Manhattan Special Events FAQs
Q: Do
I need a permit to hold a party in the park if there
are more than twenty people?
A: Yes,
any event with more than twenty people requires a
permit from Parks. You can also request a permit to
reserve space in a park, even if you have less than
20 people.
Q: Where
can I have a barbecue in Manhattan? Do I need a permit
to do so?
A: Yes,
you need a permit to barbecue, you may barbecue at
designated areas within the following parks: East River Park, St. Nicholas Park, Highbridge Park, Inwood Hill Park, Marcus Garvey Park, Riverside Park. Thomas Jefferson Park, Randall's Island, and Wards Island. Visit our Designated Barbecuing Areas page for more specific locations.
Q: Where
is a nice place to have an outdoor wedding?
A: Central
Park has numerous beautiful locations for wedding
ceremonies and pictures. Bethesda Fountain & Terrace,
Bow Bridge, and Cherry Hill are several popular locations.
In addition, you can call the Conservatory Garden
at 105th Street & Fifth Avenue at (212) 212-360-2766
if you would like to have a wedding at that location. The number for information about locations
other than the Conservatory Garden is 212-408-0226.
Other nice parks for weddings include Fort Tryon Park
in Northern Manhattan, Riverside Park, City Hall Park
(by the fountain), and Carl Schurz Park on the Upper
East Side. For more information on getting married in the parks, visit our Weddings in the Parks page.
Q: How
far ahead of time should I apply for a permit to hold
an event?
A: It
takes approximately 21 to 30 days to process a permit
application for a special event. For a rally or demonstration,
we request at least 5 to 7 days advance notice.
Q: Can
I get my permit on-line?
A: No
you cannot, you may only apply for a permit on-line.
It is always best if you have a copy of your original
permit (with raised seal) on-site at your event. Permits
can be picked up at our office (16 West 61st Street,
6th Floor) or we can mail it to you if you give us
a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Q: How
do I apply for a permit to have an event in a park?
A: You
must fill out an application and mail to/drop off
at our office with a $25 non-refundable processing
fee. We process applications on a first-come, first-serve
basis. Please allow 3-4 weeks processing time.
Q: On
average, how long will it take to process my application?
A: You
should allow 3 to 4 weeks processing time on your
application. We will call you when your permit is
ready or if we have any questions on your application.
Q: Are
there additional costs involved in getting a permit?
A: There
should not be any additional costs in obtaining a
permit. However, we do evaluate each application on
an individual basis.
Q: Where
is a nice place to have a picnic in Central Park?
A: Several
areas in Central Park are suitable for picnics. The
Great Hill at West 106th Street near CPW, the East
Meadow near Fifth Avenue between 97th and 101st Streets,
the Ross Pinetum on the west side near 86th Street,
and Cherry Hill and Mineral Springs near 72nd Street
on the west side are all popular picnic spots.
Q: How
do I apply for a tennis permit?
A: You
may stop by the Tennis Permit office in the basement
of the Arsenal (in Central Park), 830 5th Ave., NY,
NY 10021, or call permit office at (212) 360-8131.
You may also print and fill out a tennis
permit application form and mail the form to that
address. Visit the athletic
permits and applications page for more information.
Q: Will
I need any other permits to hold an event in a park?
A: You
may need a Sound Permit from the New York Police Department
if you plan to have amplified sound at your event.
You may also need a permit from our Revenue division
if you plan to vend/sell anything in the park.
Q: How
do I get a Sound Permit from NYPD?
A: After
you receive your Park Permit, you must take the Park
Permit to the local precinct to receive a sound permit.
NYPD sound permits cost $45 and you must apply at
least 5 days in advance of your event.
Q: Can
I have access to water, electricity, or other park
services during my event?
A: We
do not provide access to electricity or water unless
agreed upon in advance with Parks staff. For access
to electricity, we advise applicants to rent a generator.
Any other requests for services should be directed
in writing to the Special Events office.
Q: Can
we have alcohol at our event?
A: No,
alcohol is prohibited in all parks, unless special
approval is granted.
Q: Can
we hang signs or banners at our event? Can we erect
a tent?
A: You
must inform Parks on your application if you plan
to hang signs or banners at the event. No signs or
banners can be affixed to trees or fences. To erect
a tent, you must receive permission from the Special
Events office, and you cannot stake the tent into
the ground.
Q: Do
I need a permit to take pictures or shoot film in
a park?
A: You
do need to get a permit to shoot film or to have a
still photo shoot in a park. The Mayor's Office of
Film, Television and Broadcast - (212) 489-6710 -
grants permits for filming in the city, but does not
give permission to use the park. You must also get
a permit from Parks.
Q: How
do I apply for an event on a street or other non-park
property?
A: You
should contact the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO)
at (212) 788-7439 to apply for a Street Activities
Permit.