The entire Town of Mammoth Lakes appreciates your interest and desire in hosting a Special Event in our unique small-town and engaging community.

The Town of Mammoth Lakes plays an important role in hosting and sponsoring many community events that further the goals of the Town’s Vision Statement and enhances the visitor experience by providing recreational and cultural experiences in a festive alpine community atmosphere. 

Mammoth Lakes places a high value on: “Being a premier, year-round resort community based on diverse outdoor recreation, multi-day events and an ambience that attracts visitors.”

Generally, in order to ensure the event is conducted in a safe and appropriate manner, the Town requires a “Special Event Permit” application for events that are open to the general public.  Your event permit application needs to be reviewed to ensure all community service provider requirements have been met and no adverse effects result.

A “Special Event” usually requires the coordination of Town Departments due to the use for example of: alcohol, amplified music, on-site cooking, concessions, large temporary structures, the use of public property or the public right-of-way which is owned or controlled by the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

In general, no person shall conduct or cause to be conducted, participate or engage in, hold, manage, permit or allow another to conduct a special event, in, on or upon any Town street, sidewalk, alley, park, public place, public property or public right-of-way which is owned or controlled by the Town of Mammoth Lakes without first having obtained a written permit. 

If you are unsure as to whether your special event constitutes the completion of a Special Event Application Form, please contact Town staff at (760) 934-8989  ext. 222, and review the comprehensive Special Event Information Guide.

Please review the Special Event Information Guide for detailed information regarding hosting special events in Mammoth Lakes. It provides you with a step by step process to complete the application form so that your permit is processed without unnecessary delays.

The applicant is required to schedule a meeting with Town Staff to review and discuss the Special Event Permit Application. Town staff prefer this to occur before the submittal of your event application.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT TO ENSURE ADEQUATE REVIEW TIME FOR APPLICATIONS (AN EXCEPTION MAY BE MADE IN RARE CASES). 

Special Event Information Guide

Application for Special Event Permit

Special Event Insurance Checklist

Insurance Endorsement Example

Wildlife Management Event Vendor Checklist

The Mammoth Lakes Recreation Department is a resource that can benefit your event. We are happy to assist you in preparing the application and in answering any questions you may have.  Please call the Recreation Department at (760) 934-8989 ext. 222 or email Stuart Brown, Recreation Manager at if you would like to go over the permit process.

Best of success with your event!