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Special Event Permit
When planning a special event, a Special Event Application must be submitted. The City will determine the review and approval process and the level of involvement or support service provision, if any, that the event requires. Once the application is received, City staff will guide the Applicant through the process for approval and requirements to receive a Special Event Permit, if warranted. A Special Event Permit may or may not be required for events taking place on property not owned, managed or operated by the City. This determination shall be made based on the number of expected attendees, permit-required components of the events, and the potential impact on surrounding residents, businesses, and traffic
Click here to apply for the Special Event Permit.
Parde of Lights Parade Float Permit
Applications Open: October 20th Application Deadline: November 7th
The Parade of Lights will be held the evening of Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in Downtown Abilene, and begin at 6:30 p.m.
Participant sign-up will close on Friday, November 7, 2025. Both parade participant and vendor applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the event no later than Friday, November 14, 2025. At that time accepted participants will also be notified of their parade and site location.
If you or your organization would like to participate in the City of Abilene's Parade of Lights December 2, 2025 as a permitted float, you must complete a Parade Float Permit Application. If you have multiple float entries, you must complete a separate Permit Application for each one.
Please be aware that City of Abilene ordinance states parades must not exceed 135 units, and parade participation will be limited to that number.
Please see the complete Rules and Guidelines here.
Click here to apply for the Parade Float Permit.
In order to be a Vendor at any special event, the Organizer of the event must supply you with an authorization number. Food Vendors must also obtain the required health permits, either an Established Food Permit or a Temporary Food Booth Permit. Vendors wishing to sell items within park land must be associated with an approved event and obtain a Single-Day or Multi-Day Vendor Permit.
*For Downtown Christmas Vendors: 12/2/2025*
During the Christmas Parade of Lights from 5:00pm-8:00pm
Applications Open: October 20th Application Deadline: November 7th
In order to be a vendor for the Parade of Lights you must apply using our Special Event - Vendor Permit Application. Submitting an application is not a guarantee you will be approved to vend during the parade.
Please fill out the Event Information page accordingly:
- Event Name: Downtown Christmas
- Event Location: Downtown
- Event Authorization #: 12252025
- Date of Booth Setup: 12-02-2025
- Participation Date: 2025-12-02
Click here to apply for a Special Event - Vendor Permit.
Camping Permit
Seabee and Johnson Parks offer native camping for up to seventy-two (72) hours, provided you have a camping permit. Camp site check in begins at 10:00AM on first day listed on permit. Checkout is no later than 10:00AM on last day listed on permit. Each permit allows up to eight (8) individuals to camp in designated area utilizing up to two (2) tents. The designated camping areas are indicated by signage. There are no designated spots within those areas; it's first-come, first-serve with a camping permit. Must be 18 years of age or older to register a permit. Camping is monitored by Lake Patrol. All vehicles must be parked legally in a parking spot.
CAMPING FEE - A fee of $22 per day shall be charged for camping in designated areas. Payment must be made at the time of obtaining the camping permit. (The amount will be charged online as the last step of this application before submission. Fees are non-refundable, regardless of early departure, site availability or any other reason.)
- Twenty-four (24) hours - $22.00
- Forty-eight (48) hours - $44.00
- Seventy-two (72) hours - $66.00
Click here to apply for a Camping Permit.