Special Events

The City of Watsonville offers a number of community events throughout the year for the entire community to enjoy. Please click on the links for more information about each event.

Photo of an event with a large crowd of people and tented booth areas

The Special Events Unit is responsible for:

  • Processing special event applications, and
  • Organizing a number of community-wide special events. Click on the links to the left for more information.

Special Event Permits

A special event permit is required for events that:

  • use city property such as streets, parks, buildings, etc.
  • are open to the public; and or 
  • have entertainment: singing, dancing, DJ, Choir, etc; and or
  • use sound amplification such as a micro-phone, stereo; and or 
  • that are a parade, march or procession, and or
  • require street closures or will impact traffic.

Special Event Permit information on fees, requirements, and available locations.

Sponsoring City Special Events

Our many community events are made possible through individual and corporate sponsorships. View our Event Sponsorship Opportunities. Contact Jessica Beebe at 831.768.3266 or jessica.beebe@cityofwatsonville.org to find out how you can help bring these great events to our community. 

Community Special Event Sponsorships

The City of Watsonville recognizes the value of partnering with other agencies and organizations in providing services that benefit the community and its residents. In an effort to provide support for organizations providing community special events, specific guidelines have been established for determining when City fees may be reduced or waived and when an event may be considered for sponsorship.