Charleston, SC Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

City Code § 22-4 requires a reservation permit for any organized activity or organized sport, defined as a game played by three or more people or two or more regularly practicing teams, that needs reserved use of a park, recreational facility, athletic field, tennis court or playground, but does not otherwise require a special events permit under § 2-185 or a First Amendment demonstration permit under § 25-36. Applications go to the Department of Recreation at least 21 business days before the event; the department may accept or reject late applications at its discretion.

The department, working with the Department of Parks, must find the activity will not disrupt safe park use or traffic, strain police staffing, unduly crowd the space, risk injury or disorder, cause excessive litter or a health hazard, or improperly exclude other park users, and that the location fits the neighborhood. A denied applicant can appeal to the recreation committee of city council within 48 hours. Under the fee schedule adopted through Ordinance No. 2024-080, the non-refundable application fee is $15 for residents and $30 for non-residents, due at submittal; athletic fields run $50 to $200 per hour, covered shelters $125 to $250 for three hours, and wedding sites $150 to $500 depending on capacity and time.

All fees and deposits are due 14 days before the event, cancellations 0 to 6 days out forfeit the full amount, and fees are doubled for non-residents. Balloon releases are barred citywide in parks, and open carry of firearms is prohibited at any permitted event.