Special Events and Festival Operation
Tara Hanchar REHS
Program Manager
216.201.2001 ext 1626
thanchar@ccbh.net
Brooke Lahood REHS
Supervisor
216.201.2001 ext 1268
blahood@ccbh.net
Our agency inspects fairs, festivals, and special events throughout the year to ensure the events are safe and sanitary for those attending.
Food vendors participating in these events are required to have either a valid Ohio Mobile Food License or a Temporary Food License to operate.
Campgrounds, animal venues, and temporary body art facilities at these events may also require inspection and licensing by our agency.
It is recommended that event coordinators and vendors reach out to us at least 30 days in advance to discuss licensing requirements.
If you are planning or participating in a special event or festival operation, please review these links first:
Temporary Event Planning Guide
Mass Gathering Intake Form for Event Coordinators
Mobiles/Food Trucks
Mobiles are traveling food operations that can operate anywhere in the State of Ohio. While most commonly known as food trucks, mobile operations may have a variety of licensed setups. These may include trucks, trailers, food carts, or tent setups. All mobiles must have approved equipment and facilities to safely operate on the go.
Mobiles obtain an annual license from the local health jurisdiction in which their business headquarters is located. Mobiles licensed by our agency must renew their license and schedule an annual inspection at least 10 days prior to their first event each year. Licensed mobiles will also be inspected at any events where they participate.
Temporary Food Vendors
A temporary food license allows food vendors to operate at specific events on a short term basis.
Licenses can be issued for up to five consecutive days. They must be applied for 10 days prior to the event.
Vendors pay per day of operation.
Temporary food vendors obtain licenses through the health jurisdiction in which the event is located.
For events held in the City of Cleveland, please contact the Cleveland Department of Public Health at 216.664.2300.
Temporary licenses are issued at the event once the vendor passes inspection.
Cottage Food Vendors
Cottage foods are shelf-stable food products that are produced in a residential home in Ohio. These products must be individually pre-packaged and contain proper labeling.
These foods might be exempt from licensure at certain mass gathering events.
Please contact our agency at 216.201.2000 to determine if a temporary license is required.