Are you planning an event in Potsdam? The state capital offers you a comprehensive overview that you need for the successful implementation of your event. Learn more about applying for your event as well as important contacts.
FAQ
Do I need a permit for my event?
An event in the state capital Potsdam requires a permit if at least one of the following points is met:
It is a commercial event intended to generate profit.
The event takes place in public areas (streets, paths, squares, green spaces).
The event is accessible to the public.
A high number of visitors or a high concentration of visitors is expected.
Food and beverages are sold.
Temporary structures that require approval are used (structures that are suitable/intended to be repeatedly set up and taken down, e.g., tents, stages, amusement rides, LED walls, etc.).
Musical performances take place (e.g., live music, music from sound devices).
Due to the nature and execution of the event, a special risk situation is expected.
The event takes place in rooms, buildings, or areas that are to be changed from their original use (i.e., not legally approved for this use yet).
There are already requirements for notification regarding the event location (e.g., building law notices).
Private events do not require permits, provided the above criteria do not apply. This includes events with a closed participant group, such as birthdays, school enrollments, youth confirmations, etc.
What documents do I need for the approval of my event?
Depending on the scope of your event, various documents must be submitted, such as site plans, a safety concept, and other documents.
What deadlines must be observed when applying?
Please apply for your event at least six weeks before the planned start date. This is the only way to ensure thorough preparation for your event. If you are planning a large event (with 5,000 or more attendees at the same time), please submit the application eight weeks in advance.
Are there fees for the implementation/application of an event?
The application for an event is free of charge. However, fees are charged for the issuance of permits and approvals. You will receive information about these fees from the relevant authority upon granting the permit.
I would like to register a meeting. What do I need to do?
Events for which the right to assembly is claimed under the Basic Law (rallies, demonstrations, vigils, parades) must be reported to the police at least 48 hours before the announcement. They do not fall under the jurisdiction of the state capital Potsdam. Information about assemblies in the state of Brandenburg can be found on the website of the Police Directorate West.
If the setup of temporary structures in public road space is planned as part of such an event, a usage approval from the Lower Building Authority is required, depending on the size:
Untere Bauaufsichtsbehörde (Lower Building Authority)
Phone: 0331 289-2627
E-Mail: bauaufsicht@rathaus.potsdam.de
How do I place my event in the event calendar of the state capital Potsdam?
Is your event not listed in the event calendar of the state capital Potsdam? No problem! Simply enter your event in the event database of the state of Brandenburg at TMB Tourismus-Marketing Brandenburg GmbH. It will be automatically transferred to our event calendar.
Through the public submission form, you can submit up to ten events per year free of charge. For more than ten events per year, please apply for your own login with TMB.
I have questions about the use of electricity, drinking water, and the discharge of wastewater. Who can I contact?
Electricity
Certain event venues already have energy supply systems on-site. If this is not the case, you will need a temporary network for electricity supply. After determining the consumption and location of consumption with an electrical company, submit your application to Energie und Wasser Potsdam GmbH. The execution and approval of the network will be carried out by selected electricians with city authorization.
Contact:
Energie und Wasser Potsdam GmbH
Phone: 0331 661-3000
Drinking Water
Hydrants can be found throughout Potsdam at all event locations. Drinking water standpipes are provided by Energie und Wasser Potsdam GmbH (EWP). If you wish to use these, please notify the standpipe service of EWP 15 working days in advance. Appropriate traffic safety measures must then be taken during use (secured with red-white markings).
Contact:
Standpipe Service
Phone: 0331 661-2921
E-Mail: standrohr@ewp-potsdam.de
Wastewater
Potsdam has separate networks for rainwater and wastewater drainage. It is therefore essential to contact the network manager of Stadtwerke Potsdam GmbH. They will assign the relevant discharge points for you.
Contact:
Stadtwerke Potsdam GmbH
Phone: 0331 661-1000
E-Mail: info@swp-potsdam.de
Who can I contact for further questions?
The Coordination Group for Large Events of the state capital Potsdam is available for your questions. Representatives from various departments and authorities regularly come together to assess planned, applied for, and conducted events.
Feel free to email us at: Koordinierungsgruppe-Grossveranstaltung@rathaus.potsdam.de
For specific concerns, please contact the relevant departments directly:
Waste Disposal
Public waste disposal authority, waste disposal
Waste consultation:
Phone: 0331 289-1796
E-Mail: abfallberatung@rathaus.potsdam.de
Waste fees:
Phone: 0331 289-3799
E-Mail: abfallgebuehren@rathaus.potsdam.de
Building Regulations
Lower Building Authority
Phone: 0331 289-2627 (Application acceptance)
E-Mail: bauaufsicht@rathaus.potsdam.de
Fire Protection
Prevention of hazards and disaster protection
Phone: 0331 3701-241
E-Mail: feuerwehr@rathaus.potsdam.de
Commercial Law Regulations
Commercial matters
Phone: 0331 289-1693
E-Mail: gewerbeangelegenheiten@rathaus.potsdam.de
Food Monitoring
Food and feed monitoring
Phone: 0331 289-1817
E-Mail: lebensmittelueberwachung@rathaus.potsdam.de
Use of the City Canal
Civil engineering structures team
Phone: 0331 289-2762
E-Mail: verkehrsanlagen@rathaus.potsdam.de
Special use of public areas and Traffic matters
Lower Traffic Authority
Phone: 0331 289-3265
E-Mail: strassenverkehrsbehoerde@rathaus.potsdam.de
Drinking Water Use
Hygiene, drinking and bathing water monitoring
Phone: 0331 289-843792
E-Mail: trinkwasser-badewasser@rathaus.potsdam.de
Environmental Protection
Lower Waste Management and Soil Protection Authority, Emission Protection
Phone: 0331 289-3767
E-Mail: boden-immission-abfall@rathaus.potsdam.de
