Lexington, KY Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Any pre-planned event on LFUCG public park property where the public is invited must comply with the Special Events Permit process administered by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. Events with anticipated attendance over 100, events needing city services such as police traffic control or EMS, and any event that would impede general public access to the park all trigger the permit requirement. The application must be submitted a minimum of 12 weeks before the event date, accompanied by a 50 dollar non-refundable application fee. The application then circulates through relevant city departments for review and cost estimates for any required city services. Applicants should review the Special Events Planning Guide published by LFUCG, which outlines updated policies and procedures for events on public property. Events at Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza must also comply with specific Courthouse Plaza event guidelines and submit a site plan using the city-provided planning map. For private property events near parks with 500 or more guests, runs or walks using public roads, or alcohol sales, a Private Property Event Notification must be filed at least 8 weeks in advance. Separately, commercial photography in parks costs 40 dollars per day per location or 225 dollars for a calendar-year permit across all Lexington parks. Commercial video filming in parks costs 125 dollars per day per location. Both require a certificate of commercial general liability insurance of at least 1 million dollars per occurrence naming LFUCG as additional insured. Park shelter reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance through Parks and Recreation Rentals at 469 Parkway Dr., 859-288-2972.