Mayor de Blasio Extends Executive Order 148 and Announces Alternate Celebrations for Signature Events

September 23, 2020

NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio today extended Executive Order 148, which sets limitations on event permits through December 31, 2020. The Executive Order limits the types of outdoor events permitted by the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Police Department, and the Street Activity Permit Office in order to minimize crowding, facilitate COVID testing and treatment sites, and to allow for use of streets and parks for recreation, learning and dining. Currently, there are over 475 outdoor learning sites in city parks and streets, in addition to 10,200 Open Restaurants and 79 miles of Open Streets.

“Beating back COVID-19 means staying smart about public events with large gatherings. It also means drawing on our city’s greatest resource: our resilience and creativity,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New Yorkers are rising to the occasion with inventive, inspirational uses of public space, and we’ll support every effort to safely keep New York City the greatest and most vibrant city in the world.”

“From surprise musical performances on a pickup truck, to races staggered through the course of a day, our communities are finding ways to come together safely to celebrate, commemorate, and draw attention to causes they hold dear,” said Ellyn Canfield, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management. “The City will work with every applicant to produce memorable events that keep New Yorkers safe.”

Safe, creative arrangements will be made for community celebrations, performances, and activations to continue in the city. Planned events include alternate celebrations for signature events, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and New Year’s Eve in Times Square, in addition to a spooky walk through the West Village for Halloween, and ceremonial motorcycle procession for Veteran's Day, among other virtual and socially distanced in-person activities.

Recent events permitted by Department of Parks and Recreation and the Street Activity Permit Office include dozens of pop-up music performances by the Philharmonic, a staggered run with NYC Runs, and a musical press conference in Times Square with Arts Hero in addition to hundreds of block parties, athletic events, religious events, health fairs, and cultural performances.

Apply for street permits at nyc.gov/SAPO and parks permits at nyceventpermits.nyc.gov/parks. Frequently asked questions about the about Executive Order 148 can be found here.