Film & Event Management

Welcome to the Office of Film & Event Management

The Office of Film & Event Management (OFEM) is the official permitting authority for block parties, special events, first amendment activity, and film projects in the City of Pittsburgh. To support the city’s rapidly growing event & film industry, the Office of Film & Event Management has streamlined the permitting process for event organizers and film producers via efficient digital permitting. In addition to streamlining the permitting process for events & film projects in the City of Pittsburgh, the Office of Film & Event Management will also be responsible for the following:

  • Issuing permits to events and productions filming on public property in the City of Pittsburgh.
  • Facilitating communication between event organizers, film producers, and city departments and authorities.
  • Handling cost recovery efforts for City services related to event & film needs.
  • Handling permitting for block-parties and community festivals in addition to special events and films.
  • Consulting on major and minor civic events within the City.

OFEM is tasked with receiving and vetting applications for small and large-scale events and film productions within the City of Pittsburgh as well as consulting with both film and event permit applicants to ensure that industry standards, safety regulations, and city policies are followed and met. Via the Special Events Committee, OFEM also works with all City departments to ensure proper planning, coordination, and execution of all events and film projects. Additionally, it will ensure that events and film productions do not negatively impact the City’s operations and remain positive assets to the City and its residents.

eProval Logo - Orange letter e with blue text

 

The City of Pittsburgh utilizes Eproval - the leader in special event and film permitting across North America - as its permit management system. Eproval is a cloud-based permitting software solution designed for local governments and public agencies to streamline complex, multi-department workflows - particularly for special events, film permits, street closures and other cross-department review processes. It enables applicants to submit, track and manage their permits online, while internal reviewers coordinate in real time from a single secure system.

Pittsburgh named 2025 IFEA World Festival & Event City

ifea-wfec logo - globe with blue, yellow, green, red abstract lines.

 

The City of Pittsburgh has once again been designated a World Festival & Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), the premier association supporting and enabling festival and event professionals worldwide. This marks the second consecutive year Pittsburgh has received the prestigious designation—awarded to only a select number of destinations around the globe—underscoring the city’s continued leadership and excellence as a hub for world-class festivals and events.

Cities are evaluated by an international panel of experts based on a rigorous set of criteria, including commitment to supporting events, economic impact, and the role of festivals in enhancing quality of life. Pittsburgh’s winning application showcased a year-round roster of iconic events—from the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival and Picklesburgh to the Pittsburgh Marathon and the Three Rivers Arts Festival—that continue to draw visitors from near and far. 

“Pittsburgh’s spirit shines brightest when we come together to celebrate—whether it’s through music, art, food, or community traditions," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "This global recognition reflects the passion of our residents, the talent of our event organizers, and the vibrancy that defines our city. We’re proud to once again be named a World Festival & Event City, and we look forward to continuing to welcome the world to Pittsburgh.”

As the city’s event industry has grown rapidly, the Office of Film & Event Management serves as the official permitting and consulting authority for all film and event projects within the City of Pittsburgh. The Office values the strong collaboration among all stakeholders that has helped secure this prestigious title.

Contact Us

For general information and guidance, please reach out to the Office of Film & Event Management at the following contact info.

Office of Film & Event Management
412-255-2641
ofem@pittsburghpa.gov

Hours
Monday- Friday
8:00am - 4:45pm EST

Please note: Staff works a hybrid schedule. The Preferred method of contact for the fastest response is email.

last updated: 10/23/2025

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