South Bend, IN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

South Bend, IN, Code of Ordinances ch. 19, art. 3, Sec. " The same section separately requires a permit to hold a meeting, perform a ceremony, make a speech, or exhibit or distribute any sign, placard, notice or appeal in a park. The Board of Park Commissioners must issue the permit on application unless the use is commercial in nature, the requested location is inconsistent with a specialized park use area (skating rinks, ball diamonds, camping areas, athletic fields, landscaped or limited-use areas, swimming pools or recreational areas) or will unreasonably cause safety, crowd congestion, noise or traffic problems, or the requested date/time is already allocated or would substantially interfere with public use of the park.

If the Board denies a permit for a location or scheduling conflict, it must offer the applicant an alternative suitable location or date under Sec. 19-48(e). Organized picnics and outings fall under the companion Sec. 19-49 and require a separate permit for the designated picnic areas. Sec. 19-47 sets the broader permit and fee framework for the park system: entrance, vehicle registration, rental and activity fees are set by the Board, and every permit is issued subject to written terms and conditions. Under Sec. 19-47(c)-(d), violating any law, ordinance, or Board rule tied to a permit is grounds for the Board to revoke it, and revocation lets the City keep any fees already paid; the permit holder and any agents or employees who violated the terms remain jointly and severally liable to the City for damages beyond the forfeited amount.

Permits are administered by the Board of Park Commissioners or its authorized officer, not the general City Clerk's office, and applications should identify the specific park, date, and activity so staff can check it against the specialized-use and scheduling criteria in Sec. 19-48(d).