Fond du Lac County, WI Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- Halls, shelters, pavilions, 10+ gatherings
- Alcohol permit deadline
- At least 2 weeks before event
- Alcohol permit age
- 21+, responsible party 18+
- Fee exemptions
- Minors under 16, approved education programs
- Issued by
- Land Information Department or campground hosts
Summary
Reserving an enclosed hall, shelter, or pavilion, running a commercial event, or gathering ten or more people in Veterans Memorial Park all require a county permit and fee under Code § 42-12(d) before the event, issued by the Land Information Department.
(d)Permits and procedures. The following activities or uses require a permit or reservation, and payment of the appropriate fee per the fee schedule, from the department:(1)Consumption of alcohol beverages by groups of ten people or more;(2)To use land within any facility for any commercial or business purpose;(3)Camping in Columbia Park or Waupun County Park;(4)To use enclosed halls, shelters, or pavilions;(5)To launch a boat at a boat launching facility; or(6)Any gathering in Veterans Memorial Park of ten or more people for any event or celebration other than Memorial Day or Veterans Day.
Full Breakdown
" Alcohol permits carry the most detailed procedure: the permit-holder must be a responsible person at least 18 (21 if the permit covers alcohol), must apply at least two weeks before the event, and is personally responsible for damage or misconduct connected to the permit; groups of nine or fewer campers or boaters don't need one. Fees follow the schedule the county board sets by resolution and are on file with the Land Information Department; minors under 16 are exempt from facility use fees, and people attending an already-permitted event or participating in department-approved environmental education programs are also excused from paying separately.
Permits for Columbia Park and Waupun County Park are issued by the department or the campground hosts; every other facility's permit comes directly from the department. At the department's discretion, educational, environmental, sports, or civic groups can receive permits free of charge in exchange for work or donations supporting the facilities.
Violations & Fines
Using a hall, shelter, pavilion, or Veterans Memorial Park for a covered event without the required permit is enforced under § 42-14(b): a § 1-8 forfeiture of $10.00 to $500.00 plus prosecution costs, issuable by any law enforcement officer. The individual who signs a permit is also personally liable for damage or misconduct connected to the permitted event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to reserve a shelter at a Fond du Lac County park?
How far ahead do I need to apply for an alcohol permit for a group event?
Is a permit required for a small family gathering in Veterans Memorial Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fond du Lac County
Compare Fond du Lac County to another location·View the Wisconsin special events & permits overview
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