Hosting Events in Downtown Opelika

We are excited that you are considering Historic Downtown Opelika as your event location. We think you’ll agree that Opelika hosts some of the best community events. As you know, launching an event is hard work that requires months of planning and a solid strategy. A Downtown Opelika Special Events Manual, developed by Opelika Main Street and City of Opelika staff, was created to help you navigate the logistics and details you’ll want to take into consideration for a downtown event. It is intended to assist you in the process and hopefully make things easier.

If you are looking to host an event in the Opelika Main Street District that closes streets, other public spaces, or utilizes any downtown Opelika resources, then you’ll need a Special Event Permit. The permit grants you official permission to hold the event and/or use the space. Event Requests that do not require a Downtown Street Closure will be reviewed by a committee made up of Opelika Main Street and City of Opelika staff. Street Closure Requests MUST go before the City Council.

*If your event is not within the Opelika Main Street District, you must contact the City Clerk for a Street Closure Application. This request is still required to go before the City Council.

Special Event Permit Process

Step One: Review the Special Event Manual to ensure the proposed event meets the regulations and guidelines set for hosting events in Historic Downtown Opelika.

Please note: Special Event Applications must be submitted at a minimum of 90 days in advance.

Step Two: Submit a request to Opelika Main Street via email - director@opelikamainstreet.org - to determine if the event date is available. Please include the proposed event name, description, and date/time.

Step Three: Once the date has been confirmed as available and the event meets the regulations and guidelines, the event organizer will be given the Downtown Special Event Permit Application to complete. Application and checklist must be submitted a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 120 days before the event.

Step Four: Once Opelika Main Street receives the application and completed checklist, staff will review the packets for completeness before either passing to the City Clerk for Council approval (Street Closure/Sidewalk) or the Approval Committee (Courthouse Square & Downtown Areas).

Step Five: Once the event has been approved and the required fees have been paid, the permit will be issued. The Event Organizer will work with Opelika Main Street staff to see the event through.

Step Six: A post-event report card will be issued to determine whether the agreed-upon rules were followed and whether the event will be allowed to apply again.

Private Venues