The Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE) accepts applications between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for City observed holidays. MOSE is located in City Hall, 901 Bagby, 1st Floor, Houston, Texas 77002. Please refer to https://www.houstontx.gov/specialevents/permittinginfo.html for more detailed information and FAQs.

The City of Houston Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE) produces and permits events for the City of Houston. City-wide and neighborhood festivals, dedications, inaugurations, parades, tree plantings, fun runs, galas, ground-breakings, holiday celebrations are examples of events coordinated by this office.

Civic celebration is vital to the spirit of Houston. The Mayor's Office of Special Events produces and permits events that enhance the image of the city and highlight Houston 's diverse culture. In addition to event production, the Mayor's Office of Special Events processes requests for special events, parade and street function permits, evaluates event co-sponsorship on city property, and provides production assistance for sponsored, co-sponsored, or fee-paid events. The goal of the Mayor's Office of Special Events is to promote consistent quality, family-oriented entertainment to Houston citizens and visitors. More About MOSE ...


Thanksgiving Day Parade

75th Annual H-E-B
Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 28, 2024

The 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 9 a.m. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, ...

Thanksgiving Day
Parade Website

Mayor's Holiday Spectacular

Mayor's Holiday
Spectacular

December 7, 2024

The Mayor and Reliant will kick off the holiday season at the Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular. The public is invited to Hermann Square at City Hall ...

Mayor's Holiday
Spectacular Website

Cigna Sunday in the Park

CIGNA Sunday
in the Park

December 8, 2024

Cigna Sunday in the Park provides Houstonians a unique opportunity to engage with others, meet new neighbors, and enjoy a neighborhood park. Each location will feature a theme with music, games, ...

Sunday in the Park
Webpage

Freedom Over Texas

Freedom
Over Texas

July 4, 2025

Houston’s signature patriotic celebration at Buffalo Bayou and takes place in Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks. The show will ...

Freedom Over
Texas Website

Back 2 School Fest

Mayor's Back 2
School Fest

August 2025

The Mayor’s Back to School Fest Presented by Shell is designed to help economically disadvantaged Houston-area elementary school students and their families as they prepare to return to school. ...

Back 2 School
Fest Website

Veterans Day Celebration

Veterans Day
Celebration

November 11, 2025

The City is proud to pay tribute to our men and women in the military by providing an annual “Houston Salutes American Heroes Veterans Day Celebration”. This civic celebration honors and celebrates ...

Vet Day Parade
Website

Applications, Permits, Functions, Etc.

To apply for permission to hold a special event in a park or public space, please submit a Special Event Application (.pdf). You may submit the application along with the applicable non-refundable application fees by mail or in person.

Applying for an Event?
Please click more to the right for more info and following filing deadlines ...

Parades, Street Functions & Park / Other Events
The Mayor’s Office of Special Events accepts applications between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for City-observed Holidays. Applications for a parade or street function permit may be filed no earlier than the 365th day prior to the date of the requested parade ... More Functions Information ...

Bagged Meters Permits Information

#REDMETERBAG Do you know what this means? A Red Meter Bag means that the spaces are reserved for the permit holder. Avoid a ticket and towing and do not park here. If you have a permit, make sure you display your permit in your windshield. #parking

Bagged Meter Graphic

Parks Dept. Permits & Reservations

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department Permits Office issues permits for the use of different venues and parks operated by the department for the City of Houston. An area within a park may be reserved for personal use for private events by obtaining a permit through the Permits section of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. A fee and a refundable deposit are required. This permit ensures the exclusive use of a particular space for a designated time. Any request to conduct a park event that is of a size and nature requiring the significant provision or coordination of city services will require a special event permit from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

Parks Department Logo