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Downtown Association's Street Festival Subsidy program to provide financial and organizing assistance to downtown businesses hosting a street festival on their block. The subsidy aims to:

  • Encourage the creation of vibrant and engaging experiences within the downtown area.
  • Boost foot traffic and economic activity for participating businesses, and the greater downtown area.
  • Foster a sense of community and collaboration among downtown stakeholders.

Read the entire policy HERE before applying. 

Click HERE to apply for the street festival subsidy. 

Overview

Projected Festival Budget (based on a one block street closure)

  • $500 Event application and parking loss fees.
  • $450 for street closure barricades and no parking signage
  • $250-495 on an ADA compliant portable toilet (required if selling food)
  • $100 on trash services (renting cans from party rental supply and disposing on their own.) City offers trash service. Price varies
  • If alcohol is sold or consumed, additional fees like alcohol permit and security guard fees will be required.

Timeline

  • AT LEAST 60 DAYS before your event: SUBMIT EVENT APPLICATION to the City of Santa Cruz Permits office.
  • AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: book a barricade company that also handles no parking signage.
  • AT LEAST 21 DAYS before event: provide printed “Notice of Street Closure” signs to neighboring businesses and residents. Email City agencies of closure.
  • 72 HOURS before event. Repeat the “Notice of Street Closure” requirements.

Promotion

  • Begin your promotion at least 3 weeks before your scheduled event.
  • Submit your event to free online calendars: Goodtimes, Lookout, Patch
  • Submit your event to Marketing@downtownsantacruz.com with a graphic that is 1200 x 500 to be featured in Downtown Newsletter.
  • Create multi format graphics to reach an audience on different types of platforms: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
  • Design printed posters and ask your neighboring businesses to post in their window and drop one off at the Info Kiosk.

Please read the entire policy HERE before applying. 

Click HERE to apply for the street festival subsidy.