Organizations interested in holding a one-day event within the public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks, and green spaces), must submit an application at least 30 days in advance. Events scheduled for more than one day require application 60 days in advance.

Applicants are encouraged to email the Community Relations Office with questions, or call 540-443-1090.

For use of Henderson Lawn, the Media Building Lawn, or other downtown Virginia Tech property, organizers must apply to the University.

Market Square Park

Events proposed for Market Square Park must be co-sponsored by Friends of the Farmers Market (FFM), Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., (DBI) or the Town of Blacksburg. If a co-sponsorship arrangement cannot be met, the applicant must submit a letter of support from DBI or FFM to be considered for approval.

These events must be open to the public without charge, may not take place during Farmers Market hours, and may not be used for private or individual purposes such as weddings, reunions, or club gatherings. An application for use of Market Square Park must be submitted within 30 days of the proposed activity.

Parades, Races, Walks, and Block Parties

A brief, one page application is required for these activities, since they typically involve street closures or monitoring by the Blacksburg Police Department. If a parade, race, or walk is part of a larger event a downtown event application must also be submitted.

To organize a demonstration, picket, or other expressive activity, please review the town’s guidelines on expressive activities and free speech. These activities on town sidewalks do not require a permit, but demonstrations or picketing involving ten or more persons requires registration with the Blacksburg Police Department.

Voluntary Registrations and Mass Gatherings

Gatherings on private property do not require submission of a downtown event application, but property owners and tenants are asked to consider the town’s voluntary party registration program as a show of good will and cooperative spirit.

Private social gatherings taking place outdoors or in a partially enclosed structure where 200 or more people are invited or expected to attend, must be approved by submitting a mass gathering permit.

Virginia Tech

Event Services - Holding an event on Henderson Lawn, the Media Building lawn, or other University property requires application to Virginia Tech. If the event layout includes town and Virginia Tech property, a downtown event application, and a Virginia Tech event application is required.

Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) - Holding a race or similar event at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center requires the submission of information at least 60 days in advance. Call 540-961-3600, ext. 2106 or email VTCRC sales for more information.

Forms

• Downtown Event Application (.pdf)
• Market Square Park Application (.pdf)
• Parade, Race, and Block Parties (.pdf)
• Voluntary Party Registration (pdf)
• Mass Gathering Permit (.pdf)
• Fireworks Permit (.pdf)

Resources

Montgomery County Health Department – Contact immediately if food is to be prepared and/or served during an event.

Virginia ABC Regional Office – Contact immediately if alcohol is to be served during an event.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer