Types of Special Events

A Special Event is defined as an infrequent advertised and/or open-to-the-public event outside of normal activities which is likely to attract visitors, and is an opportunity for leisure, social or cultural experiences by attendees. Such special events may include but are not limited to, any public amusement or event that will take place on a public right-of-way, exhibitions, automobile shows, tournaments, running events, festivals, carnivals, air shows, group garage sales, outdoor shows/concerts, craft fairs, block parties, parades and religious events. 

Special events are further defined as temporary activities that are abnormal to the specific site when needs of traffic, parking, restrooms, noise level, crowds, zoning, etc., exceed the original design and intent of the site. This article does not apply to activities normally occurring on property appropriately zoned to allow the activity.

An event that requires a Special Event Permit is any event that impacts City streets or facilities, involves off-premises alcohol sales, food sales and/or is expected to have more than 1,000 participants, though some events may not have over 1,000 participants but still qualify as specific “Type” of event, defined by the City of Manvel under "Types of Events."

Types of Events as Defined by the City of Manvel

The City of Manvel breaks down events into three types to better categorize and structure applications to the needs of the hosting organization.

Type A

Any event that is large in nature (more than 1,000 participants) that impacts city streets or adjacent facilities, involves off-premises alcohol sales, food sales, and/or is expected to have:

  • Circus, carnival or fair
  • Convention or exhibit
  • Outdoor concert, jazz, or music festival
  • Outdoor cooking contest or public exhibition
  • Parades or processions
  • Community events or celebrations
  • Outdoor public festivals
  • Street dances
  • Fun runs or other events in which City streets are closed.

Applications for a Type A event cost $100 and must be submitted 60 days prior to the event.

Type B

Similar to above but is smaller in nature (up to 1,000 participants), or any event that requires the use of public or private facility or property. Special Event Type B events shall include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Team sports clinic
  • Social group gathering
  • Farmer’s Market

Applications for a Type B event cost $50 and must be submitted 15-30 days prior to the event.

Type C (Recurring)

Any event that is small in nature (fewer than 500 participants), will have a temporary fixture outside, does not involve onsite special event staff, and takes place on private or public property (such as a parking lot) that can recur periodically throughout a six-month period. 

A Type C event’s temporary fixture may involve, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

  • Mobile Food Units (Food Trucks) with current valid Mobile Food Unit Health License from the City of Manvel
  • Pop-up tents
  • Portable displays

Applications for a Type C event cost $25 and must be submitted 7-10 days prior to the event.

Submit an Application

Learn how to submit a Special Event Permit Application.