The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board offers great places for wholesome, healthy outdoor recreation and entertainment special events, such as walks, runs, art fairs, fitness classes, fundraisers, public art and more. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board governs the special events within the City of Minneapolis park land. Below you will find the application required to host a special event on MPRB property.

Please note: All MPRB amenities are available to everyone on a “first come, first served” basis unless a special permit has been granted. Leaving personal items like a cooler, blanket, chair or sports equipment at a facility or amenity does not reserve it.

Use & Event Permitting

Event Policies, Procedures & Schedule of Fees

All event organizers should review the Use & Event Procedures & Policies document prior to applying for an event. This will help answer numerous questions you may have when completing the application.

Use & Event Permit Application

Returning events have priority for their same date and location in an upcoming year. Returning events may apply for a permit beginning 365 days prior to the proposed event date. New events may apply for a permit beginning 335 days prior to the proposed event date. You will need to obtain a permit to use park land and facilities for a special event at least 10 days before the event. Review, complete, and submit the appropriate application for your event:

Application Process:

Step 1: Complete the Use & Event Application in its entirety, if sections are left blank your application will not be accepted.

Step 2: Submit the completed application to MPRB staff using one of the submittal options below.

  • Email a PDF version to permits@minneapolisparks.org
  • Mail or bring in a copy to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Road North Minneapolis, MN 55411)
  • Fax in a copy to 612-314-8675

Step 3: Your application will be reviewed by MPRB staff within 14 business days of reception.

Step 4: Staff will then approve the event or have follow-up questions/reasons for denial.

Events Go Green Logo

 

FAQ

Answer: This depends on the type of gathering. If gathering with a group under 50 people on park land, no permit is required. If the gathering involves registration or exchange of money to participate (yoga class for example), then a permit is required.

The application must be completed in its entirety, including any requests for maps, setup, participants, etc. Also, all applications must be signed prior to submittal. Any applications not fully completed will not be reviewed and you will receive an immediate denial. (Small adjustments can be made at a later date at the approval of the MPRB)

With the very wide range of events that happen in the park system every year, there are a wide range of possible fees associated with specific events. For example, a wedding reception is going to have a different set of fees than a large festival. A general list of the Use and Event fees can be found on our Use and Events page. The description of these fees can vary from event to event. If you do not fully understand the fee structure, please feel free to contact the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Please note, we will not estimate fees without having an application in hand first.

Answer: Contact an insurance company and tell them you’re looking for a certificate of insurance for an event you want to host. The certificate is required to list the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board as the certificate holder.

Answer: Applicants are required to submit a “Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $1,500,000 for General Liability Coverage with the MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD listed as an additional insured” for the event and date(s) of all preparation for such event occurring on MRPB property.

Answer: For a wide variety of reasons applications can be denied. The most common are incomplete applications, violations of ordinances or policies, or no availability for selected date and location.

Answer: Depending on the size and scope event, most Minneapolis Park locations are available to be permitted. Exclusions include but are not limited to water parks, flower gardens, and golf courses.

Answer: We’d still like you to fill out the Use & Event Application. If you plan to have any amenities setup in the park at the event like Amplified Sound, that would require a permit.

Park Board Announcements

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