Richmond, VA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 8-372(a) authorizes the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities to issue permits for the exclusive use of any City park or portion of one, park house, playground, recreation center or public open space, subject to a detailed list of general terms. Applicants file a written application with the Department and pay the applicable permit fee set by Council action, per § 8-372(a)(1)-(2). Permits are granted first-come, first-served, and cannot normally be granted unless filed at least 30 days before the event, though the Director has discretion to require more lead time, under § 8-372(a)(3).

Every permit must state the permittee's contact information, the effective dates, the specific property covered, and whether fundraising, amplified music, alcohol, tents, security personnel or food and merchandise sales will be allowed, per § 8-372(a)(4). The Director can attach reasonable restrictions to protect City property, prevent disorderly conduct or excessive noise affecting a nearby neighborhood, and can require off-duty police for security, under § 8-372(a)(5). Liability insurance can be required whenever an event is projected to draw over 500 people, sells food, involves airborne objects, includes fireworks, reroutes traffic, sells merchandise or alcohol, includes a parade, or erects tents or stages, per § 8-372(a)(6).

The Director must also require adequate surety for damage, preparation and cleanup costs under § 8-372(a)(7), and can deny a permit for noncompliance, public nuisance risk, safety danger, or conflict with another scheduled use, per § 8-372(a)(8)-(10). The Director makes reasonable efforts to notify affected neighborhoods of pending applications under § 8-372(a)(11) and can summarily revoke a permit for noncompliance under § 8-372(a)(12).