Planning an Event

I would like to plan an indoor event in Times Square. Where should I start?

There are a number of spaces available to rent for indoor events in Times Square, including theaters, ballrooms, high-tech conference rooms, elegant restaurants with panoramic neighborhood views and more.

Find a space for your event

I would like to plan an outdoor event in Times Square. Where should I start?

Step one: contact Damian Santucci, Vice President of Production & Operations with the Times Square Alliance: (212) 452-5239; DSantucci@TimesSquareNYC.org. 

Outdoor events in the city of New York require a city permit. The Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management's Street Activity Permit Office (CECM / SAPO) issues permits for street fairs, festivals, block parties, farmers’ markets, commercial/promotional and other events on New York City's streets and sidewalks.

Learn more about city permits here

What are the fees for events in the Pedestrian Plazas and Duffy Square?

Events have different fees depending on the size. See a breakdown of costs in the document linked below.

See Times Square event fees

Some specifics for Times Square:

The Times Square Alliance coordinates the activation and use of the Broadway Pedestrian Plazas and Father Duffy Square in partnership with the City of New York. There are a variety of permittable spaces within the district.

Read a full overview of permittable spaces and permit processes

To plan an outdoor event in the Broadway Pedestrian Plazas or on streets and sidewalks in Times Square, you must file a permit with the Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management’s Street Activity Permit Office (CECM / SAPO).  

Apply for a CECM / SAPO Permit

To plan an event on Father Duffy Square, you must file a permit with The New York City Parks Department.

Apply for a NYC Parks Permit

To plan filming in Times Square you must file a permit with The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME).

Apply for a MOME Film Permit
 
More questions? Scroll down for our FAQ section or fill out the form and a staff member will review and give feedback.

Planning an Event Inquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Times Square Alliance in regard to permitting and executing an event in Times Square?

The Times Square Alliance produces major events in Times Square, such as New Year's Eve, Solstice in Times Square, and Taste of Times Square; serves as the contracted partner with the city to provide sanitation and public safety services and general programming for the neighborhood; and represents the broader interests of the neighborhood and advocates for the various businesses, employees, and residents. Having managed thousands of local events, the Alliance is also an expert on the spatial planning of events in Times Square. Therefore, the City takes into account the Alliance's assessment of an event’s impact when considering modifications to or approval of a pending permit request.

The City often consults with the Alliance and Community Board to ensure that events are adding to a positive experience for the neighborhood. If an event producer repeatedly has a negative impact or interacts negatively with the community of Times Square, the Alliance reports this back to the City.

The City has the final say about all event permits.

For additional information on the role of the Times Square Alliance, contact Damian Santucci, Director of Production with the Times Square Alliance: (212) 452-5239; DSantucci@TimesSquareNYC.org.

What should I do first?

The first step in the process is for you to develop your plan and file the appropriate permit with SAPO.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAPO PERMITS HERE

It is strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced event producer when you are planning an event in Times Square. The Times Square Alliance does not perform this function. The Alliance has worked successfully with numerous event producers and so does not make specific recommendations.  See "Do you have a list of event producers I can contact?" below for a list. 

For additional information, contact Damian Santucci, Director of Production with the Times Square Alliance: (212) 452-5239; DSantucci@TimesSquareNYC.org.
What permits do I need?

The Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management has more information about what types of permits apply and which agencies you will need to contact.

VISIT CECM’S FAQ PAGE 
 
Depending on your event, you may need supplemental permits. Some supplemental permits include Department of Health Permits for serving food, Generator Permits for the use of generator power, or Sound Permits for the use of amplified sound. The city agency that permits your event is best suited to advise you on what supplemental permits you will require.
Is my date available?

The city agency that permits your event will have information about available days.

Where can I produce an event?

Spaces usually available for events in Times Square:

The Broadway Plazas - CECM / SAPO permit required.
Five pedestrian plazas located between 42nd-47th Streets:

  • Broadway between 42nd and 43rd Streets
  • Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets
  • Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets
  • Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets
  • Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets
LEARN MORE ABOUT CECM / SAPO PERMITS

Duffy Square - NYC Parks Department permit required.
Located between 46th-47th Streets at 7th Avenue

LEARN MORE ABOUT NYC PARKS PERMITS
What are the restrictions?

Different permitting agencies have different rules and restrictions. Your permitting agency can guide you and provide you with more details. Once your permit has been submitted and filed, the Times Square Alliance may be able offer guidance on the nuances of hosting an event in Times Square.

What is the cost?

The cost depends on the size, location and elements of the event you are producing. The City of New York sets the cost for events and determines if supplementary permits are needed.

How do I promote my event?

Digital Screens and Billboards: To activate a digital screen in Times Square during your event or prior to it, you will need to contact the individual sign holders.

VISIT THE DIGITAL SCREENS AND BILLBOARDS PAGE

Other Promotional Opportunities: Advertise at all levels on Times Square’s street pole banners and Bigbelly recycling bins.

VISIT THE STREET POLE BANNERS AND BIGBELLY RECYCLING BINS PAGE
Do you have a list of event producers I can contact?

The Alliance has worked successfully with numerous event producers and so does not make specific recommendations. The following is a list of event producers who have produced multiple events in Times Square in the recent past.

AREA4
Rory McEvoy
646-281-4137
www.weareAREA4.com

Awestruck Marketing Group
Sean Oakley
212-823-0662
www.getawestruck.com

City Eventions
Michael Bamford
646-945-2657
http://cityeventions.com

Coast-to-Coast Permits
Sharon Miller
973-534-7643
www.coasttocoastpermits.com

Event Permits / P.Romotion
Tom Hennigan
201-223-1602
www.eventpermits.com

iDeko Productions
Evan Korn
212-532-7800
http://idekoproductions.com

Jen Douglas
732-300-7227

LeadDog Marketing Group
J.G Robilotti
212-488-6504
http://leaddogmarketing.com

Paladin Entertainment, Inc.
Charles Prideaux
720-565-1191
www.paladinentertainment.com

Winick Productions
Elliot Winick
212-663-5564

I am a Times Square business. Can I list an event on the Times Square website?

If you have additional questions call (212) 452-5231, and further instructions will be provided.

Can I be included in your list of event producers?

Event producers who have executed successful events in Times Square can contact the Alliance at info@timessquarenyc.org to be included on our website.