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Special Events on Nantucket
Looking to host a special event on Nantucket? We are delighted that you are interested in building community, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and energizing our island.
The Town of Nantucket defines a “Special Event” as any event that is:
- Held on public property
- Held on private property but the event is open to the public (free or ticketed)
- An event that serves alcohol either within the price of admission or as an advertised amenity to guests, regardless of location.
- Any event up to 250 participants that is hosted by an individual, group, and or organization that will impact access to public property, impact business activity, and or potentially impact the safety of residents and visitors.
- Any event over 250 people on Public Property requires a separate Public Assembly application. Please fill out a special event application and contact the Town’s Events Coordinator, Marina Dzvonik, promptly if you are planning an event requiring a Public Assembly permit.
Examples of events that would need to be permitted include but are not limited to:
- Road races or sport events
- Concerts (Inside or outside of a building without a permanent entertainment license)
- Celebrations, catered beach dinners, receptions, beach weddings
- Fundraising events
- Retail Store Receptions
- Art Opening / Gallery Receptions
- Ticketed dinner parties or cocktail receptions
Special Event Permits Issued by the Town of Nantucket:
Each permit has a specific fee associated with it. All applicants will be charged a $25 application fee plus the applicable permit fee(s). Please review the Town of Nantucket fee schedule for details.
Only businesses with non-profit status may apply for and receive an “All Alcohol” Temporary Pouring Permit.
- Special Event Permit (Any special event <250 held on public property)
- Public Assembly Permit (Any special event >250 people held on private or public property) *Requires Select Board Approval
- Beach Event (Under 25)
- Beach Event (25-75 )
- Beach Event (Over 75) *Requires Select Board Approval
- Temporary Pouring Permit (Either Beer and/or Wine, or All Alcohol*)
- Temporary Entertainment License
APPLYING FOR AN EVENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOUR EVENT WILL BE APPROVED!
The Town of Nantucket assumes no liability if an event is not approved — Selling tickets, advertising, gaining sponsorship and other activities done prior to event approval is done at the risk of the event organizer.
Events on Private Property
If you are planning an event on private property, you may still need to apply for a special event permit, pouring permit, or an entertainment license. If you have any questions about the complexity of hosting a public event on private property please contact Marina Dzvonik, Town's Events Coordinator.
Special permits are needed as follows:
- When alcohol is included in the price of admission to an event if venue does not have its own permanent liquor license.
- When an event is advertised as open to the public and provides alcohol, food, or entertainment.
- When an event is held on private property, such as a hotel or an event venue that does not have its own permanent liquor license.