Queens Special Events FAQ'S
Queens Special Events and Office
OFFICE LOCATION (For visitation purposes only; for mailing, use address below) |
Q: Do
I need a permit to hold a party in the park if there
are more than twenty people?
A: Yes,
any event with more than twenty people requires a
permit from Parks.
Q: Where
can I BBQ in Queens? Do I need a permit to do so?
A: Yes,
you need a permit to BBQ. Please see our Designated Barbecuing Areas page for locations and more information.
Q: Where
is a nice place to have an outdoor wedding reception?
A: The
following locations are ideal for wedding ceremonies:
1 - Astoria Park
2 - Bowne Park
3 - Crocheron Park
4 - Cunningham Park
5 - Forest Park
6 - Kissena Park
For more information on getting married in the parks, visit our Weddings in the Parks page.
Q: How
far ahead of time should I apply for a permit to hold
an event at a park?
A: Please
allow a minimum of 30 days before your event to apply
for a permit.
Q: Can
I get my permit on-line?
A: You
may apply for a permit on-line using our online
form. The special events staff will then review
your application. If they have questions about it,
they will call you. Once the application has been
approved, your permit will be sent to you in the mail.
Q: How do I apply for a permit to have an event in a park?
A: You must fill out an application and mail to/drop off at our office with a $25 non-refundable processing fee. We process applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please allow 30 day processing time.
Q: Are there additional costs involved in getting a permit?
A: There should not be any additional costs in obtaining a permit. However, we do evaluate each application on an individual basis.
Q: Will I need any other permits to hold an event in a park?
A: You may need a Sound Permit from the New York Police Department if you plan to have amplified sound at your event. You may also need a permit from our Revenue division if you plan to vend/sell anything in the park.
Q: How do I get a Sound Permit from NYPD?
A: After you receive your Park Permit, you must take the Park Permit to the local precinct to receive a sound permit. NYPD sound permits cost $45 and you must apply at least 5 days in advance of your event.
Q: Can I have access to water, electricity, or other park services during my event?
A: We do not provide access to electricity or water unless agreed upon in advance with Parks staff. For access to electricity, we advise applicants to rent a generator.
Q: Can we have alcohol at our event?
A: No, alcohol is prohibited in all parks, unless special approval is granted.
Q: Can we erect a tent?
A: To erect a tent, you must receive permission from the Special Events office.
Q: Do I need a permit to shoot film in a park?
A: You do need to get a permit to shoot film. The Mayor's Office of Film, Television and Broadcast - (212) 489-6710 - grants permits for filming in the city, but does not give permission to use the park. You must also get a permit from Parks.
Q: How do I apply for an event on a street or other non-park property?
A: You should contact the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) at (212) 788-7439 to apply for a Street Activities Permit.