Boulder, CO Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 8-3-14 requires a permit before anyone organizes, promotes, or stages a recreational, athletic, or social event reasonably expected to draw 50 or more participants and spectators in a city park, parkway, recreation area, or open space, unless the gathering is already covered by a special festival event permit under Chapter 4-12. An applicant must file at least 14 days before the event date, post a $100 security deposit, and have at least one adult city resident sign the application, along with the sponsoring organization's name and address, the contact person's name, address, and phone number, the requested site, a description of the planned activities, the requested day and hours, and an estimated attendance.

The city manager checks the application for accuracy, screens it against the parks and recreation department's own scheduled activities (which take priority), reviews whether the site's seating, parking, and sanitation can handle the crowd, and can require a deposit larger than $100 if warranted. A permit issues only if the event fits the site, won't damage its infrastructure or resources, and its public benefit outweighs its detriments. Conditions attached to every permit include protecting city property and wildlife from damage, cleaning up and restoring the site afterward, charging no admission unless it's a city-sponsored event, keeping event noise within Chapter 5-9's noise standards, and ensuring performers, participants, and spectators follow all applicable laws. m. The section applies only to areas where the city doesn't normally charge an entry fee.