Albuquerque, NM Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 3+ prearranged city services
- Apply
- At least 11 business days ahead
- Fees
- Facility/public-grounds fees due before permit
- Insurance
- Required unless waived by Risk Management
- Issued by
- Mayor's Administration
Summary
Reserving an Albuquerque park for an organized gathering that needs at least three prearranged city services, barricades, solid waste pickup, structures, electrical hookups, requires a special event permit from the Administration, with facility fees paid before issuance.
If the permit application is for the use of any city facility or public grounds, or if any city services will be required for the special event, the applicant shall pay, prior to the issuance of a permit, charges for the facility, public grounds, or services in accordance with any applicable schedule of fees provided by the affected department.
(B) The applicant shall be required to provide appropriate proof of insurance acceptable to the city that will cover any loss or damage to persons or property. Applicants may be required to demonstrate the city has been named as an additional insured party.
(C) An applicant shall be exempted from the requirement to obtain or provide proof of insurance if the applicant meets the criteria for an insurance waiver adopted by the city's Risk Management Division. (Ord._2023-019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the Albuquerque Free Expression and Special Event Permitting ordinance, any organized public gathering, parade, or public assembly in a city park or open space that needs three or more prearranged city services must get a permit from the Mayor's Administration. Applications are due at least 11 business days ahead, and the city must issue a permit unless it falls under an enumerated denial ground, such as exclusive, prolonged use of a park that blocks public access. Applicants pay facility and public-grounds fees before the permit issues and must carry insurance naming the city as an additional insured, unless waived by Risk Management.
Violations & Fines
Staging an unpermitted special event, or breaching a permit's terms, is punishable by up to a $500 fine or 90 days in jail under the code's general penalty, § 1-1-99; each day of violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small family picnic in an Albuquerque park?
How far ahead must I apply for a park event permit?
Can the city deny my park reservation permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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