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Special Events & Filming

Civic Center Plaza
1200 Third Ave., Suite 1326
San Diego, CA 92101
619-685-1331
SpecialEvents@sandiego.gov
Film@sandiego.gov

CELEBRATE SAN DIEGO THROUGH SPECIAL EVENTS & FILM

Join us in celebrating San Diego, from our neighborhoods to the silver screen. Recognized for its array of festivals and sporting events of national and international stature to community based celebrations, feature films, and TV shows, the City of San Diego is proud to host thousands of events and film productions that contribute to the spirit and vitality of our city.

The Special Events & Filming Department provides a portfolio of services designed to support San Diego's neighborhoods, as well as the city's special event, filming, business, and tourism industries. Through our one-stop special event permitting process, an event organizer can work with the City to plan all aspects of their event that relate to the use of public property. Securing filming authorization on public property is quick and simple, with no-cost processing and dedicated staff to assist you along the way.

ADVISORY ALERT: Due to the number of events taking place in San Diego, public safety staff are not available on the following dates. Once public safety staffing for a particular date(s) has been exhausted, permit applications for the particular date(s) will no longer be accepted.

September 25-26, 2021

October 23-24, 2021

October 30-31, 2021

November 26-28, 2021

ADVISORY ALERT:  As a result of recent guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health (CPDH) regarding the return to usual operations for most activities, the Special Events and Filming Department per the San Diego Municipal Code is reinstating the requirement that special event permit applications are to be submitted no later than sixty (60) days prior to the actual date of your event and allows applications to be submitted as early as two years before the event date. 

Effective June 15, 2021, the submission requirements and associated fees below will be reinstated.

  • $150 for applications received sixty or more days prior to an event. Applications must be substantially complete.
  • $10 per business day late fee in addition to the $150 application fee for permit applications received less than sixty days prior to an event. Applications must be substantially complete.

Film and still photography productions are currently permitted by Public Health Officials and the City of San Diego, and must be submitted along with the required documentation outlined in the City of San Diego’s production guidelines at least three (3) full business days prior to the first date of the production (at least two weeks if  the filming activity involves any water contact or smoke effects/pyrotechnics/SFX; one week if filming activity involves sidewalk, lane, or street closures, intermittent traffic control (ITC), gunfire or weapons, simulated confrontation or fight scenes, “cloned”/faux military or law enforcement personnel/vehicles, recreation of a crime, or other elements that may pose public safety risks).

As with all guidance that relates to COVID-19 response, authorities will revisit this guidance on a regular basis to evaluate the continued public health need for it and to evaluate if any elements need to be changed. To stay informed, continue to monitor this link: CA Department of Public Health COVID-19 Guidance