How do I host a large event in my City park?

This guide is for City of Cleveland park facilities, NOT Cleveland Metroparks facilities. You can learn how to reserve spaces and permits for your large event at a nearby Metropark here.

If you’re looking to host a festival, farmer’s market, resource fair, concert, race, carnival, or other large event in your City of Cleveland park, use this guide for navigating City procedures.

**This guide is NOT a comprehensive list of all steps, permits, and procedures necessary for planning a large-scale event at a City park, but serves as a general guide for navigating City requirements and procedures**

1. Contact the Division of Special Events. Large events may require multiple permits, earlier submission deadlines, and proof of insurance. The City recommends contacting the Division early to discuss requirements, services, and permit needs for your large scale event.

   • Address: 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44114, Phone: (216) 664-2484, Email: specialevents@clevelandohio.gov

2. Complete the Special Event Permit Application form describing your event and associated needs. Do this as early as possible, as all event must go through the Special Events Committee approval process prior to confirmation. Ideally, several months in advance of your event.

3. Secure a Certificate of Insurance General Liability of $1 million or greater. This must be submitted alongside your Permit Application form and the City of Cleveland must be listed as an Additional Insured and Certificate Holder.

4. Prepare a site map of the event location. This must be presented to the Division of Special Events alongside your Permit Application form and should be an aerial street map on 8 1/2 x 11 paper that shows the placement of equipment and activities on your proposed park site.

5. You will need to present your logistics to the Special Events Steering Committee. You must be prepared with all additional permits, fees, and permissions before approval. Questions about this process can be directed to the Special Events office at the contact information below.

Additional Resources:

• Explore all of the City of Cleveland park facilities at bit.ly/CityofClevelandParks

• Explore the calendar of public events hosted in City parks and recreation centers at clevelandohio.gov/events

• Review the City of Cleveland’s definition of ‘special events’ at bit.ly/SpecialEventsCode

• Find the Division of Special Events website at bit.ly/DivisionSpecialEvents

Helpful Contacts:

• Division of Special Events, (216) 664-2484, specialevents@clevelandohio.gov