Note: COVID-19 restrictions are subject to change, and may not always be reflected in the post below. For the most up-to-date guidance on size limit restrictions for events and gatherings, please visit our Outdoor performances and event guidance.
We all know that Philly is a little different from the rest of Pennsylvania. This has become even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. So when Governor Wolf recently announced changes in limits on the numbers of persons allowed at events in Pennsylvania, it was only natural for Philadelphia to announce its own local modifications to better suit our city’s needs and challenges.
Effective Friday, October 16, 2020, event size limits for Philadelphia are as follows:
Maximum Occupancy Calculator for Indoor Events
| Maximum Occupancy | Allowable Indoor Rate |
| 0-2,000 people | 10% of Maximum Occupancy |
| More than 2,000 people | 10% of Maximum Occupancy up to 250 people |
| No seating or maximum undefined | 10 persons per 1000 square feet up to 250 people |
Maximum Occupancy Calculator for Outdoor Events
| Maximum Occupancy | Allowable Outdoor Rate |
| 0-2,000 people | 20% of Maximum Occupancy |
| 2,001 – 10,000 people | 15% of Maximum Occupancy |
| Over 10,000 people | 15% of Maximum Occupancy up to 7,500 people |
| No seating or maximum undefined | Above percentage of 67 per 1,000 square feet, up to 7,500 |
So, for Example…
- An indoor theater with a maximum occupancy of 300 persons can have up to 30 persons (10% of 300).
- An indoor sports arena with a maximum capacity of 10,000 can host events with a maximum of 250 persons, including sports participants and staff.
- An outdoor stadium with a maximum capacity of 10,000 can host events with a maximum of 1,500 persons (15% of 10,000), including participants and staff.
- An outdoor event space of 80,000 square feet but no seating can host events with 804 persons (15% x 67 per 1,000 sq. ft. x 80).
The Fine Print
- These limits apply to events and gatherings, not the routine operations of businesses.
- All persons present in these spaces during the events, including performers and staff, count toward these limits.
- Venues must follow all Pennsylvania orders and guidance to protect the safety of participants.
- Venues must also follow all Philadelphia guidance for COVID-19 safety precautions, including guidance for catered events and social gatherings.
- Because most COVID-19 spread in Philadelphia appears to be occurring within households and at small social gatherings, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health still does not recommend that people hold social gatherings of any size.
