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, OFEM has streamlined the permitting process for event organizers and film producers through efficient digital permitting. In addition, OFEM is also responsible for:

  • Issuing permits to events and productions filming on public property
  • 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

OFEM is tasked with receiving and vetting applications for small and large-scale events and film productions in addition to consulting with film and event permit applicants to ensure industry standards, safety regulations, and city policies are upheld. Via the Special Events Committee, OFEM also works with City departments to ensure proper planning, coordination, and execution of all events and film projects to ensure that events and film productions do not negatively impact City operations and remain positive assets to Pittsburgh 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 can coordinate in real-time from a single secure system.

Pittsburgh Named 2026 World Festival & Event City by International Festivals & Events Association

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

 

For a third consecutive year, the City of Pittsburgh has 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. The designation is awarded to a select group of destinations worldwide and underscores Pittsburgh’s continued leadership as a hub for world-class festivals and events that attract visitors while strengthening the regional economy.

The award was presented to the City's Film & Events Manager, Brian Katze, during the IFEA 71st Anniversary Convention & Expo with Pittsburgh representing one of five municipalities in the United States to receive the designation in 2026. An international panel of experts evaluated applicants based on criteria including their commitment to supporting events, how economic impact is generated, and how events positively contribute to the quality of life for local residents. Pittsburgh’s application highlighted events including the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Three Rivers Arts Festival, and DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.

"Pittsburgh is a city where our festivals and events bring residents, families, and visitors together to be a part of the energy and vibrancy of our neighborhoods," said Mayor Corey O'Connor. "We are proud to be named a 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City and of the work of our city staff and event organizers who make events of all sizes possible. Whether it's a block party, festival, conference or other major event, Pittsburgh invites everyone to come and experience these great events in our city."

Additionally, this designation supports VisitPITTSBURGH’s 10-Year Tourism Development Plan, which aims to enhance Pittsburgh’s capacity to host large-scale festivals and establish a regional strategy to promote events that reflect the City’s unique brand and cultural diversity. 

“Earning this recognition for a third consecutive year is a remarkable achievement for Pittsburgh,” said VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar. “In a landmark year for major events across our region—anchored by the tremendous undertaking of hosting the 2026 NFL Draft—this honor is a testament to the dedication of our event organizers, community partners, and stakeholders, whose efforts have elevated Pittsburgh on the global stage.”

As Pittsburgh's event industry continues to rapidly expand, the Office of Film & Event Management (OFEM) serves as the official permitting and consulting authority for all film and event projects throughout the city. OFEM values the strong collaboration among the stakeholders that helped secure this prestigious title and we are proud to join the distinguished roster of 2026 award recipients that include:

  • Philadelphia, Pa
  • McAllen, TX
  • Pattaya City, Chonburi, Thailand
  • City of Port St. Lucie, FL
  • Muju-Gun, Jeonbuk State, Republic of Korea
  • and Historic Kailua Village, Hawai’i

Click here for the full list of 2026 IFEA award recipients.

Contact Us 

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

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

Note: Staff members work a hybrid schedule. For the fastest response time, please email us

last updated: 10/15/2026

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