Special Event & Film Permits

Film Permits

• The City of Wilmington has welcomed filmmakers to our town since 1983 with literally hundreds of feature-length films, mini-series, television episodic series, movies of the week, music videos and commercials shot within our city limits. 
• The City's Film and Media Services office coordinates filming on location within the city's limits, especially in the Downtown Business and Historic Districts. We also coordinate the delivery of city services to the film industry, such as police and fire protection, barricades and offer assistance in securing city parks, streets and buildings for film locations.
• The Film and Media Services office is also entrusted with interpreting and upholding the city's administrative procedures in the issuance of film permits. Their decisions reflect an attempt to balance the needs of filmmakers with the needs and expectations of businesses, residents and the public interest, and to arrive at solutions that are favorable to everyone.
• For additional information on productions currently filming in the area, please visit the Wilmington Regional Film Commission.

Special Event Permits

Special events are important contributors to the quality of life for Wilmington and are welcome activities in the community. The City of Wilmington is happy to assist organizations and groups in providing quality events. Special Event Permits are required for all events when any portion of the event occurs on or in a city public street, plaza, park, trail, greenway, or sidewalk and not held entirely within a New Hanover County Park or on privately maintained property or roads.

How to Apply

1. Review the Special Event Planning Guide
2. Contact the Special Events Supervisor to confirm date availability
3. Submit an event application
4. Submit the corresponding application fee

Until both the application and application fee are received, the application will not be considered complete and materials will not be reviewed.

Submitting an application does not guarantee that the event will be approved.