Denver, CO Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting office
- Manager of Parks and Recreation
- Insurance minimum (certain events)
- $100,000 property / $300,000 injury
- Priority rule
- 2+ consecutive years of same use
- Max penalty
- $999 fine or 300 days jail
Summary
Denver requires a permit from the manager of parks and recreation before holding any scheduled event in a city park, with liability insurance required for amplified music, races, or commercial promotion.
It shall be unlawful to hold any scheduled event within the parks of the city unless and until a permit therefor has been issued as provided in this division, or, for assemblies, division 3 of this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Anyone planning a scheduled event in a Denver park must apply to the manager of parks and recreation before the event under DRMC §§ 39-71 through 39-73. The application must include event details, and the manager can require proof of liability insurance, minimum $100,000 property damage and $300,000 personal injury, for events involving amplified music, organized competitive road races, or commercial advertising. A permit issues if the facility isn't already reserved for that day and hour, the event's stated purpose isn't to incite violence or overthrow of government, and (for larger or costly events) the applicant has deposited funds to cover the city's added costs. Applicants who've used the same park, date, time, and place for more than two consecutive years get scheduling priority over new applicants. Fireworks displays are barred in Charter-designated parks regardless of the permit.
Violations & Fines
Holding a scheduled event in a Denver park without the required permit is unlawful under § 39-71; since no specific fine is set, it carries Denver's general penalty of up to $999 and/or 300 days in jail under § 1-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a casual picnic in a Denver park?
What if two groups apply for the same park, date, and time?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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