picnic button event building button event permit button do i need a permit button film and photo permit button concession button fitness permit button

Information on this page is grouped by function areas.  Most birthday parties or wedding type rentals will only need to review the picnic or event facility section.  Public events should review the park events and festivals section.

Office Hours: 

  • In Person: Monday-Friday: 8:30 am-4:30 pm  Closed Holidays, Saturday & Sunday.
  • Contact: Email reservations@austintexas.gov.  Voicemail: 512-974-6797
  • Online:  Picnic site/shelter & event building requests can be submitted online at any time.  See the picnic or event facility sections below for links and information!
Online Reservation and Payment

Reservation requests and payments for picnic areas and facilities are made online at least 16 calendar days in advance of the date requested - use the guide below for assistance.

Reservation and Payment Guide (PDF in English and Spanish):

  • Make a payment
  • Reserving a picnic area, shelter, or building facility
  • Reserve a vehicle day pass at Emma Long Metro Park
  • Reserve a campsite at Emma Long Metro Park

Payment Types Accepted:  

  • Anytime: Online (PDF), Cash, or Money Order.
  • Checks are ONLY accepted if received at PARD 14 days or more from the reservation/event date.

Payment Deadlines:  For example, if you book a site/facility today, payment in full is due within 14 days.  Payments for additional permits are due at the time they are requested, and BEFORE a permit will be released.  If you book a site/facility within 21 days of the use date, online (PDF) payment is due immediately.

Do I Need a Permit?

NO PERMIT REQUIRED:  Gathering of friends / family without advertisement to the public and that does NOT include any commercial activity, amplified sound, food sales, alcohol, advertising, marketing or similar. Park Rules, applicable local laws, and health orders must be followed.

ALLOWED WITHOUT A PERMIT  REQUIRES A PERMIT

Potluck style food  

Use of general park areas in a shared manner

Non-alcoholic beverages

Two 10x10 shade canopies 

 

 

Food sales, or public food service

May not use a reservation or reserved site

Alcohol consumption/sales NOT allowed

Rental tents NOT allowed

Bounce houses/water slides, etc.

Vending, sales or commercial activity/advertising

Fees, ticketing or charging for activities.

PERMIT REQUIRED:  A permit is required for all other types of gathering or park uses.  A list of common topic items is provided below for additional guidance for items that require a permit. More information? reservations@austintexas.gov.

Item More Information
Activation in a Park

Commercial or brand activation requires a permit as part of a park site rental, or with written permission of an event organizer.

Permits are considered for activations that will ENHANCE a park or recreational purpose. General commercial advertising, marketing, product launches or similar are NOT general public recreational purposes and are prohibited.  It is a $100-$500 fine, $250 minimum fine during a special event, Class C Misdemeanor.

  • Activations are NOT allowed near or inside pools, on or near the hike/bike trail, boardwalk, or on Pfluger Bridge.
  • With a permit, they must occur in designated areas such as picnic rental sites, or event buildings.
Alcohol Consumption may be permitted with an approved site rental.  Alcohol sales require additional resources and event requirements.
Amplified Sound May be considered and permitted with an approved site rental.
Commercial Use See our commercial use section for permitting information.
Concessions Single day, 6 month and performing artists require a permit. See the concessions section of this page.
Cook Out

Cookouts may be permitted at designated rental sites.  Public cookouts may require items such as health permits, insurance and cook out event $100 damage deposit in addition to other site rental or other permit fees.

Public cookouts without alcohol, see the Park Event Permit section for requirements and submit a "special request form".
Crawfish Boil

Crawfish boils may ONLY occur at designated picnic rental sites and require an additional $100 damage deposit above any other site rental or other permit fees.  Crawfish Boil Regulations(PDF)

Public cookouts without alcohol, see the Park Event Permit section and submit a "special request form".
Event

For non-public picnic or event facility rentals see the picnic day use or event facility section.  You will be provided information on sound, bounce house and alcohol allowances during booking.  Examples - birthday party, family reunion, wedding

Public events without alcohol, see the Park Event Permit section for requirements & submit a "special request form".

For public events with alcohol with alcohol, structures, food sales/consumption by the public see the "special event section".
Fitness Groups/ Training Groups Fitness training in the park, whether free to the public or not, requires a permit.  See the concessions and commercial use section of this page.
Filming See the filming section on this page.
Food Sales Food sales may be allowed as part of a permitted event or concession permit.  Stand alone food sales or concessions in a park are NOT allowed.  This includes food product sampling.
Fundraiser

A fundraiser is considered a public event. 

For public events without alcohol, submit a "special request form" from our application section.

For public events with alcohol with alcohol, structures, food sales/consumption by the public see the special event section.
Marketing/ Brand Activation

Commercial or brand activation requires a permit as part of a park site rental, or with written permission of an event organizer.

Permits are considered for activations that will ENHANCE a park or recreational purpose. General commercial advertising, marketing, product launches or similar are NOT general public recreational purposes and are prohibited.  It is a $100-$500 fine, $250 minimum fine during a special event, Class C Misdemeanor.

  • Activations are NOT allowed near or inside pools, on or near the hike/bike trail, boardwalk, or on the Pfluger Bridge.
  • With a permit, they must occur in designated areas such as picnic rental sites, or event buildings.
Metal Detecting Permitted in the specific case where the OWNER of an object is attempting to recover a lost item of value.  General interest metal detecting is NOT permitted.  See the technical topics section of this page.
Moonwalks/ Bounce Houses NOT allowed for day to day uses rentals, picnic sites or similar. Water attractions are prohibited.  Permitted ONLY at large festivals with an approved site rental where conditions/space can accommodate the device, and required insurance is provided.
Music May be considered and permitted with an approved site rental.
Performing Artists Clowns, balloon artists, non-amplified busking or similar require single day permits.  See the concessions section of this page.  Permits are only issued for activities that include non-hazardous materials.
Petting Zoo Prohibited in all parks.
Picnic Reservation See the "picnic site section". In order to reserve, and potentially have alcohol and amplified sound at a picnic use, you must have a picnic site or shelter reservation.
Photo Permits

Photo session permits are required for posed, portrait or commercial photography at Auditorium Shores, Mt. Bonnell, Zilker Botanical Gardens and Zilker Metropolitan Park.  See the photo permit section.

All add or branding campaign photo shoots must complete a filming permit application.  See the film permit section.
Product Sampling

Food, merchandise or product sampling may only occur in a park at an approved festival/event, rental or concession permit.  Ad hoc or sampling/marketing is not allowed.  Product sampling may NOT occur with fitness trainer permits.

Sampling will NOT be considered on the hike/bike trail, Pfluger Bridge or at/near most popular parks and pools.
Reservation The process to book and ensure a picnic site, event or special event facility is available for exclusive use for a function.
Run With a permit, events may use a park as a start/stop site for a run that also has permit for use of the sidewalks/streets for the walking part of the activity.  Regardless of size - fun walks, runs may NOT be conducted on park land or any part of the hike/bike trail system.
Tour Groups See our commercial use section for permitting information.
Walks With a permit, events may use a park as a start/stop site for a walk that also has permit for use of the sidewalks/streets for the walking part of the activity.  Regardless of size - fun walks, runs may NOT be conducted on park land or any part of the hike/bike trail system.
Work Out Groups Fitness training in the park, whether free to the public or not, requires a permit.  See the concessions and commercial use section of this page.


 

Picnic Site and Event Building Rentals

Rentals for personal events.

Picnic Area/Shelter Day Use Reservations

Picnic site rentals start at $60/site/day bookable 10 am - 10 pm at most sites.  Bookings requests must be submitted online up to 180 days in advance and no less than 16 days prior to the use date. There are 35 picnic sites across 23 parks.

Full payment is due received no later than 14 days from when you first book a site to confirm the reservation.  Last minute bookings require immediate payment online. 

Moonwalks/bounce houses/water slides or similar are PROHIBITED.

Review and See These Sites

  1. Find a Site - Picnic and Shelter Sites at a Glance (PDF).  See picnic site features/allowances for all sites at a glance.
  2. See the Sites - Maps and Images   Map Tips - Red icons show parks at large, green icons show reservation sites within each park.  Switch between "map or satellite" views. Use the map navigate function to map a route to the picnic site!

I'm ready to book a site!

Submit a Request/Online Calendar!   Online requests are accepted on a rolling 180 day window, and must be submitted NO LATER THAN 16 days in advance of the reservation date if available.   

Email:  reservations@austintexas.gov   Voicemail - 512-974-6797.

Tips for a Successful Picnic

Event Facility Reservations

Booking Period

Online requests are accepted on a rolling 180 day window, and must be submitted NO LATER THAN 16 days in advance of the reservation date if available.  If availability remains after the 16 day online submission deadline, you must contact the office to make reservations for any remaining available site prior to the 14 day cut off for all requests.  Email:  reservations@austintexas.gov 

Persons with need to reserve a site earlier for major life events such as weddings, or anniversaries or similar may want to use the lottery process.  The earliest you can reserve a park/facility is 10 months in advance by submitting the lottery form in the required month.  Use the lottery calendar to submit the lottery form (pdf) in the required month.  For example, submit a lottery form in May of this year for March next year dates, or December this year for October next year dates. If you have missed the lottery period for your desired month of use, the next period to reserve a park is 180 days in advance of the event month in the general booking period.  

Alert!  IF the event is open to the public/advertised or similar - it is strongly encouraged to first review the "Applications for Events" section of this website.

  • Public events without alcohol, see the Park Event Permit section for requirements & submit a "special request form".
  • For public events with alcohol, structures, food sales/consumption by the public see the "special event section".

Full payment for a reservation is due received within 14 days from when a site is first booked and approved/ billed.

Viewings: Photo Gallery of the Buildings  Event Facility - Map and Images

  • Facility viewings are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, Monday-Friday during normal business hours.  Weekend viewings are not allowed due to rentals, and most Fridays are also booked and commonly not available.

Check Availability / Submit Request to Book a Site

Facility Information and Pricing and Rule Guidebooks

Fiesta Gardens: 2100 Jesse E. Segovia Street - Excellent for small festivals and private events. 200 people or less.

Facility Guidebook (PDF)     Facility Site Plan     Driving Directions Map    Virtual Tour    Photo Gallery

Mayfield Cottage/Gardens: 3801 Old Bull Creek Road - Historic garden location for small private events.  No music allowed at this site. 45 people or less inside.  100 persons with guests required not to exceed 45 inside the cottage.

Facility Guidebook (PDF)     Facility Site Plan     Ground Site Plan      Driving Directions Map     Virtual Tour   Photo Gallery

  • Mayfield Photo Session Permit - see the photo session section of this website.

Pease Park Tudor Cottage - Whimsical 1920's cottage restored in 2021. Perfect for small receptions, work functions, and intimate life celebrations.  20 person cottage capacity, 120 with cottage and terrace.

Contact:  reservations@peasepark.org   Information   Photo Gallery

Sparky Park Station Building:  3701 Grooms Street - Perfect for meetings/uses central to this neighborhood.  Extremely limited parking.  30 people or less.  NO amplified sound allowed.

Facility Guidebook (PDF)    Facility Site Plan    Virtual Tour   Photo Gallery 

Zilker Clubhouse: 200 Arnulfo Alonso Way - 100 persons or less.  (updated January 2025) Construction will occur at the site September 1, 2025 through at least October end 2026 - No rentals will be allowed during this time.

(previous updates June 2024, May 2024, January 2024, July 26, 2023, March 6, 2023).  

Rehabilitation Project Information

Facility Guidebook (PDF)        Site CAD Plan        Fireplace Measurements     Driving Directions Map    Photo Gallery

Zilker Lodge at Sunshine Camp in Zilker Park

Activity Room - indoor space perfect for receptions, meetings, or casual meals. 80-100 persons.  Virtual Tour

Great Room - Indoor space perfect for parties, meals, gatherings and work social events.  Fireplace, comfortable seating, billiards and foosball included.  Virtual Tour

Contact: zilkerlodge@sunshinecamps.org, Information: https://www.zilkerlodge.com/

Park Events and Festivals: Permit Information

Information about public events and major festivals.

Applications for Events Overview

Most private birthday party or wedding rentals will NOT need to use an application in this section.  Sound and alcohol consumption information will be provided during the booking process without need for these applications.  Go directly to the picnic or event facility sections for information on how to book the sites unless you intend to sell alcohol, have structures, road closures or public food provision or sales.

Most public events will need to utilize one of the following applications.

Park Only Event Application - Special Request Form Application (PDF)

  • For example, a public event, fundraiser with food and non-alcoholic beverages.  May NOT include alcohol sales, structures, or tent permits.  ALL public events requires insurance.
  • USE FOR:  Curfew extensions, an event at a typically non-bookable park, or public events with food vending/merchandising    May NOT include alcohol sales, structures, or tent permits.
  • NOTICE:      Special requests require review and processing time in addition to the 14 day cut off booking period for typical picnic or facility rentals.  A lead request time of 4-6 months is strongly suggested.

Austin Center for Events (ACE) Special Event Application

See the “Event Planning” citywide event application. Our special event section on this page also provides helpful information and sample checklists.  Consult with a PARD event planner PRIOR to applying.  Many parks are booked by annual reoccurring events. 

  • USE FOR: Events which require services/permits for a park AND any one (1) of the following:
    • public safety personnel/security personnel,
    • medical support services,
    • lake/open water use,
    • use of sidewalks/streets as part of a run/walk route or similar,
    • fire inspections,
    • tents/ canopies, building structures such as stages or platforms,
    • public events where alcohol will be served or sold.
Park Event Permit - Public Event with Food (no structures, tent permits or alcohol)

Public events, fundraisers or similar with food and non-alcoholic beverages must apply for an event permit.  These events may NOT include alcohol sales, structures, fencing or tent permits as they qualify as Special Event Permits with the Austin Center for Events.

Park Only Event Application - Special Request Form Application (PDF)

MINIMUM Requirements:

  • Application, Review & Approval, and Payment of Fees
  • Insurance  (standard requirements for all public events, & possible coverage(s) required by the park system)

ADDITIONAL Requirements:

  • Health permits are required for any food/beverage served or prepared for the public.
  • Other requirements such as trash, recycling, parking plans, or toilet rental contract with a service provider MAY be required depending on the scope of the event.

REVIEW PERIOD NOTICE:  Special requests require review and processing time in addition to the 14 day cut off booking period for typical standard picnic or facility rentals.  A lead request time of 4-6 months is strongly suggested.

Special Event Permit - Public Event with Food, Structures, Fencing, Alcohol, or Structures

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Office of Special Events (OSE) is available to assist with large scale event planning. Annually, Austin parks serve as the home for events, festivals and concerts which serve approximately 1 million attendees. PARD staff are able to assist and provide an overview and understanding the City’s requirements of logistical and behind-the-scenes planning to help ensure your event is safe, high quality, well-organized, and enjoyable for all of your guests.

Large scale event planning requires careful and deliberate consideration of many details including park protection, scheduling, safety and security planning, insurance coverage, road closures, special needs access, temporary permits, transportation and shuttle services, waste management and environmental measures, and much more.  Extensive advance planning is required for special events, typically beginning 12 months - 6 months minimally in advance. 

Many events are annual.  These event in Austin Parks receive standing reservations.   The spring and fall seasons are typically fully booked by annual events.   Special events required 6 months to 1 year advance planning and require extensive advanced development by the promoter/organizer to ensure safe, and sufficient plans are procured to sustain the event.

Typical Special Event Requirements are substantial, and require extensive planning, budgeting and preparation with the expectation for the highest quality planning put into an event by the organizer.  An extensive library is available to aid in assessing capacity and planning.  Our policies and procedures section contains information on a variety of permitting topics.

The combined Austin Center for Events resource material. Topic based information can be found on the “Planning Guide webpage”.

Insurance & Technical Topic Documents

Policies, Rules, Pricing, and Holidays

Insurance - Standard Specifications

  • Insurance  (standard requirements for all public events, & possible coverages required by the park system)

Subject Topic Technical Documents for Events With Reservations

Event Related Permits

A coordinator will provide assistance during the booking process for picnic and facility sites with event related permits.  This information is provided to assist with researching requirements and steps.

Filming & Photo Production Shoots

Filming and Photo Production Shoots

The event office will make every effort to review and approve filming uses when a complete application is received.  The process can be affected by short lead times or at high usage parks. In order to be best prepared, submit a detailed application 7 or more days in advance of the requested start date.  Permits are handled in the order received. Shoots at popular or metropolitan parks, with multiple locations, detailed needs, or large numbers of cast/crew should plan to submit requests 14 days or more in advance of the start date.

DIRECTIONS:  Download application and save to computer.  Complete digitally and save.   Submit form to reservations@austintexas.gov.  Filming location agreement in the application must be signed as is. Changes or modifications are not accepted and the City does not sign external or 3rd party location releases.

FAQ - Popular Location Information and Restrictions (PDF)

APPLICATIONS

Filming Application & Location Form (PDF)

  • Location map image must be inserted into, or attached with application.
  • NOTE:  An application can be used for up to 2 locations, 3 days per site, OR up to 6 days at one site.
  • Additional Locations Form (PDF) Use to supplement an application with more than 2 locations. Complete as many as needed for additional locations.

Filming Application for Filming/Shoots with Cars, Vehicles, Lifts, Wheeled Devices (PDF)

  • Use for shoots where wheeled items are proposed on unpaved areas or grass/fields.
  • Location map image must be inserted into, or attached with application.
  • Parking, driving path map image must be inserted/attached with application.

Filming Insurance (PDF)

Filming in a Cemetery - Rules and Uses

Photo/Portrait Sessions Permits - see following section.

Photo Session/ Posed/ Portrait Session Permits

Photo session permits are required for ANY posed/portrait or similar photo shoots at the following parks which experience high volumes of public use:

General Information - How to Book Online

  • $50 per 2 hour session - book online 4 days or up to 30 days prior. Sessions NOT permitted during special events or holidays.
  • Check Availability - select the "park name" in the park location field and search dates/times, OR select "photo permit" in the features selection box to see all photo permit locations.
  • Online Booking Guide (pdf)
  • Overview and Rules (pdf)
 
Concessions, Commercial Use, Fitness Training, Contract Instructors, Tour Group Permits

Commercial Activity requires approvals (permits).  Per City Code Chapter 8:  COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY means to advertise or provide a good, service, class, or instructional activity for compensation.  COMPENSATION means any money, thing of value, payment, reward, tip, consideration, donation, gratuity, or profit paid to, accepted by, or received by a person.  APPROVAL means a permit, reservation agreement, or other written document that evidences an authorization by the department.   Fines:  $100-$500 fine, $250 minimum fine during a special event, Class C Misdemeanor.

Commercial Use Permits (fitness training/outdoor instruction)

  • Commercial Use Permits are offered to and required for any health and fitness consultants, dog trainers, bicycle tour groups (non-motorized), and other outdoor professional service providers within City parks for a duration of 6 months. .
  • Permit Holders must create regularly scheduled activities that enhance park experience and adhere to process, fees, and requirements.

Temporary Concession Permits

  • Temporary Concession Permits are offered for vending/sales of recreation oriented merchandise within City parks for a duration of 1 day to 6 months.  Food/beverage/recreation merchandise, and performing artist permits are most commonly requested.
  • Concession permits are NOT issued for vendors to vend outside or near permitted special events where organizers typically coordinate vendors inside their permitted grounds and spaces.

Picnic Service Providers

If interested in offering picnic services on parkland please review the Rules and Guidelines document.

  • Business to submit documents described in the Rules and Guidelines
  • Individual park user must reserve and make payment for a picnic area/shelter for a private gathering
  • Individual may contract with a picnic service company for the reserved site
  • Picnic set up and service is allowed within 50 feet of the reserved site during the reserved date and time

Permanent Concessions (existing or new requests)

  • The department has established permanent concessions that provide recreation services that include canoe, kayak, rowing, stand-up paddle board rental and instruction, food and beverage sales, golf, excursion boats, and a mini-train.
  • The department prepares an Annual Concession Report at the end of each fiscal year. The most recent  Annual Concession Report is available for viewing.

Contract Instructors

Offers diverse opportunities and partnerships with Parks and Recreation facilities and/or parks to enrich the community's artistic, cultural & recreational experiences.

Required Contract Documents:

  • Contract Instructor Class Proposal Form
  • Become a registered Vendor with the City of Austin
  • Certificate of Insurance (if required by Risk Management)**
  • Proof of successful CBI**
  • Instructor Liability Waiver (included in contract)
  • Participant-Release and Waiver (included in contract)
  • Signed Contract

**Review handbook for details

Download the Independent Contract Instructor's Handbook 

learn more about the process or contact PARDrecreationcontracts@austintexas.gov