The Bandstand at Vancouver Barracks

The Bandstand provides a great, covered outdoor venue for permitted events.

NPS

 

 

About the Bandstand

The Bandstand, located on the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground, is a modern reconstruction of a bandstand that stood in this location in the 1870s. Today, it is one of the national park's most popular venues for permitted events. It is mostly used for small wedding ceremonies, family gatherings, and events that desire or require a covered outdoor area. The Bandstand provides some shelter from the weather and is located near Officers' Row and the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center.

 

Venue-Specific Information

 

Address

The Bandstand is located on the Parade Ground at Vancouver Barracks, a part of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. It is located just west of 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661.

Capacity

The Bandstand can accommodate events with up to 200 attendees.

Accessibility

This area is not wheelchair accessible. The nearest accessible public restrooms are located at the Visitor Center. The Bandstand is located in a grassy field with somewhat uneven terrain. A short flight of stairs leads up from the ground to the interior of the Bandstand.

Equipment and Electricity

Approximately 3-5 picnic tables are usually located in this area. Electricity may be available. As part of a large, open area, the Bandstand is available on an as-is basis; no additional equipment provided.

Parking

The site has limited, first-come first-served parking available in public parking lots along E Evergreen Blvd. and 5th Street. There are 40 parking spaces available for use at the Visitor Center parking area during business hours. Parking may be permitted on the shoulder of the Park Road, though additional costs may be required for traffic control personnel to ensure safe public access. Off road parking is not permitted. Be prepared to provide a parking plan to address your activity's parking needs.

Reservation Information

To apply for a permit to reserve the Bandstand for your activity, please complete an application form and return it to the park along with a $100 application fee (see below). Learn more about obtaining an application form here.

Fees and Costs

Application Fee

A $100 application processing fee is due with the application. This fee is non-refundable and may be paid by credit card, cashier's check, or check (made payable to National Park Service) only.

Recovery Fees

Reservation fee during regular park hours: first 2 hours included with $100 application fee, $25 for each additional hour.

Reservation fee during park non-operational hours and holidays: first hour included with $100 application fee, $50 per hour for each additional hour.

Management Costs

Management costs are incurred by the park through expanding park hours of operation, monitoring, supporting, cleaning up, or restoring a resource after event use. They are recovered at a rate of $50/hour per employee per hour.

 

 

General Guidelines

• Your Special Use Permit does not grant exclusive access to the grounds surrounding the Bandstand, including the Parade Ground and the public parking areas on East Evergreen Blvd. For increased privacy, it recommended that you schedule your event early or after hours.
• Due to the archaeological significance of the site, ground disturbance, including staking, is not allowed.
• The releasing of balloons, doves or butterflies and throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals or other natural or artificial material is prohibited.
• Due to the natural terrain of the area, set-ups such as chairs, carpet runners, arches, trellises, podiums, organs/pianos, loud music instruments or related items are not allowed. Certain flowers are permitted as long as they arrive and depart with the permittee. Please indicate on the application.
• Torches, fires, grilling, cooking, and other sources of open flame are prohibited.
• Balloons are prohibited.
• Music, both amplified and non-amplified (acoustic), may be permitted upon request and must be managed at a level not to exceed 85 dB measured at the perimeter of the event.
• Freestanding directional signs related to the event are permitted and are to be removed immediately by the event. Affixing directional signage to government property is prohibited. Any posted signs will be removed. Please coordinate with park staff on the placement of event signs.
• Inflatable play structures, including but not limited to bounce houses and slides, are prohibited.
• Vehicles, including, but not limited to, horse-drawn and electric carts are prohibited outside of paved roadways.
• The sale of all merchandise, including, but not limited, to T-shirts, clothing, and arts and crafts, and vending of food/beverages on parkland is prohibited.
• Fundraising or requests for donations are prohibited
• Serving and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
• No gum, Jellybeans, or gummy type of candy, e.g. gummy bears, Swedish Fish, licorice, or any other type of product that would stick to the floor, walls, or furnishings.
• Before and immediately following the event, a National Park Service and permitted representative will complete a Facility and Equipment Checklist indicating the condition of the Bandstand.
• Nailing, taping, hanging of items or hammocks are prohibited. All decorations and trash must be removed from the park within the permitted time period. If park staff must clean up or repair damage upon your departure, the permittee will be billed additional fees.
• Additional documents may be required, including a Certificate of Insurance, a performance bond, and a permit from the City of Vancouver. The National Park Service staff member facilitating your request will discuss these with you as necessary, depending on the size, scope, and type of activity proposed.

 

Contact Information

Mailing address: 800 Hatheway Road Building 722, Vancouver, WA 98661
Email: Office of Special Park Use
Phone: [phone]

 

Apply For a Permit

Learn more about the application process for permitted events at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Learn more