New resources for hosting small events and programs

Published June 4 2026

With its safe, bustling downtown and nearly 100 well-maintained parks of various sizes, Bellevue is an attractive place to hold an event. The city is now making it easier for people to host events here, which may require permits or be eligible for city grants.

Based on feedback from community members and organizers of past events, the city is making the process of hosting activities and events more intuitive and straightforward, offering maps, guides and an online checklist.

• Block parties: Residents may apply for a free permit to use a neighborhood street for their gathering, after notifying their neighbors. The city has developed a new site plan map tool, which allows organizers to create an aerial street map to mark barrier locations of the event more easily. In addition, a video walkthrough of the online permitting process and other resources have been added. The Neighborhoods team can provide additional marketing support if able.
• Checklist builder: A new event planning page on the city's website provides high-level, interactive guidance to organizers of events of all sizes to meet their needs, depending on how they answer a series of questions. The tool directs organizers to appropriate permits for their specific plans-and emails the organizer a customized checklist.
• Location guides: For frequently requested locations and event types, the city has developed predefined event packages, featuring traffic control plans, guidance on required permits and staffing, and information on fees. While event organizers can propose and host an event in any location across the city, these packages provide organizers a "head start" for popular places such as 106th Avenue Northeast, Crossroads and Main Street.

Organizers of events, programs and public activations of all sizes can get started with all of these new resources at Plan an Event in Bellevue.

"Bellevue is proud to be a welcoming, safe, and responsive community," said Jesse Canedo, chief economic development officer. "Our event organizers asked us to help them bring people together more often by simplifying steps and lowering costs. This first set of improvements is a down payment on a broader revamp that keeps community events easy, affordable, and safe-with clear processes and responsible costs."

The city will advance more process improvements in the coming years. These actions support the City Council's vision to create iconic destinations and welcoming vibrant public spaces across Bellevue.