Mobile Stage

Uptown Columbus Mobile Stage Use Policy and Guidelines

Purpose

The Uptown Columbus Mobile Stage is a community asset intended to support Uptown-sponsored events, community celebrations, festivals, concerts, nonprofit activities, and other events that align with the mission of Uptown Columbus to promote economic development, community engagement, and quality of life.

The stage is available for use at Uptown Columbus events and may be made available to community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, and approved partners, subject to availability and approval.

Priority of Use

Stage reservations will be prioritized in the following order:

  1. Uptown Columbus events

  2. Uptown Columbus co-sponsored events

  3. City of Columbus and public agency events

  4. Nonprofit community events held within Uptown

  5. Approved private events that provide a community benefit

Uptown Columbus reserves the right to deny any request that conflicts with its mission, event calendar, operational needs, or public safety requirements.

Reservation Requirements

All requests must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event date.

Applications must include:

  • Event description

  • Event date and times

  • Location

  • Estimated attendance

  • Contact person

  • Event site plan

  • Proof of insurance

  • Any required permits

Approval is not guaranteed until all requirements have been satisfied.

Insurance Requirements

Organizations utilizing the stage must provide:

General Liability Insurance

  • Minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence

  • $2,000,000 aggregate coverage

Additional Insured Requirement

The following must be listed as Additional Insured:

  • Uptown Columbus, Inc.

  • Uptown Columbus Business Improvement District (BID)

  • Whitewater MGMT LLC

Proof of insurance must be received no later than 10 business days prior to the event.

Failure to provide acceptable insurance documentation may result in cancellation of the reservation.

Setup and Breakdown Fees

To cover transportation, labor, equipment operation, and maintenance costs, the following fees will apply:

Standard Community Event

  • Setup Fee: $500

  • Breakdown Fee: $500

Nonprofit Organizations

  • Setup Fee: $250

  • Breakdown Fee: $250

Government Agencies and Uptown Co-Sponsored Events

Fees may be reduced or waived at the discretion of Uptown Columbus.

Additional charges may apply for:

  • Extended labor hours

  • Multiple relocations

  • Difficult site conditions

  • After-hours setup or breakdown

  • Additional equipment requests

Site Requirements

Event organizers must provide:

  • Adequate access for delivery vehicles

  • Level ground suitable for stage placement

  • Required permits and approvals

  • Utility access if needed

  • Security for the event site

The final stage location must be approved by Uptown Columbus.

Safety Requirements

The stage may not be modified, relocated, or adjusted by anyone other than authorized Uptown personnel.

No person shall:

  • Climb on structural components

  • Alter stage equipment

  • Attach unauthorized banners or signage

  • Exceed posted load capacities

Uptown Columbus reserves the right to suspend stage operations during severe weather or unsafe conditions.

Damage Responsibility

The event organizer shall be responsible for any damage caused by:

  • Event staff

  • Vendors

  • Contractors

  • Performers

  • Attendees

Repair or replacement costs will be billed directly to the responsible organization.

Cancellation Policy

More than 30 Days Prior

No cancellation fee.

15–30 Days Prior

50% of setup and breakdown fees.

Less than 15 Days Prior

100% of setup and breakdown fees.

Weather-related cancellations may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Promotional Recognition

Organizations using the stage may be required to acknowledge Uptown Columbus as a supporting partner in promotional materials when appropriate.

Right of Refusal

Uptown Columbus reserves the right to deny, suspend, or revoke use of the stage for any event that:

  • Presents unreasonable risk

  • Violates local laws or ordinances

  • Fails to meet insurance requirements

  • Conflicts with Uptown Columbus policies

  • Creates a threat to public safety

Contact Information

All requests must be submitted through Uptown Columbus for review and approval. Please email us with all the information required here.