Orange, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

48, the Park Ordinance, requires a written permit from the Director for any gathering, celebration, event or activity of 25 or more people in a park, or 10 or more in an athletic facility. A permit is required no matter how few people attend for amplified-sound events, musical performances or concerts before an audience, animal exhibitions, art displays or entertainment performances, amusement devices like moon bounces, wedding ceremonies, and athletic events charging a registration fee or donation. Permits are flatly refused for foot or wheeled races, deep fryers, food distribution, activities in parking lots, water play features, and any other use outside normal park use.

Applicants seeking repeated use of the same area must apply at least 30 days ahead, and the Director must respond within seven working days; a repeat-use permit runs no more than 90 days and is limited to once a week during that window. The Director weighs whether the activity will unreasonably interfere with public use, entail extraordinary City expense, risk violence, involve exclusive fencing or an admission charge, or exist solely to advertise or sell for private profit, and may attach conditions such as security deposits, private security, insurance, or business license fees.

72, though the City Manager may waive that requirement for smaller groups under 300. 110, a denied or conditioned applicant has five days to appeal in writing to the City Manager, whose decision is final.