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Events In Madison Parks

Park Event Permits

The primary mission of Madison Parks is to provide residents and visitors with open space and facilities for recreation and relaxation. Under regulated circumstances, a park event permit can be used to reserve park space for a special event. The following park event application process is intended to help with the success of your event and insure the safety and general welfare of the public and event participants.

What makes a park use request a special event?

You must complete an application for a park event permit if any of the following items apply:

  • Greater than 250 people are expected.
  • The event will be promoted to the general public.
  • Admission will be charged.
  • A park not normally used for events, such as a neighborhood park or beach, is requested.
  • Vending will occur.
  • The purpose of the event is to raise money, whether for a non-profit/charity or as a commercial venture.
  • The event will use extensive space in a park.

If you are not sure whether your event qualifies as a special event please email.

PERMIT APPLICATION, INSTRUCTIONS & FEE SCHEDULE

Prior to completing the Park Event Application, please read the Park Event Instructions Complete and submit the Park Event Application to begin the process of reserving park space for your special event.

  • Online application - create an account or log in to your account
    Select permitting->select apply for a permit->scroll down and select Park Event (Special Event)
  • Park Event Application Instructions: PDF
  • Park Event Application: MS Word | PDF
  • Fee Schedule

REQUIRED EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

  • Emergency Action Plan Form A: PDF | MS Word - required for all events with an estimated attendance of less than 1,000.
  • Emergency Action Plan Form B: PDF | MS Word - required for all events with an estimated attendance of 1,000-9,999.
  • Custom Emergency Action Plan is required for all events with an estimated attendance over 10,000, as an addendum to the application.
  • Watch the Community Event Safety Symposium to help develop an Emergency Action Plan - a video of the City of Madison 2024 Safety Symposium.

*NEW* REQUIRED EVENT ACCESSIBILITY PLAN

  • Event Accessibility Plan: PDF | MS Word
  • Fill in all sections that pertain to your event.
  • Contact Rebecca Hoyt, Disability Rights and Services Specialist at (608) 266-6511 or rhoyt@cityofmadison.com for support to help plan an accessible event.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Please note the following timelines that are required for Park Event permit applications (we will assess a $250 late application fee if the deadline is missed):

At least 6 MONTHS (180 DAYS) prior to the event start date:

  • New park events; based on complexity and size
  • Returning park events; with past permit violations or significant changes from the previous year
  • Park event permits applying for an extension of park hours

At least 2 MONTHS (60 DAYS)

  • Returning Park Events with no significant changes
  • New Park Events that are small, not very complex and do not have extensive setup

Please email to discuss your event if you are unsure which deadline your event needs to meet.

Neighborhood & Community Group Park Events

If you are a neighborhood or community group planning an event in a park, visit Neighborhood & Community Group Park Events to see if your event qualifies for this streamlined permit.

Helpful Resources

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