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

Park event permits in Palm Springs are administered by the Parks and Recreation Department. Small gatherings under a size threshold (commonly 25 or 50 attendees) may picnic without reservation on a first-come basis, while larger groups, organized events, weddings, amplified music, tent setups over 10 feet by 10 feet, and any use involving vendors require a park use permit. Applications need to be submitted several weeks in advance and include: attendance estimate, setup and teardown times, equipment list, site preferences (Sunrise Park bandshell, Ruth Hardy Park lawn, Demuth Park fields), and certificates of insurance with the city named as additional insured (typically $1 million). Alcohol requires ABC licensing and may be restricted entirely in certain parks. Amplified sound is allowed with conditions: speakers angled inward, decibel caps, and end time (usually 9:00 or 10:00 PM). Fee schedule includes base reservation, per-attendee charge for large events, and refundable cleanup deposit. Athletic field use (soccer, little league) has its own permitting. Tahquitz Canyon, Indian Canyons, and other tribal lands require Agua Caliente permits separately. Private wedding ceremonies at bandshell are popular and book far in advance.