How to Apply

If you need to apply for a single event, please submit the application along with the supporting documentation to the event organizer/coordinator.

If you plan on participating in multiple events, please submit the 180-day Special Event application along with supporting documentation to Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and they will forward it to FPS for review. Once you obtain the 180-day Special Event license, please provide a copy to the event organizer/coordinator so that they can include you as a food vendor for the Special Event.

The commissary, restaurant, or shared kitchen is required to have an inspection within 6 months of application. If you need to request an inspection of the restaurant, commissary, or shared kitchen please email the completed form to cdphfood@cityofchicago.org .

Food booths are required to have a Summer Festival Food Vendor (SFFV) Sanitation Certificate. Mobile Food Vehicles (MFVs) licensed as Mobile Food Preparers must have a valid City of Chicago Foodservice Sanitation certificate and are required to be licensed in the City of Chicago prior to applying for a Special Event. A copy of the applicable certificates must be provided with the application. Visit our page on Sanitation Certificates for information on classes.

After the application is approved and the license is obtained, food vendors should be in compliance and ready to participate in a Special Event. Sanitarians will conduct food safety inspections during Special Events. Sanitarians protect the public’s health by ensuring food vendors prepare and serve food in a safe and sanitary manner. Inspections focus on safe food temperatures, proper food handling, hygienic practices, adequate hand washing sink, and general sanitation.