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The Bandstand provides a great, covered outdoor venue for permitted events.
NPS
About the Bandstand
The Bandstand, located on the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground, is a modern reconstruction of a bandstand that stood in this location in the 1870s. Today, it is one of the national park's most popular venues for permitted events. It is mostly used for small wedding ceremonies, family gatherings, and events that desire or require a covered outdoor area. The Bandstand provides some shelter from the weather and is located near Officers' Row and the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center.
Please contact the Special Park Use Office at FOVA_Events@nps.gov or (360) 816-6241 to learn more about hosting an event.
Venue-Specific Information
The Bandstand is located on the Parade Ground at Vancouver Barracks, a part of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. It is located just west of 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661.
The Bandstand can accommodate events with up to 200 attendees.
This area is not wheelchair accessible. The nearest accessible public restrooms are located at the Visitor Center. The Bandstand is located in a grassy field with somewhat uneven terrain. A short flight of stairs leads up from the ground to the interior of the Bandstand.
Approximately 3-5 picnic tables are usually located in this area. Electricity may be available. As part of a large, open area, the Bandstand is available on an as-is basis; no additional equipment provided.
The site has limited, first-come first-served parking available in public parking lots along E Evergreen Blvd. and E 5th Street. There are 40 parking spaces available for use at the Visitor Center parking area during business hours. Parking may be permitted on the shoulder of the Park Road, though additional costs may be required for traffic control personnel to ensure safe public access. Off road parking is not permitted. Be prepared to provide a parking plan to address your activity's parking needs.
To apply for a Special Use Permit for your event at the Bandstand, please email FOVA_Events@nps.gov or call (360) 816-6241. Groups of 25 or less with no equipment setup may not be required to obtain a Special Use Permit.
Application Fee
A $100 application processing fee is due with the application. This fee is non-refundable. Please contact the Special Park Use Office at FOVA_Events@nps.gov or (360) 816-6241 for information on how to apply for a Special Use Permit.
Management Costs
Management costs may be incurred by the park through expanding park hours of operation, monitoring, supporting, cleaning up, or restoring a resource after event use.
General Guidelines
Your Special Use Permit does not grant exclusive access to the grounds surrounding the Bandstand, including the Parade Ground and the public parking areas on East Evergreen Blvd. For increased privacy, it recommended that you schedule your event early or after hours.
Due to the archaeological significance of the site, ground disturbance, including staking, is not allowed.
The releasing of balloons, doves or butterflies and throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals or other natural or artificial material is prohibited.
Due to the natural terrain of the area, set-ups such as carpet runners, arches, trellises, podiums, organs/pianos, loud music instruments or related items are not allowed. Certain flowers are permitted as long as they arrive and depart with the permittee. Please indicate on the application.
Torches, fires, grilling, cooking, and other sources of open flame are prohibited.
Balloons are prohibited.
Sound, audio, or music is prohibited from being broadcast at a level exceeding 60 decibels beyond a distance of 50 feet from the perimeter of the leased premises at any time.
Freestanding directional signs related to the event are permitted and are to be removed immediately by the event. Affixing directional signage to government property is prohibited. Any posted signs will be removed. Please coordinate with park staff on the placement of event signs.
Inflatable play structures, including but not limited to bounce houses and slides, are prohibited.
Vehicles, including, but not limited to, horse-drawn and electric carts are prohibited outside of paved roadways.
The sale of all merchandise, including, but not limited, to T-shirts, clothing, and arts and crafts, and vending of food/beverages on parkland is prohibited.
Fundraising or requests for donations are prohibited
Serving and consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
No gum, Jellybeans, or gummy type of candy, e.g. gummy bears, Swedish Fish, licorice, or any other type of product that would stick to the floor, walls, or furnishings.
Before and immediately following the event, a park staff member and the permittee will complete a Facility and Equipment Checklist indicating the condition of the Bandstand.
Nailing, taping, hanging of items or hammocks are prohibited. All decorations and trash must be removed from the park within the permitted time period. If park staff must clean up or repair damage upon your departure, the permittee will be billed additional fees.
Additional documents may be required, including a Certificate of Insurance, a performance bond, and a permit from the City of Vancouver. The National Park Service staff member facilitating your request will discuss these with you as necessary, depending on the size, scope, and type of activity proposed.
Contact Information
Mailing address: 800 Hatheway Road Building 722, Vancouver, WA 98661 Email:Office of Special Park Use Phone: (360) 816-6241
Apply For a Permit
Learn more about the application process for permitted events at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
