Permits & Rentals 101

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Outdoor wedding venue decorated with floral arch and wooden chairs.

When do I need a Permit?

    A Special Event Permit is required for outdoor activities and events which include the following features:

    • 50 or more people*
    • Advertising or sponsorship activities
    • Alcohol  
    • Amplified sound (e.g. loudspeakers, amplifiers, powered megaphones)
    • Animals (e.g. petting zoo, pony rides, horses)
    • Ceremonies (e.g. baptisms, dedications, weddings, & other services)
    • Exercise classes or boot camps
    • Flying Machine (e.g. drones)  
    • Generators
    • Guaranteed Use of Space**
    • Inflatables
    • Selling and/or distributing merchandise, services or food (e.g. vendors)
    • Stages
    • Tents/canopies (e.g. 10x10 popup)  
    • Walk/Run/Bike or Parade Route 

    *For athletic games, practices, & tournaments (regardless of size) and gatherings of 49 people or less that do not include any of the features listed above, contact the park directly for facility rental information. 

    **Note: To ensure guaranteed use of a facility, rental is required. Outdoor facilities that have not been rented are available to the public on a first come, first serve basis provided the activity does not include any of the features listed above. Contact the park directly for facility rental information. 
    Search for a Park

    For Indoor Activities & Events

    A permit or rental is needed to book a space inside a park fieldhouse.

    For a Special Event Venue (a unique space for a wedding, organizational event, etc.) a specific permit is required. 
    Learn more about Special Event Venues

    To book a facility inside a fieldhouse, such as an auditorium, meeting room, or gym, call the park directly for rental pricing and information.
    Search for a Park

    Independently Managed Sites

    The following locations are independently managed, please call them directly for rental information:

    • Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool | (773) 883-7275
    • Lincoln Park Zoo | (312) 742-2000
    • Maggie Daley Park & Cancer Survivors Garden | (312) 552-3000
    • Millennium Park |  (312) 744-6050
    • Olive Park |  (312) 744-6635 

      Boot camps, fitness classes, marathon training, and other recurring athletic training programs require a Special Event Permit - Athletic Training level. Permit rental fees for this level are charged in 2 hour increments per location per day of the week.

      Fees are assigned based on park cluster. All Chicago Park District Parks are assigned a cluster (1-3) based on variables such as demand, amenities, and location. 
      View the Park Clusters List

      Charged in 2-hour increments per Location per Day of the Week

      Cluster 1 Parks Cluster 2 Parks Cluster 3 Parks 
      $315 $420 $525

      Pricing Examples

      • 1 hour class on M & W April-October at a Cluster 3 Park $520 x 2 days = $1,040
      • 2 hour class on M & W April-October at a Cluster 3 Park $520 x 2 days = $1,040
      • 3 hour class on M & W April-October at a Cluster 3 Park $1040 x 2 days = $2,080
         

      Fee and Document (e.g. insurance) Deadlines 

      Item  Amount  Due Date  Penalty
      Reservation Down Payment  50% of Permit Fee 30 days prior to reservation start date 

      $35 late fee and/or

      possible denial of application

      Payment of Balance 50% of Permit Fee 15 days prior to reservation start date

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application

      Document Submission N/A 15 days prior to reservation start date late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application 

      Outdoor ceremonies such as baptisms, dedications, memorials, religious services, and weddings require a Special Event Permit – Commemorative level.  

      This permit allows for use of designated outdoor space for a 2 or 4-hour time frame. 

      Fees are assigned based on park cluster. All Chicago Park District Parks are assigned a cluster (1-3) based on variables such as demand, amenities, and location. 
      View the Park Clusters List

      Refundable security deposit charged in addition to the rental fee. 

        Cluster 1 Parks Cluster 2 Parks Cluster 3 Parks Security Deposit
      2 Hour Commemorative  $420 $525  $656 $200
      4 Hour Commemorative  $572 $761 $950 $200

       

      Fee and Document (e.g. insurance) Deadlines 

      Item  Amount Due Date  Penalty
      Reservation Down Payment 50% of Permit Fee  30 days prior to reservation start date

      $35 late fee and/or 

      possible denial of application

      Payment of Balance 50% of Permit Fee 15 days prior to reservation start date

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application

      Document Submission N/A 15 days prior to reservation start date

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application 

      Picnics, Outdoor Parties, Run/Walk/Bike, Concerts, & All Other Outdoor Events are assigned an event level 1-5 based on attendance. Fees for each level are assigned based on park cluster. All Chicago Park District Parks are assigned a cluster (1-3) based on variables such as demand, amenities, and location.
      View the Park Clusters List
       

      Fees for these events are calculated by adding the base rental fee plus any add-ons and charged once per event day. If set up and teardown dates are needed, they will be billed at the base rental fee only for each date requested. A refundable security deposit may be charged in addition to the permit rental fee.

      The base rental fee is calculated using the assigned park cluster and expected daily attendance. Some features such as a route (run/walk/bike/parade) or alcohol result in an additional charge. If there are no add-ons, the base rental fee is the permit rental fee. 

       

      Base Rental Fee: Charged per location per date (including setup & tear down days) 

      Daily Attendance (Event Level)  Cluster 1 Parks  Cluster 2 Parks  Cluster 3 Parks 
      Up to 200 people (Event 1)  $126  $168 $210
      201-500 people (Event 2) $620 $819  $1,019
      501-1000 people (Event 3) $2,058  $2,762 $3,465
      1001-3000 people (Event 4)  $4,106 $5,513 $6,899
      3001-10,000 people (Event 5)  $7,455 $9,954 $12,443 

       

      Alcohol Add-on: Charged per location per event date 

      Events that include alcohol require the alcohol add-on fee regardless of location or number of participants. Alcohol must be provided by a company (such as a caterer) that is properly licensed by the State of Illinois Liquor Commission, and the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Licensing. View a list of Preferred Professionals. Security personnel is required at all events with alcohol.

      Alcohol Service Only: Alcoholic beverages served at an event at no charge and/or sampling of alcoholic beverages at an event at no charge. This is primarily used for private, invite only events which are not open to the general public. 

      Daily Attendance (Event Level)  Alcohol Fee 
      (Service Only) 
      Alcohol Fee
      (Service/Sales)
      Up to 200 people (Event 1)  $1,050 $1,050
      201-500 people (Event 2) $1,050 $2,100
      501-1000 people (Event 3) $1,575 $3,150
      1001-3000 people (Event 4)  $2,100 $4,200
      3001-10,000 people (Event 5)  $2,625 $5,250


      Route (Run/Walk/Bike/Parade) Add-on: Charged per location per event date 

      Daily Attendance (Event Level)  Route Fee
      Up to 200 people (Event 1)  $315
      201-500 people (Event 2)  $368
      501-1000 people (Event 3)  $1,050
      1001-3000 people (Event 4)  $2,625
      3001-10,000 people (Event 5)  $2,625

       

      Other Add-ons: these are set fees as listed below, not attendance based 

      Type  Fee
      Aid Stations  Basic $500 per station/Expanded $4,125 per station
      Animals (e.g. petting zoo, pony rides)  $150 per location, per date
      Beach Volleyball Courts  $30.00 per court, per date
      Early Entry (before 6am)/Late Exit (after 11pm) $450 per hour
      Pyrotechnics (E.G. Fireworks) $500 per date

       

      Security Deposit: Charged once per location in addition to the permit rental fees

      Daily Attendance (Event Level)  Security Deposit
      Up to 200 people (Event 1)  $0  
      201-500 people (Event 2)  $500 
      501-1000 people (Event 3)  $1,500
      1001-3000 people (Event 4)  $3,000 
      3001-10,000 people (Event 5)  $5,000

      Pricing Examples  

      • Run with 150 people (event 1) at a cluster 3 park: $210 base fee + $315 route add-on = $525
      • Birthday party with 50 people (event 1) & a petting zoo at a cluster 1 park: $126 base fee + $150 animal add-on = $276
      • Health fair with 600 people (event 3) at a cluster 2 park: $2762 base fee + $1,500 security deposit = $4,262
      • 2 day Concert with 9,000 people (event 5) at a cluster 1 park, 2 setup days, 1 teardown day, & alcohol sales: $7,455 base fee x 5 days + $5,250 alcohol add-on x 2 event days + $5,000 security deposit = $52,775


      Fee and Document (e.g. insurance) Deadlines 

      Events 1-2 (under 500 people)

      Item  Amount  Due Date  Penalty 
      Reservation Down Payment 50% of Permit Fee 30 days prior to reservation start date

      $35 late fee and/or

      possible denial of application

      Payment of Balance  50% of Permit Fee 15 days prior to reservation start date 

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application 

      Document Submission N/A  15 days prior to reservation start date 

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application


      Events 3-5 (501-10,000 people)

      Item  Amount  Due Date  Penalty 
      Reservation Down Payment 50% of Permit Fee 90 days prior to reservation start date

      $250 late fee and/or

      possible denial of application

      Payment of Balance  50% of Permit Fee 30 days prior to reservation start date

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application

      Document Submission N/A  30 days prior to reservation start date

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application 

      Concerts, Festivals, Runs/Walks, and all other outdoor events with a daily attendance over 10,000 people are designated an event level 6.

      Fees are assigned based on park cluster. All Chicago Park District Parks are assigned a cluster (1-3) based on variables such as demand, amenities, and location. 
      View the Park Clusters List

      Permit Rental fees are calculated at $0.02 per square foot for every day the park is in use (setup, event, and tear down) + $1.00 per daily attendance for each event day. That total is multiplied by the park cluster factor.

      A $20,805 security deposit is required in addition to Permit Rental Fees. 

      $0.021
      x
      Total Square Feet
      x
      Total # of days park is used

       

      +

      $1.05
      x
      Attendance
      x
      Event days only
      (as submitted on application)

       

      x

      Park Cluster Factor

      Park Cluster 1 = .75 Park
      Park Cluster 2 = 1
      Park Cluster 3 = 1.25

       

       

      =

      Permit Rental Fee

      Pricing Example
      Cluster 1 Park (Jackson Park groves 19A&B & surrounding) totaling 1,200,000 sq. ft.  with 4 setup days, 2 event days, & 3 teardown days and 20,000 attendees.

      • .021 * 1,200,000 sq. ft. * 9 total days = $226,800
      • $1.05 * 20,000 attendees * 2 event days = $42,000
      • $226,800 + $42,000 = $268,800
      • $268,800 * .75 park cluster factor = $201,600
      • $201,600 + $20,805 security deposit = $222,405 


      Fee and Document Deadlines 

      Item  Amount  Due Date  Penalty 
      Reservation Down Payment 50% of Permit Fee 90 days prior to reservation start date

      $250 late fee and/or

      possible denial of application

      Payment of Balance  50% of Permit Fee 30 days prior to reservation start date 

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application

      Document Submission N/A  30 days prior to reservation start date 

      late fee 1% of permit fee, per day and/or  

      possible denial of application

      Promotions can include one-time retail displays, product/service sampling and other visibility options. Call the Chicago Park District New Business Development Department for rates, (312) 742-4744.

      Interested in partnering with us?

      The Athletic Use, Resident, Contractor, and Service Provider (ARCS) program enables artists, artist organizations, community groups, organizations, and businesses to enter into a mutual agreement to provide mission-centered programs and services to the public on Park District property. 
      Learn About the ARCS Program

        This processing fee is required for each application. Additional permit fees due after the date and location have been secured. Please note the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
        Pay the 2025 Event Permit App Fee

        Site plans are required for all events.  

        A route map with step-off times is required for all run/walk/bike and parades.  

        Complete & Submit the 2025 Special Event Permit Application

        Note: Step 1 must be completed first, as the receipt number is needed to complete the application.

        Mobile users must save the PDF as a file before editing is possible. Application is best viewed in Chrome or Internet Explorer browsers. Best practice is to download the form, save the completed application, then submit via email to permitapp@chicagoparkdistrict.com.

         


        Application Review 

        • The application review process takes a minimum of 14 days. Correspondence is sent via email to the account used to purchase the Special Event Permit Application Fee.  
        • If the requested date/location is available the applicant will receive an email with a link to the pending permit which is a conditional approval.
        • If the requested date/location is unavailable, the applicant will be contacted via email for alternate options.  
        • If the request cannot be fulfilled, the applicant will receive an email notification that the application has been denied and the reason why.

        Permit Approval

        • Upon receipt of the pending permit, additional fees and documents (such as insurance) are due according to the deadlines listed in the Special Event Permit Application and on the pricing page.  
        • Event organizers are required to obtain general liability insurance.  Rolei Financial Services (312) 654-8200 is the preferred provider, however organizers may use another provider of their own choosing.
        • Once all the Park District’s requirements have been fulfilled, the Chicago Park District will issue its Special Event Permit for the event via email.
        • Outdoor events held in the City of Chicago must complete a Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Event Permit Application if the event:
          • Will close City streets (street closures are not allowed for private events);
          • Will prepare food on a public street/sidewalk or private property (open to the public);
          • Will sell/serve alcohol;
          • Will sell merchandise;
          • Have tent(s) larger than 20 ft. x 20 ft. (400 sq. ft.); OR
          • Have stage(s) taller than 2 ft.

        Deposit Refunds

        Security deposit refunds will be automatically submitted for processing within 30 business days after the event, presuming there are no damages or violations. Refunds are made to the original form of payment. If deposit is paid with cash, a check will be mailed. Checks are mailed to the address as listed on the permit holder’s account.

          Prior to starting the application process, organizers must choose a location for their event. Because site availability information cannot be obtained prior to submitting an application, it is recommended that organizers provide as many alternative dates and/or locations in the space provided on the first page of the Special Event Permit Application. 

          View Lakefront Maps below.
          Search for a Park
           

          Learn more about the permits needed for the following events and activities by clicking on the links below.

           



          For questions, call the Chicago Park District Department of Revenue at (312) 763-6710.