Events in Manhattan parks including Central Park require NYC Parks special event permits; large events need earlier application and insurance.
Events held in New York County (Manhattan) parks — Central Park, Riverside, Battery, Madison Square, Washington Square, and others — require a Special Event Permit from NYC Parks under Rules of the City of New York Title 56. Applications for events with 20 or more attendees generally require a permit; events over 500 people or with amplified sound, stages, or vendors need more lead time (often 30-90 days) and typically Certificate of Liability Insurance (minimum 1 million dollars per occurrence naming the City as additional insured). Sound amplification requires an NYPD sound device permit and Parks approval. Photo shoots and film shoots use MOME permits (see filming section). Alcohol requires an SLA permit and Parks approval. Fees vary by event size and park. Central Park Conservancy and other private partners may require additional approval.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how New York County's park event permits rules stack up against other locations.
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