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).
Return application by mail
Once the application is complete please mail it to:
Special Events Office
Winter Street Building
2130 Winter Street – rear entrance
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Note: this is the mailing address only.
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.