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 |
+ |
$1.05 |
x |
Park Cluster Factor
|
= |
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.
Additional Information
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.