Special Occasion Permits

Special Occasions are private, invitation-only events in parks. 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. 

Application Process

Step 1.Review Permit Resources and Requirements

Step 2.Submit Your Application

  • Applications must be submitted no later than 30 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

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

Organizations

  • 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 

Application Limits

  • One application per email will be accepted
  • Applicants seeking multiple dates for the same activity (i.e., church service, monthly club meeting), must wait 30 days in between submitting applications
  • 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

*Please review important permitting resources in the tab below*

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 & 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

 

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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