Fauquier County, VA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 16-3 requires a permit before using a county park for any event, assembly, festival, entertainment, rally or similar activity expected to draw more than seventy-five people. The applicant must submit the director's required form at least twenty days before the event, and the director must approve or deny it in writing within five working days. In deciding, the director weighs seven standards under § 16-3(b): whether the activity would unreasonably interfere with general park enjoyment or with public health, welfare, safety and recreation, whether the site is already reserved, whether it would disrupt traffic or overextend law enforcement resources, whether it risks injury or disorder, and whether it is really an advertisement or a for-profit affair.

The board of parks and recreation may set a permit fee tied to the cost of processing the application, and the director can, at his discretion, require an indemnity bond, liability insurance, or paid additional security personnel drawn from a qualified list the director maintains. A denied applicant has five days to appeal in writing to the board of parks and recreation, which must rule within five days of the appeal. Violating a permit's terms is grounds for the director to revoke it and forfeit any fees paid, and the permit holder along with agents or employees who violated the terms remains liable for resulting damages.