Permits

NYC Parks Special Event Permitting Rules

  • From the smallest birthday party to the largest concert, special events take place every day in NYC parks. If you want to have any activity in a city park with more than 20 people, or where you would like to reserve a specific area within a park, you need to apply for a special event permit. Apply here.

  • As part of their review, your application will be reviewed by a Park Manager/Administrator, who may schedule a site visit and request additional documentation, if necessary. Additional documentation may include proof of insurance or other City support permits (FDNY, NYPD).

  • All special events permits require a $25.00 nonrefundable administrative processing fee, and permits require at least 30 days for processing. Please plan accordingly. We do not accept applications submitted within the 21-day threshold. You may apply online or obtain a paper copy in person at one of our borough permit offices.

  • NYC Parks does not issue permits for major holidays such as (Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day). Depending on the details of your permit, we may be able to accommodate permits on holiday weekends. However, we will not issue permits for the holiday day proper. For example, while we may issue permits for events on the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day, we would never issue a permit for Memorial Day itself, as we keep spaces clear on these days for public use on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • NYC Parks does not issue permits for fundraising or paid ticketed events in Fort Greene Park.

  • Please review the Frequently Asked Special Events Permit Page before submitting a permit application. 

The Conservancy’s mission recognizes that Fort Greene Park serves as a meaningful refuge for the community through both passive and active use of the park. We support NYC Parks in balancing a range of activities and events throughout the year—including some that involve amplified sound or large musical performances. 

We partner directly with some applicants on events and also serve to advocate and provide background support for partner/community-led events that align with our mission.

Additional Guidelines & Considerations from the Fort Greene Park Administrator, NYC Parks

  • Priority is given to events that are open to the public OR non-commercial, especially those that engage specific communities and foster a sense of belonging in the park.

    Each year, Fort Greene Park hosts several large (over 500 people) events with amplified sound. In many cases, these events have taken place in the park for decades and are part of the park’s cultural fabric. Given limited calendar availability, applications for additional large events or events requesting amplified sound are reviewed on a case by case basis. Since large events may strain the park’s infrastructure and have resulted in damage to park paths, lawns, benches, trees, and fencing, we review plans closely.

    In addition, the park has no formal venue for concerts, indoor space or green rooms for “back of the house” operations, electrical/water hookups, nor the paving to support the load in and load out of heavy equipment. If your event has any of these additional needs, please call the Brooklyn Permit Office at 718-965-6993 for further guidance. 

  • What is considered amplified sound?
    Any sound system that is louder than a small handheld bluetooth/portable speaker or small portable sound system (aka mini boombox). If you plan on having amplified sound at your event, you will need an Amplified Sound Permit. Amplified sound is only allowed for public events such as movie nights, concerts, or other official free park programming. Birthday parties, company picnics, BBQs, baby showers, reunions, private DJ events etc. do not qualify as public-facing. NYC Parks typically does not approve of more than one amplified sound event per weekend.

  • Small attendance: Fewer than 100 attendees (Permits required for events of 20–100 attendees)

    Mid-sized event: 100–500 attendees (Permits required for events of 100–500 attendees)

    High-attendance event: Over 500 attendees

    • High-attendance events must be permitted by the NYC Parks Citywide Special Events Office, instead of the Borough Permitting Office.

    • High-attendance events may require additional site visits, collaboration with NYC Parks and/or Fort Greene Park Conservancy, reimbursement of staff overtime, a private clean-up crew, and additional documentation (e.g. proof of insurance, other City support permits from FDNY or NYPD).

    • High-attendance, live music, or dance events that could cause significant wear and tear on lawns are encouraged to use paved areas unless a lawn restoration plan and budget have been agreed upon.

    • High-attendance events require additional portable restrooms given the lack of toilets in the park and aged plumbing. 

    • NYC Parks staff will provide feedback and adjustments as necessary on high-attendance event requests, such that the applicant may determine if adjustments are feasible.

  • High Use Seasons (May - September)

    Please allow extra time to apply for a permit, especially during the high summer season. The Park Administrator receives more than 250 special event applications each year. The Fort Greene Park Conservancy permits its events 6-12 months in advance and the calendar fills up quickly. Please plan ahead of time as NYC Parks requires applications to be submitted at least one month in advance.


    Lawn Reseeding & Closures

    The park’s lawns are closed seasonally to protect their long-term lawn health, allowing grass and soil time to regenerate for all park events. 

    • The south half of the Central Lawn is closed early April to late May.

    • West Lawn is closed late September to mid November.

    • Myrtle Lawn is closed mid October to late November.

  • For additional tips for holding picnics, barbecues, and birthday party gatherings at Fort Greene Park, please download this guide.

    • Picnics and picnic blankets are welcome anywhere in the park, except in playgrounds and courts. 

    • Barbecues are welcome in the area along Myrtle Avenue between St. Edwards Street and North Portland Avenue but you must bring your own grill. With upcoming improvements, the park will have on-site grills. 

    • Birthday parties are welcome at picnic tables throughout the park on a first come, first served basis unless permitted. 

    • Bounce houses and balloons are not allowed - the canopies of many park trees bear remnants of balloons that floated away.

    Events that include any of the following require additional documentation/permits, fees, or site visits:

    • Serving or selling food or beverages

    • On-site vendors 

    • Active activities (e.g. dancing, games, high-intensity workouts, athletic activities)

    • Corporate sponsorships

    • Equipment such as:

      • Multiple pop-up tents

      • AV or sound equipment

      • Athletic gear or structures