Host an Event in Norcross

There is no set deadline to submit an application; we will accept it at any time. However, please make sure to submit at least one month before your event date. If you are eligible for "co-sponsored" event classification, and would like to be a part of the official city 2023 Event Lineup collateral, you will need to submit your application by the Friday before Thanksgiving. Also, given the printed nature and year-long life cycle of the collateral, you must be able to commit to your event name, date and location at the time of submission (barring truly unforeseen circumstances, i.e. a pandemic or weather).

An application must include all required documents and information; if something is missing, you may be asked to resubmit with the missing info. Dates and/or venue may also result in a "denied" application if they overlap/conflict with another event. While it is possible for more than one event to occur on the same day, factors such as size, location and staffing requirements may cause a certain combination to put a strain on resources. In this case, you may resubmit with a revised proposal for the conflict; we can work with you to help determine a solution for all parties.

Along with the completed special events application, you must submit: 

• A Signage Permit (if event promotion includes any temporary signage such as banners, yard signs, posters, etc.) 
• A Food Vendor Application
• A Map showing the entire event layout and/or route of any running or walking event (must show turn-by-turn route) 
• A PDF Copy of Any Proposed or Completed Graphics used to promote event (posters, brochures, rack cards, etc.) 
• Confirmation of Reservation of any City of Norcross parks, pavilions, community center or publicly owned building (Click here to visit the Facility Rental page)

We are only able to promote events classified as "city" and "co-sponsored" events. This includes such requests as listing on our website calendar, posting on social media, including a notice in the city's monthly newsletter, etc. Different classifications receive different levels of promotion assistance; more information on which promotions your event is eligible for will be provided to you at your kickoff meeting with the Special Events Committee. If you you are not eligible for promotion assistance because you are not a "city" or "co-sponsored" event, we are still happy to provide tips and resources to help you get started. 

You can host an event at any of the city parks as well as publicly owned spaces such as the Cultural Arts & Community Center. Visit our Facility Rental page to browse options and find more information about making a reservation.

The City of Norcross classifies events in one of three categories: City, Co-sponsored and Third-party. 

• A "City" event is an event being put on by the City of Norcross—primarily these are events organized by the city's Events Manager, but they may also be a workshop put on by a city board or other city affiliation. All costs/services involved with the planning of the event are funded through the city's budget.
• A "Co-sponsored" event is a collaboration between the City of Norcross and the third-party event organizer, who jointly "host" the event. Each collaboration looks a little different, but typically includes some sort of financial stake from the city. The city contributes some (not all) resources (i.e. police presence, promotion) free of charge to co-sponsored events. There are various criteria an event must meet in order to be eligible for "co-sponsored" classification.
• A "Third-party" event is any other event hosted in Norcross. City staff and resources may still be involved, such as a police presence, but the event organizing body covers those costs, not the city. Many third-party events go on to be "Co-sponsored" events in their second year after proving to be successful their first year in Norcross.