Special events in Downtown Starkville contribute to our economy and boost our quality of life. Festivals, events, and parades all make Starkville a special place to live and visit.

For additional information or assistance, please contact The Partnership at (662) 323-3322. View our list of meeting and event venues located downtown.

HOW TO PLAN AN EVENT
IN DOWNTOWN STARKVILLE

Applications for a Downtown Event

• City of Starkville Special Events Application (this link includes Starkville’s Special Events Policy)
• Fire Station Park Reservation Request (depending on location)

Required Items for a Downtown Event

• Special event insurance (see our list of insurance providers). See Section 2 of the Special Event Policy for insurance requirements
• City of Starkville Special Events Application
• Map of the event area and/or road closures requested
• Mandatory attendance at one Special Events Committee meeting
• Application fee (see below)
• Copy of non-profit, 501c3 certificate (if applicable)
• Signed Application, Agreement to Indemnify, and Acknowledgment of Acceptance of Policy (part of the Special Events Application)

2023 Application Fees

Special Event Approval Process

1. Review the City of Starkville’s Special Events Policy
2. Submit your Special Events Application to the Community Development Department: Planning Division for review by the Special Event Committee no less than 60 days prior to the proposed event. 90 days is preferred. (See Special Events Application for more details)
3. Schedule meeting with Special Event Committee. The committee meets on Thursday mornings on an as needed basis.
4. The Special Events Committee shall review the application and recommend whether to approve it or not.
5. If recommended for the approval, the Community Development Department shall notify the Applicant when the application shall be reviewed by the Mayor or Board of Alderman.
6. If the application is approved, the Applicant shall be notified of any specific requirements imposed by the Mayor or Board of Aldermen and the time frame for completing such requirements. If the application is reviewed by the Board of Aldermen, the applicant is expected to attend the Board of Aldermen meeting and respond to any questions.

Review and Consideration of Application

The Special Events Committee shall review the application and recommend whether to approve it.

• The Mayor may make the final decision on any Special Event requests that include City services or the closure of City streets with in‐kind services in the amount of $5,000.00 or less.
• The Board of Aldermen shall make the final decision on any Special Event requests that include City services or the closure of City streets with in‐kind services in an amount more than $5,000.00.

Approval of Application

If the application is approved, the Applicant shall be notified of any specific requirements imposed by the Mayor or Board of Aldermen and the time frame for completing such requirements. If the application is reviewed by the Board of Aldermen, the applicant is expected to attend the Board of Aldermen meeting and respond to any questions.

Requirements After Event Approval

• Copy of insurance certificate is required a minimum of 20 days prior to the event and must be submitted to the Special Event Committee
• Notify all businesses affected by your event (street closings, blocked parking spaces, etc.) at least 2 (two) weeks prior to the event date.

Appeal Process

Any applicant dissatisfied by the decision of the Mayor may appeal that decision to the Board of Aldermen by providing written notice to the Community Development Director within five days of the Mayor’s decision. The matter shall then be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen. Appeals of the decision of the Board of Aldermen shall be to a court of competent jurisdiction consistent with state statute. (See Special Events Application for more details)