. These locations include:

  • Faneuil Hall
  • Sam Adams Park
  • Civic Pavilion
  • City Hall Plaza
  • the lobby of City Hall
  • the Civic Pavilion 

If someone else already applied for the space, we may recommend other places for you to use.

We may deny your application if:

  • your application is incomplete
  • you didn't give us the required insurance certificate
  • you’re unable to hold a contract, or to sue and be sued
  • you had an event in the past and caused public property damage
  • you have unpaid debts with the City
  • you plan to have any illegal activities
  • your event causes a danger to the health or safety in the area
  • you have a history of disobeying City regulations or permits, or
  • you lied about your information on your application.
Step
2

Complete your application

Please complete our event form. You need to give us a copy of your insurance certificate.

Give us your application at least 30 days before you want to have your event.

Step
3

Wait to hear from us

We'll get back to you in writing within 10 days. We might ask for more information or documents about your event.

You may have to apply for other permits and meet with the Special Events Committee. We'll tell you what other departments to contact. If you don't get the right permits and licenses before your event, we will revoke your application.

If we approve your application, you have to follow our event guidelines:

  • You can’t allow illegal activity to take place at your event.
  • You must agree to pay for any damage to public property.
  • You can't hold us responsible for any damage or violations that happen at your event.
  • We have the right to make other rules for your event at any time.
Step
1

Before you get started by fax or mail

You need our permission to hold a public event at certain properties near City Hall. These locations include:

  • Faneuil Hall
  • Sam Adams Park
  • Civic Pavilion
  • City Hall Plaza
  • the lobby of City Hall,
  • the Civic Pavilion

If someone else already applied for the space, we may recommend other places for you to use.

We may deny your application if:

  • your application is incomplete
  • you didn't give us the required insurance certificate
  • you’re unable to hold a contract, or to sue and be sued
  • you had an event in the past and caused public property damage
  • you have unpaid debts with the City
  • you plan to have any illegal activities
  • your event causes a danger to the health or safety in the area
  • you have a history of disobeying City regulations or permits, or
  • you lied about your information on your application.
Step
2

Fill out and give us your application

Print out and complete the event application form. You also need to send us a certificate of insurance. You can fax your application and documents to 617-635-3250, or mail them to:

  • Property and Construction Management
  • 1 City Hall Square, Room 811
  • Boston, MA 02201
  • Attn: Event Application

Give us your application at least 30 days before you want to have your event.

Step
3

Wait to hear from us

We'll get back to you in writing within 10 days. We might ask for more information or documents about your event.

You may have to apply for other permits and meet with the Special Events Committee. We'll tell you what other departments to contact. If you don't get the right permits and licenses before your event, we will revoke your application.

If we approve your application, you have to follow our event guidelines:

  • You can’t allow illegal activity to take place at your event.
  • You must agree to pay for any damage to public property.
  • You can't hold us responsible for any damage or violations that happen at your event.
  • We have the right to make other rules for your event at any time.
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