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

Denver Parks and Recreation manages public event permits for all city parks. Public events requiring permits include festivals, concerts, walk/run/ride events, and any gathering requiring exclusive use of park space, temporary structures, or amplified sound. Applications are submitted through the Parks and Recreation department and processed based on event size and complexity. Events such as weddings, picnics, athletics, reunions, and block parties on private property are not required to submit an Office of Special Events (OSE) application, though park reservations may still be needed. For larger events that impact public streets or rights-of-way, the Office of Special Events coordinates multi-department review. The OSE provides an Event Planning Guide (updated July 2024) detailing requirements for insurance, traffic management, sanitation, security, and vendor permits. Events with food vendors must comply with DDPHE health requirements. Amplified sound must comply with Denver's noise ordinance. Denver's OSE uses the Eproval online platform for special event permit applications. Temporary vending in parks requires separate permits from Denver Parks and Recreation for food and non-alcoholic beverages at designated park sites.