Special Events

At the City of East Palo Alto, we take pride in providing our residents with events that serve all! Events take place year-round and are a combination of City Events, City-Sponsored Events, or Private Events. Learn more about the definition of each below.   

City Events 

City staff conduct events through the year that residents have signaled interest in. There are staple events like the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, National Night Out, Family Day, or Senior’s Prom events. We also plan and host special events like our 40th anniversary to commemorate significant milestones in our City’s history. You can find a calendar of events by clicking HERE.  

City-Sponsored Events  

It has long been the desire of our City Council to support events that highlight the diversity and inspiring of East Palo Alto. There are three approved events that the City sponsors on an annual basis. While we understand that there are so many more events that could more support to be special for our community, the following events have been and continue to be a time-honored gatherings:  

Children’s Day (Back to School Day) (view photos here from the last event) 

Cinco de Mayo 

Juneteenth  

Private Events  

Our community really knows how to throw an event! From time to time, local organizations or residents come together to host their own events in City-owned spaces or at their own locations. These events take many man-hours to plan and host for our residents benefit. Often times, these events are free to the public. Events like the Community Music Festival, Ignite Peace EPA, or the South Pacific Food Fest have drawn thousands of attendees who received plenty of memorable experiences.   

Special Event Applications

If you would like to host an event in the City of East Palo Alto that will contain a parade or stop of traffic through city streets, a street closure for a Community Event or Block Party, or an event greater than 150 people in an East Palo Alto Park or Facility you will need to apply for a permit. For more information on the permitting process and to apply for a permit for your event please complete an application online HERE on our website. If you have any questions please contact us at commservices@cityofepa.org