Special Events in Boise Parks

A permit is required for all planned and promoted public events in city parks or on the Boise River Greenbelt that meet any of the following criteria:

• The event is free and open to the public and is being promoted as such.
• Attendance under 1,000 people (if above 1,000, event organizers must also go through the City of Boise’s Special Events Team Permit process).

Submit an Initial Event Interest Form via the link below to start the Boise Parks and Recreation Special Event application process.

Event Interest Form

Common reservable park locations for Special Events include:

• Ann Morrison Park
• Cecil D. Andrus Park
• Cherie Buckner-Webb Park
• Fort Boise Park
• Julia Davis Park
• Parkcenter Park
• Veterans Memorial Park
• The Boise River Greenbelt

If you are interested in hosting an event at another park site, please contact the Boise Parks and Recreation Special Events team (via link below) to discuss feasibility. Our team can suggest park sites based on the nature of the event – concerts, skate exhibitions, youth sporting events, etc.

Contact the Boise Parks and Recreation Special Events Team

Half day and full day reservations are available. Event times can vary from these hours.

• Half Day: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Half Day: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Full Day: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Larger, regional parks such as Ann Morrison Park, Julia Davis Park, and Cecil D. Andrus Park are typically best suited for large-scale events due to available space, parking access, utilities, and proximity to downtown services. Final approval depends on event size, layout, amenities, and impacts. Our team will work closely with event organizers to determine a suitable location for the event.

In addition to the larger parks listed above, there are a number of neighborhood and pocket parks available for smaller special events. Please work with our team to determine the availability and location details.

Park reservations are requested through the Event Interest Form. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval, but it begins the review and coordination process with Boise Parks and Recreation Special Events staff.

Following submission of the Initial Event Interest Form, the Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator will contact you to secure your park reservation and complete the Special Event Park Use Application.

Event Interest Form

• Applications may be submitted up to one year in advance
• Applications must be submitted:
  • At least 90 days prior to the event if beer and/or wine will be sold
  • At least 45 days prior to the event for all other events

Earlier applications are encouraged, especially for large or complex events.

A vendor is any individual, business, or organization that sells, promotes, or distributes goods or services at your event.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Food and beverage providers
• Merchandise sellers
• Artists and craft vendors
• Promotional booths
• Sponsors conducting on-site sales or giveaways
• Activity providers charging a fee (bounce houses, games, etc.)

All vendors must be approved as part of your Special Events Park Use Permit. A daily vendor fee of $25 applies for each approved vendor participating in your event. Additional permits, insurance, and health department approvals may be required depending on the type of goods or services provided.

Please work with the Boise Parks and Recreation Special Events team early in the planning process to ensure all vendor requirements are met.

Yes – all Special Events are required to go through the application process each year. Recurring events in good standing with the City of Boise receive priority for their annual park reservation dates. However, they must still follow the application process each year. Please inquire with staff for further information.

Submitting a Special Events Park Use Permit Application is free. However, park reservation fees vary by location, event duration, resident vs. non-resident status, staffing and additional services (amplified sound permit, vendors, beer and wine sales etc.). For reference, reserving a park pavilion costs $275 and reserving an entire community park costs between $650 and $2,700 (these fee examples are for a Boise resident and full-day reservation). Please work with the Boise Parks and Recreation Special Events team for further cost information.

Yes. To receive a permit, general liability insurance coverage in the amount of no less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence is necessary and must be maintained throughout the event. The certificate of insurance must list the City of Boise as additional insured.

View an example certificate of insurance

Events submitted after the required deadlines are not guaranteed review or approval. Late applications may be denied due to staffing, logistics, or scheduling constraints. Please contact the Parks and Recreation Special Events team as soon as possible to discuss options.

If your event impacts Ada County services or property (such as road closures, law enforcement, or emergency services), you may need to coordinate directly with Ada County in addition to the City of Boise. Our team can help guide you to the appropriate contacts.

Yes, but events on the Greenbelt require additional review due to safety, access, and public use considerations. Races and large gatherings may require route maps, traffic control plans, and coordination with multiple agencies.

Special Events on the Greenbelt require a Parks and Recreation Special Event Permit in conjunction with a reservation.

Yes. Drone use in Boise parks requires prior approval and must comply with all FAA regulations and city policies. Unauthorized drone use is not permitted.

FAA regulations and city policies

Sidewalk chalk and signage may be allowed with approval, depending on location and materials. Signs must be temporary, non-damaging, and removed immediately after the event. Stakes, paint, or permanent markings are not allowed.

Portable toilets with hand washing stations should be provided by the event organizer via a licensed contractor. The number of units to be available is based on event duration and attendance and should include sufficient ADA compliant facilities. Event organizers must follow Central District Health guidelines, see below.

Central District Health Guidelines

Security requirements are determined based on event size, activities, alcohol service, and crowd management needs. Some events may require licensed security or off-duty police officers.

Special Events held on Boise park property must remain open to the public and cannot require ticketed/paid admission, however properly fenced and designated areas inside the venue can be approved for exclusive access or activities during the event.

Yes, but commercial filming requires a separate permit. Please fill out the commercial use filming application below and a member of the Boise Parks and Recreation team will be in touch to discuss the scope of your shoot and any associated fees.

Commercial Use Filming Application

Please submit an Initial Event Interest Form via the link below with the assembly information and our team will contact you with further instructions.

Contact us with any questions.

Initial Event Request Form (PDF)