A new way to apply for Special Events funding and permits in Hayward

The City of Hayward is introducing a new way of applying for grant funding and permits to hold public Special Events in the City. 

The new system is intended to streamline, customize, and make more accessible and transparent City processes for awarding grants, determining permit requirements and otherwise supporting the planning, promotion and staging of free public Special Events in Hayward. 

To learn more, visit the Special Events hub here on the City of Hayward website or contact Zach Ebadi of the Hayward Community and Media Relations Division at SpecialEvents@hayward-ca.gov or (510) 583-3911. 

Each year, Hayward allocates and awards funding to support the presentation of free Special Events that are open to the public with the primary purposes of providing community entertainment, promoting awareness, and supporting economic vitality and quality of life. Total annual funding available to support Special Events fluctuates—as do, from time to time, individual grant award maximums available through the program. 

The application period for Special Events grant funding during the current 2024-2025 fiscal year is now open. Information specific to Special Events grant funding, including a link to the online application, is available here. 

Special Events permitting requirements and deadlines for submitting permit documentation are determined based on event size, location and planned activities—and are designed and intended to protect public health and safety and appropriately manage legal liability.