A special event is an important concept because it participates in globalization processes, contributing to the spread of cultural practices and standardized examples of behavior. This study aims to analyze the essence of the concept of special events and determine the role of event management in the organization of special events. A special event is a short-term or long-term project with a specific goal and target audience. Individuals or groups (often non-governmental and governmental organizations) organize such an event. Non-governmental organizations are commercial enterprises, agencies, sports clubs, non-profit organizations, humanitarian and religious organizations, political parties and organizations. These organizations have significant financial resources at their disposal, which they spend on promotions, raffles, concerts, parades, advertising campaigns, etc. Special events by type can be divided into celebrations, celebrations and commemorations, cultural events, sporting events, fashion shows, religious events, political events, educational events, and events related to an action, service, person, or enterprise. The classification of special events was also systematized according to other characteristics (by the degree of abstraction and generalization, the method of financing, depending on the performer-organizer, the target audience, the type and scale of the event, according the frequency of the event). It has been proven that event management becomes an effective tool for the manager of social and cultural activities, which can be used as a means of developing the sphere of leisure, and as a management tool to achieve certain goals. It was determined that the task of event management is the systematization of stages, processes, and steps that are an integral part of the organization of events, including special events. The key stages of the organization of special events were analyzed and the features of each of these stages were considered. Further areas of research will be the analysis of the features of event marketing and marketing of special events.