Since festival-sized events require complex planning, the timetable for a first-time festival normally covers a year. The National Park Service tries to plan large events to occur periodically throughout the year to avoid over-use of sites or overtaxing staff.

It is important that the site selected for a festival is appropriate for the level and type of activities. For example, Paramount Ranch is most appropriate for festivals with several activity occurring simultaneously throughout the site. The site does not lend itself well to festivals centered around a concert stage. The amphitheater at Strauss Ranch can seat 150 people, with some additional activities on the lawn. Satwiwa is designated as a site for traditional Native American Indian activities and events. Events at Paramount Ranch may exceed the site use limit of 300 people if the event producer is willing to provide additional water and sanitation facilities.Learn more about these sites.

    * Music and sound systems for all events are limited to 70 decibels measured at 50 feet in front of the source of the noise.
    * All events on National Park Service sites occur during the day, the sites are closed at night.
    * Parks are not closed to other visitors during festivals. Trails and other facilities remain open.

Costs:

The National Park Service is required to recover all costs related to special park use permits. Recoverable costs include site preparation, use, and restoration costs, utility costs, event personnel costs and supplies and materials. NPS is also required to recover the costs of administering the permit, providing planning assistance and costs associated with preliminary consideration of proposed events.

The event producer/sponsor may be required to post a bond to assure compliance with permit conditions as well as site restoration and clean up after the event. The bond is refundable if all permit conditions are met.

The event producer/sponsor is also expected to underwrite any costs associated with providing adequate facilities for public health, safety and comfort. The producer/sponsor will provide production staff, event crew, unarmed security, parking crew, emergency medical assistance, and clean up crew.

Other Requirements:

# Liability insurance is required.
# The event producer/sponsor and vendors must meet all state and county requirements for permits, licenses and business operations.
# IRS taxpayer identification number for the event producer/sponsor is required.
# Producer/Sponsor must provide a written report summarizing attendance, receipts and expenses and summary of how profits were distributed.
# If the event is a charity fund raiser, the report must detail the distribution to charities.
# The event producer/sponsor is responsible for permit compliance by everyone involved in production and presentation of the event.
# All sale items and prices must be approved in advance by the Superintendent.
# NPS reserves the right to require removal of items inappropriate for sale in a national park.
# All food and beverage service must meet public health standards and pass inspection before the event opens.
# Publicity which includes the site name must be reviewed by NPS Public Affairs Officer prior to duplication or release.

Appropriate Activities:

# Theme-related entertainment
# Theme-related food and beverages (Beer or wine may be served to adults)
# Pony rides or wagon rides
# Picnic games and contests
# Theme-related educational or informational booths* or demonstrations

*Please contact NPS to discuss voter registration or petition signing or political activities Constitutional Activities

What is not Allowed:

    * Amplified sound exceeding 70 decibels
    * Any sounds exceeding 50 decibels between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
    * Helium or mylar balloons
    * Dunk tank or wading pool
    * Mechanical Rides
    * Petting zoos
    * Gambling or gambling devices (including raffles or lotteries)
    * Open fires
    * Night time events
    * Firearms or weapons