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.

  • What is considered amplified sound?
    Any sound system that is louder than a small handheld 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.

    • X amount of events that use amplified are permitted per month

    • X amount of events that use amplified sound are allowed per week

  • 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, 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.

    • 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 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

    Rotating the park’s lawn usage helps improve long-term lawn health by giving grass and soil time to regenerate.

    • The south half of the Central Lawn is closed early/late MONTH until early/late MONTH. The north part of the Central Lawn is closed early/late MONTH until early/late MONTH.

    • South Monument Lawn is closed early/late MONTH until early/late MONTH.

    • West Lawn is closed early/late MONTH until early/late MONTH.

    • Myrtle Lawn is closed early/late MONTH until early/late MONTH.

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

    • Serving or selling food or beverages

    • 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

    • On-site vendors