Special Events Permits

Special events are considered activities that are generally outside of the normal visitor experience or intended use of the park. They are often organized and take many forms, including festivals, sporting events, historical reenactments, performances, parades, and more. These types of events require a permit and discussions with a permits specialist to determine the best location for the event based on available areas, number of participants, and many other factors.

 

Applying for a Permit

Application Form

Submit an Application for a Permit to Conduct a Demonstration or Special Event in Park Areas (Special Event Permit Application) to the Division of Permits Management in person or mail:

National Mall and Memorial Parks
Division of Permits Management
900 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20024

Applications can be delivered Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, except federal holidays or other National Mall & Memorial Parks office closures. Special Event Permit Applications are not accepted via fax or email. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance and a minimum of two days from the first day of setup.

Permit applications for locations in the park are accepted on a first-come, first-use basis and are date and time stamped upon arrival for documentation of order received. For timely delivery of applications, dropping off in person or overnighted mail is highly recommended. Normal postal delivery may take 7-10 days to arrive at this location.

 

Application Cost

A non-refundable application processing fee of $120 is required with the submission of the Special Event Permit Application. Follow the instructions on the application form for submitting a payment by credit card, check, or money order.

Next Steps

A permits specialist will contact you if additional meetings, discussions, or documents are required and continue to walk you through the permit process. A permit must be issued prior to holding the activity in the park.

 

Additional Required Documents and Steps

Depending on the size and scope of the event, the permits specialist may require additional meetings and more in-depth event plans prior to approving the permit, such as site layout, setup/cleanup schedule, equipment lists, etc.

 

Additional Associated Costs

A refundable cost recovery deposit may be required to pay for costs incurred by the National Park Service resulting from the activity, such as administrative cost (permit monitoring, utilities, management of activity), restoration and/or rehabilitation, or cleanup of parkland. Cost recovery is based on the size and scope of the event and can range from $500 to $500,000 or more.

Once a permit application is reviewed by staff and a security need is determined, US Park Police will provide a recommended staffing plan with a fee schedule, rate per officer, per hour (for a minimum of 5 hours) to the applicant. Payment for USPP services must be made upon receipt of cost recovery notification. Rates are subject to change and additional rates may apply.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a special event?

Special events include basically any type of activity not classified as a first amendment demonstration. Special events include sports events, pageants, celebrations, historical reenactments, regattas, entertainments, exhibitions, parades, fairs, festivals, and similar events; are engaged in by one or more persons; and have the intent or propensity to draw a crowd of onlookers.

Can my corporate sponsors and partners advertise?

Corporate sponsors can be recognized on signage throughout the event as long as the National Park Service determines that the size and form of the recognition is consistent with the special nature and sanctity of Fort Washington Park or any other requested park area. The lettering or design identifying the sponsor must be no larger than one-third the size of the lettering or design identifying the special event.

Nonprofits can have signs without restrictions.

Can my sell merchandise at my event?

Merchandise may not be sold during the event. However, as part of a special event or demonstration permit, they may sell books, newspapers, leaflets, pamphlets, buttons, and bumper stickers containing a message related to the activity.

Can I charge admission to my special event?

Events cannot charge admission fees on parkland.

Do I need insurance for my event?

Insurance is required for most special events however some small scale events like wreath laying events, band performances and reenlistment ceremonies may not require insurance. You can discuss the details with your permit specialist.