The Philadelphia Department of Public, Office of Food Protection, is the regulatory authority that issues approval for food and beverages offered to the public at special event activities throughout the City of Philadelphia.  Special Events activities may include parades, street fairs, community festivals, community and special interest fund-raising events as well as large city sponsored holiday commemorative events.

Food and/or beverage providers participating in special events may be regularly licensed mobile food vendors or temporary food operations that are specifically sponsored by the event organizer.  Sponsored special event operators submit permit applications for approval to participate as an approved food service vendor for a special event.  These applications are reviewed prior to event participation to assure compliance with approved food, stand/booth construction and safe food handling requirements.

All approved food handling operators at special events are required to display the appropriate type of Food Service Eligibility Certificate.  This certificate provides public notice of the type of foods or beverages approved to be offered to the public.  Individuals submitting plans should account for at least a 30 day review period.  See sample Certificates

Sponsor Information (All files are available as  Downloads (Adobe Acrobat)
Special Event Sponsor Registration and Information Guide

Participant Information
Permanent Special Event Participant Registration and Information Guide

Temporary Special Event Participant Registration and Information Guide