Special Event Permits

Valid Parking Tags Required

Three special use permit types are exempt from the parking tag requirement: burials, cemetery visits (including Decoration Days), and First Amendment activities. No other special use permit types, including weddings, are exempt from the parking tag requirement.

 

NPS Photo

Special Events

Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include sports events, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events, provided there is a “meaningful association between the park and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the park area…” [36 CFR §2.50(a)].

For more information regarding special event permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please e-mail us.

Special event restrictions

The National Park Service (NPS) will not permit the public staging of special events that are conducted primarily for the material or financial benefit of the organizers or participants, or which involve commercialization or in-park advertising or publicity. A permittee may not collect admission, or any other monies, associated with a special event while on park property.

A permit shall be denied if such activities would:

• Cause injury or damage to park resources.
• Be contrary to the purposes for which the natural, historic, development and special use zones were established; or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative zones.
• Unreasonably interfere with interpretive, visitor service, or other program activities, or with the administrative activities of the National Park Service.
• Substantially impair the operation of public use facilities or services of National Park Service concessioners or contractors.
• Present a clear and present danger to the public health and safety.
• Result in significant conflict with other existing uses.

Application and fees

As authorized by (54 USC §103104), there are cost recovery fees for special use permits. The current non-refundable application fee for special event permits in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is $50. An event requiring additional NPS management and monitoring will be charged cost recovery for the actual cost of NPS personnel, equipment, travel and other related items. These costs will be calculated and billed after the conclusion of the event.

Applications will be processed only after receiving a completed application and proof of payment of the application fee. Applications can be accepted up to one year in advance, and applicants are encouraged to provide at least 60 days’ notice prior to the requested event date to ensure sufficient time for processing.

How to apply for a special event permit

1. Download the application for a special event permit.
2. Pay $50 non-refundable application fee online at pay.gov. To pay fees at pay.gov:

• Search for “Great Smoky Mountains National Park”
• Click “Continue” under “Great Smoky Mountains NP Special Use Permit Fees”
• Complete the form and submit payment
• A permit number is not required to pay the application fee
• We do not accept cash or checks

3. After payment is made, send the completed application to this e-mail: [e-mail]