Public Event Permits

Public events include both free and admission-based events such as festivals, concerts, and walk/runs/rides. Permit applications for use of park sites are accepted by email to park.permits@denvergov.org or in person at the Parks Permit Office.

As of Sept. 1, 2026: The Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance is in effect. Learn more HERE. 

Civic Center Park: Construction Advisory

Construction in Civic Center Park continues, with phase 1 improvements to the Greek Theater, Central Promenade, and South Plaza scheduled for completion Winter 2027. Visit the project page for more information. 

  • As of August 1, 2026: DPR is not accepting NEW Public Event park permit applications for the 2027 event season at Civic Center Park. Information about future permitting will be shared when available
  • To request a permit for Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park (near the State Capitol), visit the State of Colorado’s website. 

Admission Based Events in Commons Park

While construction takes place at Civic Center Park, Admission Based Public Events (ABE) will be allowed at Commons Park

Additional information

 

How to apply for a park permit: 

Application Process

Step 1.Review Permit Resources and Requirements:

Step 2.Submit Your Application:

  • Applications must be submitted no later than 60 days prior to the first permitted day of the activity

Step 3.Wait for Communication:

  • Please allow one (1) business day for the Parks Permit Office to confirm receipt of your application
  • Within seven (7) business days of receiving your application, you will be sent an email with a preliminary permit which serves as an invoice and a list of permit requirements

 

Special Notes

Application Limits

  • Only one active application per Public Event is allowed at a time
  • “Back-Up” or “Rain Out’ applications will not be accepted if a current application is in process for the same event in the same calendar year
  • You may list multiple parks and multiple dates (in order of preference) on your application if flexible. Availability will be checked in the order listed, with the first available location/date being offered to the applicant
  • For event series (multiple dates for the same event at the same park - i.e., summer movie series), submit all dates on one application. Denver Parks and Recreation reserves the right to define an “event series”

Application Requirements

Individual Applicants: 
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Another person may submit the application, but the individual applicant’s name and signature must be included 
Organization:
  • Must designate an Authorized Agent (18+) who is an employee, board member, or has written authorization on letterhead
  • A new Agent must submit an authorization letter (signed by an employee or board member) with the application
  • Only the Authorized Agent will receive communication from the Parks Permit Office unless a change is submitted in writing
  • Nonprofits must include 501(c)(3) verification (IRS Determination Letter or Colorado Secretary of State registration) with the application

Pavilions

If your Public Event utilizes Central Park Pavilion or City Park Pavilion, please indicate requested dates and times, including set up and teardown, on your application.

2027

2027 Park Permit & Event Facility Reservations

Open Date: Monday, November 2, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. (Mountain Time)

Step 1.What is available for reservation on November 2?

  • Public Events: Festivals, concerts, run/walks, etc. in various park locations
  • Special Occasions: Private, invitation-only activities in various park locations, including Cheesman Park Pavilion
  • Assemblies/1st Amendment Activities: Various park locations

Event Facilities: Information on our Event Facilities can be found HERE. 

Step 2.Special Notes

City Park Pavilion, Central Park Pavilion, Washington Park Boathouse: If your park request includes these facilities, please indicate the requested dates and times, including setup and teardown, on your permit application

Step 3.What is the application process on November 2? 

  • All applications must be submitted via email to park.permits@denvergov.org.
    Park permit applications are NOT accepted in-person on November 2
  • Date and park availability go quickly so we strongly encourage you to include back-up dates and locations (in order of preference) with your application
  • Please check back on this webpage after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, for detailed information about this process

Step 4.How old must someone be to submit a permit application? 

  • All permit applicants must be 18 years of age or older

Step 5.Where can I find more information? 

  • Public Events, Special Occasions, and Assemblies/1st Amendment Activities: Visit the Public Events, Special Occasions, or Assembly/1st Amendment page after 4pm on Friday, October 23, for final information, including 2027 Rest Dates, the 2027 Park Permit Application, other important information, and details on the November 2 reservation process
  • Event Facilities: Visit the Event Facilities page for preliminary information and again after 4pm on Friday, October 23, for final information, including fees, payment schedule, cancellation policy, permit requirements, and details on the November 2 reservation process

Please contact the Parks Permit Office at 720-913-0700 or park.permits@denvergov.org with additional questions. 

Permit Resources & Requirements

Permit Requirements

Event Planning Resources

Applications and Fees

Policies

Admission-Based Event Policy & Requirements(PDF, 323KB)

Alcohol Policy(PDF, 182KB) 

Public Event Permit Policy(PDF, 777KB)

Public Event Cancelation Policy(PDF, 180KB)

Special Occasion Cancelation Policy(PDF, 180KB)

Dept. Rules, Regulations & Other Policies

Co-Sponsorship Policy(PDF, 1MB)

Online Service Center

View your permit or pay permit fees here:

Get Started

Contact Us

Parks Permit Office:
6820 E. 12th Ave
Denver, CO 80220

Office Hours: 

  • Mon & Fri:
    Available via phone and email
     8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Tue, Wed, Thurs:
    Open for in-person appointments
    8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: park.permits@denvergov.org
Phone: 720-913-0700

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