Private Reception Permits

 

NPS

Events on the National Mall and Memorial Parks are generally open to the public; however, private receptions can be held at Henry Bacon Ball Field Private Reception Area and West Potomac Park Private Reception Area with a permit.

Applying for a Permit

Application Form

How to Apply for a Permit - National Mall and Memorial Parks (U.S. National Park Service)

Next Steps

A permits specialist will contact you if additional meetings, discussions, or documents are required and continue to walk you through the permit process. A permit must be issued prior to holding the activity in the park.

Things to Know Before Applying

A permits specialist will guide applicants through the permitting process and can also be contacted before applying to answer any questions. Please also review the Permits Resources related to your proposed activity.

Additional Required Documents and Steps

Depending on the size and scope of the event, the permits specialist may require additional meetings and more in-depth event plans prior to approving the permit, such as site layout, setup/cleanup schedule, equipment lists, etc.

Location and Location-Specific Requirements

Private events are only permitted at two locations on the National Mall and Memorial Parks and must be well-defined with fencing or tents to distinguish the private event to the regular park visitation. No collection of money is allowed on parkland, including selling tickets to the event which must be done outside of the park.

Henry Bacon Ball Field

A private reception area is located on the Henry Bacon Ball Field on 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue NE near the Lincoln Memorial. Equipment and setup must adhere to rules for Level 2 turf management.

West Potomac Park

A private reception area is located in West Potomac Park along Ohio Drive. Equipment and setup must adhere to rules for Level 3 turf management.

Food and Beverages

Catering and food preparation are allowed at the private reception areas and must meet the rules outlined in the National Capital Area Events Guidelines. Applicants are not required to fill out Temporary food establishment application but are encouraged to hire a licensed caterer or food establishment and follow basic food sanitation, Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code and recommendation the NCR Public Health Service Officer. Food Trucks are permitted but must adhere to National Park Service sales regulations and resource protection guidelines.

Alcohol beverages are prohibited, with the exception of a beer and wine with an approved waiver from the National Mall and Memorial Parks Superintendent.

Additional Associated Costs

A refundable cost recovery deposit may be required to pay for costs incurred by the National Park Service resulting from the activity, such as administrative cost (permit monitoring, utilities, management of activity), restoration and/or rehabilitation, or cleanup of parkland. Cost recovery is based on the size and scope of the event and can range from $500 to $500,000 or more.

Once a permit application is reviewed by staff and a security need is determined, US Park Police will provide a recommended staffing plan with a fee schedule, rate per officer, per hour (for a minimum of 5 hours) to the applicant. Payment for USPP services must be made upon receipt of cost recovery notification. Rates are subject to change and additional rates may apply.

Parking fees for event vehicles is $2.30 per hour, but is subject to change if prices increase. Parking meters are located on Jefferson Drive, Madison Drive, Constitution Avenue between 15th and 23rd Streets, Parkway Drive, Ohio Drive, Tidal Basin parking lots, and the A,B, and C parking lots on Ohio Drive.

Additional Planning Resources

A permits specialist will guide applicants through the permitting process and assist with event-specific details. Please also consult Permits Resources, including:

• National Capital Area Events Guidelines
• National Mall and Memorial Parks Turf Management Manual
• National Mall and Memorial Parks Parking Meter Location Map
• National Capital Area Fire and Life Safety Requirements for Outdoor Event and Tent Use

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I sell tickets to these private events?

All ticket sales must take place off parkland.

Can I sell merchandise at private events?

As part of a special event or demonstration permit you may sell books, newspapers, leaflets, pamphlets, buttons, and bumper stickers containing a message related to the activity.

Can I collect donations at my event if it is for charity?

Yes, soliciting donations on park land for a charity or for other types of organizations is allowed only with a valid permit for a special event or demonstration. Organizations or individuals engaging in onsite donation collection cannot

(a) Mislead or give false information regarding the purpose of the donation
(b) Require a donation in exchange for an item, if the item is available for free
(c) Require a donation for t-shirts, CDs, pens, art, food or any other item that is prohibited by the National Park Service sales regulation.

Are food sales permitted at a private reception event?

Food sales are not permitted at private receptions. All food and drink items must be prepaid or free of charge on parkland.

Do the organizers and/or guests have to pay for parking?

All parking spaces in the park are metered.

Can my corporate sponsors and partners advertise?

Corporate sponsors cannot advertise at events or sell merchandise other than books, newspapers, leaflets,pamphlets, buttons and bumper stickers. In addition corporate sponsors can be recognized on signage throughout the event as long as the NPS determines that the size and form of the recognition is consistent with the special nature and sanctity of the National Mall or any other requested park area, and if the lettering or design identifying the sponsor is no larger than one-third the size of the lettering or design identifying the special event. Nonprofits can have signs without restrictions.

Do I need event insurance for my activity?

Yes, insurance is required for all cultural food events and you can discuss the details with your permit specialist. More information about insurance can be found in the National Capital Area Events Guide.

 

QUICKLINKS

• 

  Permits

  Get more information about permits for special activities, First Amendment demonstrations, and commercial filming and photography.

• 

  Permit Office Contact Information

  Find contact information for the National Mall and Memorial Parks’ Division of Permits Management and neighboring parks.

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  Permit FAQs

  Check a list of frequently asked questions about permit and the permitting process to help you plan.