Entertainment Licensing
We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston.
LICENSING DIVISION updates:
- 2024 License Renewals will be mailed directly to the licensed premises at the end of October. If you do not receive a renewal, please email us at Entertainment@boston.gov for a copy.
- Check out our new video on the One-Time Entertainment application process here.
- Read the Advisory regarding the Closed Captioning Ordinance dated March 2, 2023, regarding licensed establishments that utilize public facing televisions.
- For questions regarding Entertainment, please email MOCAL@boston.gov.
Consumer Affairs
If you need help with filing a consumer complaint or information on your consumer rights, contact the Consumer Affairs Office.
Licensing Board
If you would like to apply for a Common Victualler or Alcohol license, contact the Licensing Board.
Contact
-
1 City Hall Square, Room 809
Boston, MA 02201 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -
About Entertainment Licensing
We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston. We maintain safety and order in Boston's restaurants and nightclubs through the licensing and monitoring of entertainment activities. Find out more about our work.
Licensing help
We process new applications and renewals, inspect premises, and hold licensing hearings.
We have information to help businesses that play music for the public.
Get a new license, make a renewal, or change an existing license.
Get a new license, make a renewal, or change an existing license.
You need a license to host an event with carnival games or rides.
You need a license to host a one-time event like a carnival or festival.
To run a dance school in the City, you need to have a license.
You need a license to sell products or collect money for charity.
The City does not require permits for street performers in public areas.
A list of common license fees for various events.
Outdoor Special Event Help
Forms and applications
Forms- Annual Live Entertainment License
- Annual Non-Live Entertainment License
- Annual Automatic Amusement Devices License
- Public Event Portal (Special Event License Application)
- One Time Entertainment Application
- For State Parks (DCR) property, entertainment is approved by DCR, not the City of Boston. All other State property must be approved by the City of Boston.
- One-Time Carnival License
Upcoming Hearing Dates
Upcoming Hearing Dates- April 30, 2024
- May 2, 2024
- May 16, 2024
- June 6, 2024
- June 27, 2024
- August 1, 2024
- August 27, 2024
- September 17, 2024
- October 3, 2024
- October 31, 2024
- November 7, 2024
- December 12, 2024
- December 17, 2024
Hearing videos and materials
- January 11, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 31, 2022
- February 14, 2022
- March 2, 2022 (Fenway Concerts)
- Concert Documents (ex. Security, Transportation Management, Communications, Traffic Enforcement, etc.)
- March 4, 2022 (Applications)
- March 10, 2022 (Violations)
- May 19, 2022 (Hearing)
- June 16, 2022 (Hearing)
- June 27, 2022 (Hearing)
- August 22, 2022 (Hearing)
- September 8, 2022 (Hearings)
- September 8, 2022 (Hearings)
- September 15, 2022 (Hearing)
- September 19, 2022 (Hearing)
- October 3, 2022 (Hearing)
- October 18, 2022 (Hearing)
- November 3, 2022
- November 7 2022 (Hearing)
- November 9, 2022 (Hearing)
- November 14, 2022 (Hearing)
- December 8, 2022 (Hearing)
- January 9, 2023
- January 23, 2023
- March 2, 2023
- March 6, 2023
- April 6, 2023
- April 10, 2023
- April 10, 2023 - April 21, 2023 - Fenway Concerts for 2023 Open Comment Period
- May 4, 2023
- May 18, 2023
- May 25, 2023
- June 7, 2023
- July 18, 2023
- July 20, 2023
- October 5, 2023
Contact
-
1 City Hall Square, Room 809
Boston, MA 02201 -
Office hoursMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
-
About Entertainment Licensing
We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston. We maintain safety and order in Boston's restaurants and nightclubs through the licensing and monitoring of entertainment activities. Find out more about our work.
