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Assemblies, Public Events & Special Occasions

Public events include both free and admission-based events such as festivals, concerts, and walks/runs/rides, along with public assemblies. 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.

Download 2023 permit application(PDF, 953KB)

How to apply for a park permit:

Application Process

Step 1.Review Permit Resources & Requirements

2023 Restrictions and requirements: by park and permit type(PDF, 110KB)
2023 Public Event Rest Dates: unavailable to request(PDF, 232KB)
2023 Park closures and advisories(PDF, 80KB)
2023 Athletic priority park information(PDF, 138KB)
Park capacities
Maps, including permittable spaces available to request(PDF, 12MB)
Please ensure the proper signature is on your application

Step 2.Submit Your Application

Public Events: applications must be submitted no later than 60 days prior to the first permitted day of activity
- Applicant may only have one active application in process per event at any time
- Applicants seeking a permit for an event series (multiple dates for the same event at the same park - i.e., summer movie series), should submit all dates on one application. Denver Parks and Recreation reserves the right to determine an “event series”
- Applicants may list multiple parks and multiple dates (per individual request) on their application if flexible. Availability will be checked in the order listed, with the first available location/date being offered to the applicant
Special Occasions: applications must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the first permitted day of activity
- Recurring events: applicants seeking multiple dates for the same activity (i.e. church service) must wait 30 days in between submitting applications

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

Applicant may only have one active application in process per event at any 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
Applicants may list multiple parks and multiple dates (per individual request) on their application if flexible

Individual Applicants:

Must be at least 18 years old
Individual applicants may have someone else submit their application, but the name of the individual applicant under which the permit will be issues must be listed and have signed the application

Entity/Organization Applications:

Must have an identified Representative (Authorized Agent). Organizers who hire third-party event managers for their activity can designate them as the day-of contact, or Authorized Agent as noted on the application
The Authorized Agent must be at least 18 years old and an employee, board member, or authorized with a letter on organization letterhead signed by an authorized employee or board member
A new Authorized Agent must provide an authorization letter at the time of application
An Authorized Agent may have someone else submit the application, but the name of the organization under which the permit will be issued must be listed as the applicant and signed by the Authorized Agent
IMPORTANT: This individual will be the ONLY person receiving communication from the Parks Permit Office until the organization provides a letter stating a change in the representative
If the organization is a nonprofit, 501c3 verification must be submitted with the application: IRS Determination Letter or Letter of Registration/Certificate from the Colorado Secretary of State

Pavilions:

If your Public Event utilizes Central Park Pavilion or City Park Pavilion, please indicate requested dates and times, including set up and teardown, in the NOTES section of the permit application.