Sells Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits Rules (2026)

Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation (NRPR) manages over 47,000 acres of parks, trails, and open space. Special event permits are required for gatherings exceeding standard park use, including organized athletic events, concerts, festivals, weddings, fundraisers, and commercial filming or photography. NRPR issues permits in tiers based on event size and impact: small events (under 50 people) have simplified applications, while large events (200+ people) require detailed site plans, insurance, sanitation plans, and potentially environmental review. Sonoran Desert parks require special ecological protection conditions including limits on ground disturbance, protection of saguaro cacti and other native vegetation, wildlife corridor considerations, and restoration plans for any impacted areas. Catalina Regional Park, Tucson Mountain Park, and Colossal Cave Mountain Park each have specific venue guidelines and capacity limits. Alcohol at park events requires an Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control special event license in addition to the park permit. Amplified sound is subject to permit conditions including decibel limits and time cutoffs. Revenue-generating events on county park property are subject to use fees and may require a percentage of gross receipts.