Ridgefield, CT Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Town Code § 269-10 bars use of any park for a special event, defined to include car shows, flea markets, art shows, concerts, professional fireworks displays and similar organized activities, unless a permit is obtained in advance from the Superintendent or an authorized agent. A special-event application must go directly to the Superintendent at least 90 days before the event, and issuance rests entirely on the Superintendent's express direction plus any special conditions set by the Parks and Recreation Commission or Board of Education. Smaller ad hoc gatherings get shorter windows: groups of 25 to 100 people need only three working days' notice, and groups of 101 to 500 need 60 days, but any group of 501 or more falls back into the 90-day special-event track.

Every applicant must list the date, hours, location, activity and expected attendance, and disclose the applicants' ages if alcohol will be served. Groups over 100 and every special-event permittee must furnish a surety bond or liability insurance policy at least three days before the event, covering personal injury and any damage, litter cleanup or extra police staffing the Town incurs; park condition is inspected 24 hours before and after the event to document damage. Permits are available only to Ridgefield residents and employees of Ridgefield businesses, and the Superintendent can revoke a permit for a rule violation or other good cause.

Fees are set by the Parks and Recreation Commission or Board of Education and may not discriminate unlawfully. A denied applicant can appeal in writing to the Commission or Board within the permit process, and that body must hear the appeal within 30 days and decide within 14 days of the hearing.