Sponsoring a public event

Event food sponsors

During the summer months, Minneapolis hosts many events that require approval. We encourage Event Food Sponsors to turn in all applications and fees as early as possible to ensure plenty of time for review and approval.

Event Food Sponsors must:

• Complete all sections of the Event Food Sponsor Permit application
• List all vendors taking part
• Submit all completed applications for short term food vendors

As the Event Food Sponsor, you may also provide food or beverages or both.

See applications and fees

Green To Go

Minneapolis has rules about containers for prepared food. Food and beverages that are meant to be eaten immediately off-site or taken to-go must be put in containers that are:

• Reusable
• Recyclable or
• Compostable

You must dispose of containers properly: 

• Recycle recyclable containers 
• Compost compostable containers 

Applications and fees

You must submit your application at least two weeks before your event begins. If we receive your application late, you will be charged late fees.

Applications

Your application will have two parts. 

• Your Event Food Sponsor permit application 
  
  • If you are also providing food at the event, you will need to have your Minneapolis permit or license number. If you do not have a permit or license, you will need to fill out a Short Term Food Vendor Permit application.
• Short Term Food permit application(s)
  • Include your Short Term Food Vendor Permit application (if you are serving food)
  • Applications from all other short term permit food vendors 

Submit your documents to Minneapolis Environmental Health.

Application Formats

You can download the applications or fill them out electronically.

Electronic applications

Fill out the Event Food Sponsor request form. We will email you a link to the form. We recommend this option, especially for larger events.

• Request electronic event food sponsor permit and Short Term Food Vendor Permit applications (Smartsheet)

PDF applications

• Download the Event Food Sponsor Permit application (PDF)
• Download the Short Term Food Vendor Permit application (PDF)
• Download the Short Term Food Vendor Permit application in Spanish (PDF)

Fees

Event food sponsor permit

• $95 for an event with 1 to 10 food or beverage vendors
• $185 for an event with 11 - 20 food or beverage vendors
• $275 for an event with 21+ or more food or beverage vendors
• Events at the Minneapolis Convention Center are half of the standard fee
• Fees are doubled for late applications

Short-term food permit

• $95 for public events in the City of Minneapolis
• $47.50 for public events at the Minneapolis Convention Center
• Fees are doubled for late applications

Seasonal food permit

• $245 for an annual Seasonal Food Permit (April 1 - March 31)

Payment options

We must receive applications and payments:

• Two weeks before your event begins or late fees will apply.
• Applications and payments submitted less than two days before your event begins:
  • May not be approved, or
  • Could be restricted

Pay by phone

You can pay fees by credit card.  City staff will call you to get your payment information.

Pay fees by phone

Pay by mail

You can pay fees by check via mail. Make checks payable to: Minneapolis Finance

Pay fees by mail

Pay in person

When paying in person, you can pay by check, cash or credit card.

Pay fees in person

Exempt events

Minnesota exempts several food events or food vendors from licensing and permitting requirements.

The exemptions are very specific. People using any of the following exemptions must make sure they:

• Meet the qualifications listed in the State exemption
• Follow through on all requirements

Possible permitting exemptions include:

• Faith-based organizations 
• Chili or soup cook-offs for non-profit fundraisers
• Bake sales by non-profit senior citizen organizations
• Potluck not sponsored by a licensed establishment other than a school

The Minnesota Revisor of Statues Office provides a full list of exemptions.

View exemption details from the State of Minnesota

Food vendor materials

Your vendors can use our checklist and guidelines to have a successful event:

• Food Vendor Checklist (PDF) - English , Spanish
• Food Vendor Guidelines (PDF) - English , Spanish

Find more food safety resources from the Health Department

Vendor lists

The City has lists of vendors permitted or licensed in Minneapolis. You can use these lists as a resource to find vendors for your events.

• Seasonal food vendors
• Food trucks
• Ice cream trucks

If you have a question about a list, contact the Health Department. Ask to speak with a health inspector on the food permit team.