Special Events & Permits in Dane County, WI (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Dane County, Wisconsin.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Dane County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Park Event Permits

Anyone planning a public meeting, assembly, entertainment, tournament or speech in a Dane County park needs a written permit purchased in advance under Code ch. 53.02(1)(a), and exclusive use of any facility, designated area, or special use area needs one too. Permits can be revoked for just cause and violations forfeit $10.00 to $100.00.

Dane County Park Event and Gathering Permits

Some Restrictions

Dane County Code of Ordinances, ch. 53.02(1)-(3)

53.02 PERMITS. (1) Written permits shall be required for any of the following and must be purchased prior to use: (a) All public meetings, assemblies, entertainments, tournaments or speeches; (b) Exclusive use of any facility, designated area or special use area; ... (2) The parks division reserves the right to require written permits for any other reason as it deems necessary. (3) Any permit m...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Special Events & Permits by City in Dane County

4 cities in Dane County have their own special events & permits rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

MadisonPop. 269,840

7 verified rules • Block Party Permits, Parade Permits

Sun PrairiePop. 35,967

4 verified rules • Block Party Permits, Park Event Permits

FitchburgPop. 29,609

3 verified rules • Block Party Permits, Parade Permits

MiddletonPop. 21,827

3 verified rules • Parade Permits, Park Event Permits

All Dane County ordinances

See every category we cover for Dane County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Dane County Ordinance Hub →