Special Events

Special events are activities, such as sporting events, spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, weddings, large group camps or rendezvous, which fall under the category of privileges. Special events differ from public assemblies and public meetings in that the latter activities are rights protected by the First Amendment.

The authority for the management of special events in a national park can be found in Title 16, U.S. Code and Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, 2.50. National Park Service Management Policies 2006 and Director’s Order 53 Special Park Uses provide policy guidance for management of special event activities.

Special Use/Event Permits

A special park use is a short term activity that takes place in a park area and that:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large;
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the NPS in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation;
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS;
• Is not managed under a concession contract.

Special use permits for special events will not be issued if, in the Superintendent’s opinion, the special event will:

• Cause injury or damage to park resources.
• Be contrary to the purposes for which the park was established, or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural or cultural locations within the park.
• Unreasonably interfere with the interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with administrative activities.
• Substantially impair the operation of public facilities or services of NPS concessioner or contractors.
• Present a clear and present danger to public health and safety.
• Result in significant conflict with other existing uses.

Application Fee

The $100 non-refundable application fee must accompany each application. This fee is based on an average time it takes to provide initial contact and consultation with permittees and initial review of a standard application or project.

How To Apply

1. Standard requests can be processed in 10 business days. A minimum of four weeks is required to process requests that involve multiple locations, complex logistics, coordination with other NPS divisions or visitor activities, and projects that need additional environmental compliance.
2. Complete either the short form or the long form depending on the amount of information you need to provide. The Short Form is more appropriate for small-scale events. The Long Form is best for uses that involve many people, pieces of equipment, and/or vehicles.
   • Form 10-930s Application for Special Park Use- Short Form (Word Document)
   • Form 10-930 Application for Special Park Use - Long Form (Word Document)
3. Email the completed form to [e-mail].
4. Submit a non-refundable $100 application fee online at pay.gov.
   1. Review the "Before You Begin" information. Click "Continue to the Form."
   2. Fill out the form. Under "Permit Information" select the appropriate use, i.e. Special Events/Wedding, Filming Permit Fee, etc.
   3. Enter the amount of $100 in the box that appears.
   4. Choose a payment type and complete the transaction, following prompts.
   5. "Print" a PDF copy of your receipt for proof of payment.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Special Park Uses Coordinator at [phone] or email [e-mail]