Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

With their open grass areas, playgrounds and shaded picnic areas, Phoenix city parks are a great place to hold a gathering – tens of thousands of visitors each year use our parks to come together with family, friends and neighbors. The information and links below will make it easier for you to communicate with staff to avoid conflicts with other visitors and plan your event.

Many gatherings require park users to submit a special activity request or, if city streets will be used, to obtain a special events permit. We’ve also put together a list of recommended parks to help you pick the right location.

Organized gatherings fall into five main categories:

1. Private gatherings of 50 or fewer people that will NOT include use of an inflatable (bounce house), amplified sounds, athletic field use/reservation or beer permit. For these gatherings, no formal request is needed, however we ask that you please contact department staff with your plans so we can identify any potential scheduling conflicts with other groups.
   
   
2. Private gatherings of 50 or fewer people that will involve use of an inflatable, athletic field(s) or beer permit. Consuming beer and using an inflatable both require permits; beer permits cost $28 and inflatable permits cost $10. Both can be obtained at any community/recreation center or administrative office. Additional fees apply for athletic field use.
   
   
3. Private gatherings of 50 or more people or any size gathering that utilizes special equipment such as amplified sound, catering, tents, staging equipment, etc. For these gatherings, you must fill out an online special activity request form. Please read the user guidelines (& activity request form) carefully before filling out the form. This is just a partial listed of outside equipment for which there are restrictions.
   
   
4. Events of any size that include closing, restricting or using neighboring public streets. These events require a special event permit that outline the additional insurance and restrictions required for using city rights of way.
   
   
5. Large-scale events of more than 50 people that will be open to the public need to be arranged directly with department staff well in advance. Fees and other restrictions may apply for public events in city parks.
   

It's important to remember that a Special Activity Request does not guarantee availability of park areas. Many areas are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. If staff grants a special activity request, it often means that you have permission to use park space when it's available. This also is the main reason you should complete the process -- it allows us to spot potential conflicts in advance and steer visitors to less-busy alternative sites.