Mass Gatherings & Music Festivals

Mass Gathering Permits

Per Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 751, certain events require a Mass Gathering Permit, the application for which must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event.

If your event meets one criterion from each section below, it requires a Mass Gathering Permit.

• The event attracts more than 2,500 people; or
• More than 500 persons, if 51% or more of those persons may reasonably be expected to be younger than 21 years of age and it is planned or may reasonably be expected that alcoholic beverages will be sold, served, or consumed at or around the gathering; and
• The event lasts for more than five continuous hours; or for any amount of time during the period beginning at 10 pm and ending at 4 am

Outdoor Music Festival Permits

Per Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2104, certain events require Promoter Registration and an Outdoor Music Festival Permit, the application(s) for which must be submitted to the County Clerk's Office at least 60 days prior to the event.

If your event meets the below criteria, it requires an Outdoor Music Festival Permit.

Any form of musical entertainment provided by live performances (including pre-recorded music or "DJ" events), that occur on two or more consecutive days or any two days during a three-day period and:

• More than 5,000 persons attend any performance;
• Any performer or audience member is not within a permanent structure; and
• The performance occurs outside the boundaries of a municipality.

How to Apply

1. Submit an online Request for Initial Determination or Exemption form or download the form below and mail or bring it in person to the address listed at the bottom of the form.
2. We will contact you with a determination on which permit(s) are needed, if any.
3. Fill out the appropriate application(s) below and submit them according to the instructions found in the "Rules and Regulations" and on the application forms.

For questions or more information, contact the Fire Marshal's Office.