Philadelphia Parks & Recreation permits hundreds of events and festivals each year. Event permit applicants need a Large Event and Festival permit if their event includes any of the following:
- A gathering of 50 people or more in one location.
- Portable toilets.
- Amplified sound.
- Organizational signs.
- Sale, distribution, or cooking of food or goods.
- Filming or photos.
- Any City services.
- Tents, sound systems, or production elements like stages or stands.
Who
This application is for event organizers of:
- Public and private events.
- Festivals.
- Large athletic events.
When and where
Applications are available online (see below).
Once the application is complete, you can mail it, or drop it off at our office.
Special Events Office
Winter Street Building
2130 Winter Street – rear entrance
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Please note:
- The office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- The entrance is off of a small parking lot in the rear of the building (north side of Spring Street).
Use this address to find walking, biking, or driving directions online: 233 N. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Before your visit:
The only acceptable form of payment for all application fees, site fees, security deposits, and staff costs are:
- Check
- Cashier’s check
- Money order made payable to Fairmount Park.
Credit card payments or cash cannot be accepted. All checks returned for insufficient funds will have additional charges.
To avoid a late application fee, submit your application at least 90 days before the event.
How
To get a permit, you must complete the application process.
Parks & Rec Special Events Office staff will review your application and contact you for any additional information needed.
Parks & Rec Special Events Office staff will authorize and issue your permit via mail or email.