Host an Event in LYH

The City of Lynchburg is home to many special events – from legacy road and trail races to street festivals and outdoor concerts to pop-up block parties. Are you looking to host an event in the City of Lynchburg?

Throughout the year dozens of large and small events are conducted on City streets, public property, parks and public facilities. The Office of Economic Development & Tourism is the starting point for special events in the City of Lynchburg and can assist you to navigate the permit process

Questions? Contact us. 

Clayton Copper
Event Operations Coordinator, Economic Development & Tourism
(434) 455-4495
clayton.copper@lynchburgva.gov 

Special Event Application Learn More

Special Event Basics

There are several parameters that can be used to determine if an event is, and should be permitted as, a special event. If your event is to occur on City (public) property and you can answer yes to any (or all) of these questions, the event probably needs a permit: 

  • Are you expecting more than 1,000 people to attend your event? 
  • Will you be selling (or serving) alcohol at your event? 
  • Is there an admission fee of any kind to get into your event? 
  • Will your event require the use of city services? For instance, will you need streets to be closed (public works)? Will you need security (police department)? 

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, yours is likely an Expanded Use or Special Event permit that will require insurance. If you answered “No” to all of the questions above, yours is likely a Simple Use permit and you will be directed to the Parks & Recreation Department.

Please visit our FAQ page for more information. 

The City of Lynchburg is closely monitoring guidance and regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and currently following statewide guidance for all applications, including festivals, fairs or other large amusement gatherings. 
 
In determining special event permits and guidance for event organizers, the City of Lynchburg will follow the Governor’s current Executive Order and the Virginia Department of Labor Emergency Temporary Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention.

16VAC25-220 Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Temporary Standard

Special Event Permit Process

  1. If it is determined that you will need a Special Event Permit, please read the City of Lynchburg’s Special Events Guidelines.
  2. Read through the Special Event FAQs. 
  3. Scope out a location– We have created a tool in GIS to help you map out your event. 
  4. Complete a Special Event Permit application.
  5. Make sure to note that new event permits must be completed 90 days in advance, and recurring event permits must be completed 60 days in advance.