Hattiesburg Clarifies Rules for Event Listings and Permitting

The City of Hattiesburg has clarified that listing an event on the community calendar does not grant official city status or permission to use municipal infrastructure. This distinction addresses a common point of confusion for local organizers who promote gatherings in the Hub City.

According to the city guidelines, a calendar entry serves only as a promotional tool. It does not make an event city-sanctioned or city-sponsored. Achieving those designations requires separate approval from the City Council. Organizers must provide a point of contact or a link to ticketing and information sources before their listing is published.

The review process for new calendar entries is standardized. The city staff reviews submissions within 24 to 48 hours. If an event is denied, the designated contact person receives notification. While photos are helpful, they are not mandatory for approval. All events listed must take place within city limits.

For events that require the use of city property, streets, or traffic support, organizers must file a separate permit application with the Hattiesburg Police Department. The city notes that submitting a calendar request is distinct from this permitting process. Applications can be downloaded directly from the police department website.

The city retains the authority to edit submitted content for final publication. It also reserves the right to approve or deny any listing. These rules aim to keep the community calendar organized while ensuring that events using public resources follow proper legal channels.