 1610 W. Howard St., Chicago, IL 60626 Permits: Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I know if I need a Chicago Park District Special Event Permit for my event?Any event on park property is subject to the approval of the Chicago Park District. Certain activities that require a Chicago Park District Special Event Permit include the following:
Please keep in mind that there are other activities or proposed event features that may require you to secure a Chicago Park District Special Event Permit. If you are planning any event in the parks along the Lakefront, you are encouraged to consult the Department of Park Services - Permits Division: (312) 742 - 5369. What if groups or individuals are using the park space that I am permitted for when I arrive on my event date?Make sure that you have the copy of your Chicago Park District Special Event Permit on hand. This permit shows that you have exclusive rights to the space for the stated time and date. If you have any problems, please contact Chicago Park District Security (312) 747 - 2193. What are the Park District’s insurance requirements and how can I obtain the necessary insurance?A Certificate of General Liability Insurance for the event that names the Chicago Park District as "Additional Insured" for a minimum of $1,000,000 is required for all Chicago Park District Special Event Permits (except Wedding Ceremonies). Also, the Park District may require additional insurance coverage for certain types of activities. Is alcohol allowed at my event if I get a Chicago Park District Special Event Permit?No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, brought within, given away, delivered, or consumed on park property, except pursuant to Athletic II, Corporate I, or Corporate II Special Event Permits. Additionally, the City of Chicago requires a special event liquor license for any alcoholic beverage service. For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Special Events: (312) 744 – 3315. Can I reserve athletic areas such as softball fields with a Chicago Park District Special Event Permit?Athletic areas such as softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, and tennis courts can only be reserved with a separate Athletic Area Permit. For more information, please see our Reserving Athletic Areas page. What restroom facilities are available for my event? Am I required to obtain portable toilets for my event?Public Toilets in the parks are open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Group Level II and all Athletic and Corporate Chicago Park District Special Event Permits must provide portable toilets for their participants. Location of portable toilets is subject to Park District approval. Once I get a Chicago Park District Special Event Permit, how can I get equipment to my site?Parking or driving vehicles on grass or athletic fields is strictly prohibited. If staff and supply vehicles need to be driven to the site to unload equipment or supplies, the Park District may consider granting a Park District Vehicle Pass so that the vehicles may access service roads, subject to Park District approval. Can I reserve parking spaces for my event?Parking provisions are not included in the issuance of any Chicago Park District Special Event Permit. However, public parking is available at parking lots and designated street parking throughout the parks. For more information on parking lots at lakefront parks, please consult our maps for Jackson Park, Grant Park, and Lincoln Park. |
Can I have music, a DJ, or live music performance at my event?All amplified sound must comply with Section 11-4-1110 of the Chicago Municipal Code. For more information, please contact the Mayor's Office of Special Events: (312) 744 - 3315. Does the Park District provide tables, chairs, benches, tents, sound systems, or any other equipment with a Special Event Permit?The Park District does not supply such equipment. Chicago Park District Special Event Permit applicants are responsible for securing any and all event-related supplies or equipment. May I grill in the parks?Grilling must be confined to enclosed metal containers and may only take place within dedicated grilling areas. Hot coals must be doused with water, and ashes and coals must be properly disposed of in red used-coal receptacles. For more information, contact the applicable region office. I want to have tents and/or canopies at my event. Is that allowed?Tents and canopies are not allowed at baptisms or weddings. Tents and canopies are allowed for Group Level I Chicago Park District Special Event Permits, but none of the tents or canopies may be larger than 10ft by 10ft. All other Chicago Park District Special Event Permits allow tents and canopies, however any tent or canopy larger than 240 square feet requires an approved building permit from the Chicago Department of Construction and Permits (DCAP). For more information, please contact DCAP at (312) 744 - 3449 or the Mayor's Office of Special Events at (312) 744 - 3315. Placement of all tents and canopies is subject to Park District Approval. Do I need to clean up after my event, or will the Park District provide maintenance and clean-up services?The Park District is able to provide maintenance services including: providing extra garbage cans, garbage can liners, recycling receptacles, and used-charcoal receptacles; picking-up litter left by event participants; and the collection and removal of all refuse from the site. In order to acquire these services, the applicant must complete an "Agreement for Park District Maintenance Services" (.pdf) and submit payment before the event date. Securing an agreement for services is required for Group II and all Athletic and Corporate Chicago Park District Special Event Permits. These services are optional for Group I Events and all Ceremonies. All Agreements for Park District Maintenance Services must be arranged at least 30 days prior to your event and payments must be submitted before the day of the event. For more information, please contact the Lakefront Operations Office: (312) 747 - 2516. What if I need to cancel my event?All cancellations must be made in writing to the Department of Park Services – Permits Division. If your event is a Group I, Group II or Ceremony and your written cancellation is received at our office 21 days prior to your event or earlier, the Park District will retain 15% of the rental fee, and refund the security deposit in full. For Athletic and Corporate events, only the security deposit will be refunded. All application fees are non-refundable. When will my security deposit be refunded?Upon the conclusion of your event, Park District personnel will review the event. If it is determined that there has been no damage to Park District property or equipment beyond reasonable wear and tear, the security deposit shall be refunded in full within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the permitted event. If it rains or snows or there are other inclement weather conditions on the day of my event, can I be refunded for the event?No refunds will be given for inclement weather. Chicago Park District Special Event Permits are non-transferable. No rain-date rescheduling is allowed. |
