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Parks

Neighborhood & Community Group Park Event Permit

Kids playing yard games in a park with pop-up tents in the background

Neighborhood and Community Group permits support small, local gatherings that bring neighbors and community members together. These events create opportunities to build connections, celebrate shared interests and cultures, and strengthen a sense of belonging within Madison’s neighborhoods. 

By offering a simplified permit process with reduced fees, Madison Parks helps make it easier for local groups to host welcoming, community-focused events while ensuring park spaces remain safe, coordinated, and accessible for everyone.

Do I need a Neighborhood/Community Group Park Event Permit

A Neighborhood/Community Group park event permit is available if all of the following apply:

  • Fewer than 250 people are expected to attend
  • The event is neighborhood or community group–focused
  • The event is not advertised citywide
  • The event is free and open to attend

If your park event does not fit all the criteria above, then you will need a Park Event permit.

Application and Fees

Step 1 - Gather Event Information

  1. Determine event details and prepare information: schedule, site map, Accessibility Plan and EAP Form A.
    1. Accessibility Plan
      1. Complete all sections relevant to your event.
      2. For assistance planning an accessible event, contact Rebecca Hoyt, Disability Rights and Services Specialist at rhoyt@cityofmadison.com 
    2. Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
      1. EAP Form A: required for events with estimated attendance of less than 1,000
      2. For assistance with the EAP Form, please contact Madison Fire Department, Scott Strassburg at sstrassburg@cityofmadison.com 
      3. Watch the 2024 City of Madison Community Event Safety Symposium video for guidance on developing your plan.

Step 2 - Budget for your event

The Neighborhood/Community Group Permit offers waived and reduced fees for qualifying events.

  • 1st event of the year
    • No permit application fee
    • No shelter reservation fee for level 1, 2 or 3 shelters
    • Half price permit fees (amplified sound, temporary structures, vending, etc.) See Park Event permit fees.
  • Additional events in the same calendar year
    • $60 permit application fee
    • Half price shelter reservation fee for level 1, 2 or 3 shelters
    • Half price permit fees (amplified sound, temporary structures, vending, etc.) See Park Event permit fees.
  • No Vending permit fees for City Licensed food vendors at these events.  

Step 3 - Choose a park and check date & location availability with Parks

  • The City of Madison is home to more than 280 parks. Please use the Madison Parks website to help
    choose a park.
    • Find a Park - you can search for a park by amenities (restrooms, parking lots, playgrounds, shelters), name or location
    • Check availability at amoseberry@cityofmadison.com / 608-266-6033
    • Madison Park Shelters with restrooms are winterized approximately, October - April, and cannot be opened early for events due to weather and staffing levels. 

Step 4 - Apply for the Neighborhood/Community Group Park Event permit

Submit to amoseberry@cityofmadison.com at least 30 days before the event.

  1. Neighborhood/Community Group permit application
  2. Accessibility Plan
  3. EAP Form A

Step 5 - Permit Approval

  • Park's staff will reach out with any questions as we process your permit.
  • Conditional approval is required before promoting, marketing, or advertising the event.
  • You can expect your permit 30 days before your event, depending on when the application was received.
  • Any applicable permit fees will be invoiced and issued along with the approved park permit.

Additional Important Information

Notifying area alder

As a courtesy, please notify your area alder once you have received an approved event permit. 

Carts in Parks program

Neighborhood/Community Group park events automatically qualify for the Carts in Parks program. This program connects City Licensed food trucks/carts to neighborhood and community events. Any vending permit fees for these vendors are waived through this program. 

Additional Permits May Be Needed

Call 811, Digger's Hotline - if you will be staking anything in a Madison Park for your event

  • Event organizer is responsible for calling Digger's Hotline approximately ten days before the event. 
  • Organizer is responsible for removing flag markings after event setup is completed.

Madison Fire Department: 608-266-4420 | fire@cityofmadison.com 

Economic Development Division: 608-261-9171 | streetvending@cityofmadison.com

City Clerk's Office: 608-266-4601 | clerk@cityofmadison.com 

Public Health of Madison Dane County: 608-242-6515 | Leadmin@publichealthmdc.com

State of Wisconsin

  • Department of Revenue - 608-264-4582 - S-240 Form is required for any event that has vendors selling food, merchandise, etc. at the event

General Park Rules

All park event organizers must be aware of and adhere to all Madison Park's rules.

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