Kenosha, WI Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

05(A) of the Kenosha Code requires a permit before anyone holds an assembly or gathering of 250 or more persons, engages in organized athletic competition or team sports, reserves an athletic field or picnic area for a specific date and time, sells food, beverages, or other goods or services, possesses or consumes fermented malt beverages or wine, produces amplified sound above the citywide decibel limit in Chapter XXIII, or performs any other otherwise-prohibited act; failing to get the permit is itself a chapter violation. Applications go in writing to the Superintendent of Parks with the required fee, describing the activity, the park or area requested, and the estimated attendance.

The Board of Park Commissioners grants permits for 250-plus gatherings, alcohol-related special events, leases, and concessions, while the Superintendent can grant any other permit, subject to a monthly report to the Board; a Superintendent's denial can be appealed to the Board. The Permitting Authority must find the activity will comply with applicable law, will not create an unreasonable safety risk, will not unreasonably interfere with public use of the park, will not impose an unrecovered burden on the City, and does not conflict with another reservation, and it can attach conditions such as an indemnity agreement, a bond, private security, cleanup, or liability insurance of $1,000,000 or more depending on the size and risk class of the event.

The Board must act on an application within 30 days and the Superintendent within 10 days, and a Superintendent decision can be appealed to the Board within 10 days of receipt.