Permits & Reservations

Questions about Permits?

Thousands of activities occur each year on the open green spaces and at the iconic monuments and memorials of the National Mall, the heart of the nation’s capital. The National Park Service requires permits for many of these activities to ensure they occur safely and do not cause damage that would limit the ability of the millions of visitors to also use and enjoy these special places.

 
 
 

GENERAL PERMITS RESOURCES

 

COMMON TYPES OF PERMIT ACTIVITIES

  • School choir singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
    Band and Choral Performances

    Permit information for band and choirs performing in the park

  • People near a large food tent
    Cultural Food Festivals

    Permit information for festivals that feature traditional cultural food and beverages for sale

  • Photographer with a large lens near cherry blossom trees and water
    Filming & Photography

    Permit information for filming and photography for national parks in the greater DC area

  • Crowd of people by a large banner
    First Amendment Demonstrations

    Permit information for demonstrations, including picketing, speechmaking, marching, religious services, and other First Amendment activities

  • US military service members standing in front of a memorial wall
    Military Ceremonies

    Permit information for US military personnel hosting ceremonies for promotions, reenlistment, retirements, or similar events

  • Runners at a race start line
    Organized Runs and Bicycling Events

    Permit information for organized pedestrian and bicycling events, including races, practices, and non-commercial tours

  • Several picnic tables under a tree in a park
    Picnics

    Permit information for reserving picnic areas on Hains Point through Recreation.gov

  • Large event tent at night
    Private Receptions

    Permit information for private events that are not open to the general public

  • Revolutionary War Era reenactors holding period flags
    Special Events

    Permit information for hosting special events in the park, including festivals, sporting events, reenactments, parades, and more

  • Helicopter flying near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
    Weddings

    Permit information for holding wedding ceremonies at one of three locations in the park

  • People carrying a wreath near the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
    Wreath Laying Ceremonies

    Permit information for ceremonies to lay wreaths at one the many monuments or memorials in the park

 

APPROVAL FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES

Last updated: October 31, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1100 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20242

Phone:

202-426-6841

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