Austin, TX Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Do I Need a Permit? NO PERMIT REQUIRED: Gathering of friends / family without advertisement to the public and that does NOT include any commercial activity, amplified sound, food sales, alcohol, advertising, marketing or similar. Park Rules, applicable local laws, and health orders must be followed. [...] PERMIT REQUIRED: A permit is required for all other types of gathering or park uses. [...] Picnic site rentals start at $60/site/day bookable 10 am - 10 pm at most sites. Bookings requests must be submitted online up to 180 days in advance and no less than 16 days prior to the use date. [...] Park Event Permit - Public Event with Food (no structures, tent permits or alcohol) - Public events, fundraisers or similar with food and non-alcoholic beverages must apply for an event permit. These events may NOT include alcohol sales, structures, fencing or tent permits as they qualify as Special Event Permits with the Austin Center for Events. MINIMUM Requirements: Application, Review and Approval, and Payment of Fees; Insurance (standard requirements for all public events, and possible coverage(s) required by the park system). [...] Special Event Permit - Public Event with Food, Structures, Fencing, Alcohol, or Structures - Austin Parks and Recreation's Office of Special Events (OSE) is available to assist with large scale event planning.