A Question on Licenses for a Non Profit Music Festival…

Artists House received a question from Timothy on licensing a music festival for a non profit.  We thought this might be of interest to a few folks, so we are posting the question and answer.  Alex (our local New Orleans) festival expert has kindly answered the question.

To whom this concerns;

I am contacting you to find out if my foundation needs to have a license
to have a music fest.  We are a not for profit org. that helps non
terminal kids with uninsured medical expenses.  We would like to do a
music fest with about 6 to 10 bands playing on a one day show.  As of
right now this will be our only show for the year, but in years to come we
would like to have at least two shows.  If you would please assist us in
this matter, we would like to be legal so that our show does not get shut
down or fined so that we can help the children that need help.  Thank you
for your time.

Timothy

Answer:

If this is an outdoor event, he will need to check with the municipal building on permits for outdoor venue and stage setup.  They usually will charge you a fee if you plan on building a stage outside and for sound.  If there is no stage involved, they may just charge you a fee for having outdoor noise for certain duration of time.

If this is an indoor festival, such as renting space from a venue, they should already have their “performance” permits on site.  So he will just need to pay the venue for the space.

If it is outdoors and he plans on selling food and drink, he will need to purchase/obtain a vendor license.  Also, if it’s alcohol sales, he will need a separate license to sell alcohol on premise. This vendor license will all be covered with the venue if it’s indoors.

Just an FYI, each state operates differently with permits. For example, New Orleans has an all encompassing permit. You get the outdoor sound and stage and vendor sales all in one permit.  So just double check with the municipal building.

Also, there will probably be tax breaks since it’s a nonprofit organization.  So look into that as well!

Alex