Calvert County, MD Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Calvert County Department of Parks and Recreation
- Covers
- festivals, races, tournaments, concerts open to public
- Fee authority
- Board of County Commissioners sets facility fees
- Unlocks
- alcohol, fireworks, generators otherwise banned in parks
- Civil penalty
- $50 per violation, per day
- Misdemeanor cap
- $1,000 fine, six months jail
Summary
Calvert County requires a Department of Parks and Recreation permit before a 'special event,' such as a festival, race, tournament or concert open to the public, can use park property. The Board of County Commissioners sets fees for facility use, and a special event permit is also the only way to get alcohol authorized at most park locations.
SPECIAL EVENT Any preplanned entertainment, sporting, cultural, business, or other type of activity (including, without limitation, parades, festivals, races, tournaments, concerts, etc.) presented to a live audience and open to the public with or without an entry charge that is to be held in whole or in part upon park property or that may inhibit the usual flow of pedestrian or vehicular travel or which deviates from the established use of the place or building. ... PERMIT Official document issued by the Department giving a park patron authorization to conduct a specific activity during the time period, subject to certain conditions as set forth within that document and this Chapter 82. ... Charge and collect reasonable fees for the use of such facilities, privileges, and conveniences as may be provided; ... Consumption of alcoholic beverages on park property is prohibited except that it may be authorized: by special event permit; at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course; Breezy Point Beach and Campground; and Wisner Hall at Kings Landing Park, under the following conditions:
Full Breakdown
Chapter 82 defines a 'special event' broadly as any preplanned entertainment, sporting, cultural or business activity 'presented to a live audience and open to the public with or without an entry charge' that takes place on park property, inhibits normal pedestrian or vehicular flow, or deviates from a site's established use (§ 82-1-102). ' The Board of County Commissioners is empowered to 'charge and collect reasonable fees for the use of such facilities, privileges, and conveniences as may be provided' (§ 82-1-103B(5)), and the Director implements permitting through regulations and policies adopted with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (§ 82-1-103D).
A permit does more than reserve space: it is also the gateway around several park-wide bans. by special event permit' at locations including Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, Breezy Point Beach and Campground, and Wisner Hall at Kings Landing Park (§ 82-2-104A), and selling alcohol to the public requires both the Department permit and a license from the Calvert County Board of License Commissioners (§ 82-2-104B). Organizers also need permit authorization to set off fireworks, use a generator, or occupy restricted areas during an event, since § 82-2-101 bars those activities absent 'express written authorization' from the Director.
Violations & Fines
Holding an unpermitted special event, or violating permit conditions, is enforced under § 82-1-104: a civil penalty of $50 per violation, with each day a separate violation, plus possible loss of eligibility for future Department rentals, activities or programs. A person who disrupts a permitted special event or refuses to leave when ordered by a Department official or law enforcement can be charged with a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months' imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a festival or concert in a Calvert County park?
Can I serve alcohol at a permitted park event?
What can I lose if I violate my park special event permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Calvert County
Compare Calvert County to another location·View the Maryland special events & permits overview
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