According to the Special Events Policy, a special event is a short-term activity that requires special permitting needs and/or support from City staff, such as Alexandria Police Department or Fire Marshal, or due to the anticipated number of attendees or nature of the event. 

A Special Event Permit may be required when:

• Use of a city park is involved.
• More than 500 people are expected to attend throughout the event.
• Coordination between two or more permitting agencies is required.
• Food is being sold/served to the public.
• Public safety may be at risk.

Family reunions, birthday parties, and picnics should make their reservations through the Registration and Reservation Office at 703.746.5414 if the reservation is not in Oronoco Bay Park, Waterfront Park, EF Pier Gazebo, King Street Gardens Park, or Montgomery Park. Picnic areas are available for rental April through October, beginning March 1 of each year through the Registration and Reservation Office.

All other events, including parades, foot races, charity walks, fundraisers, concerts, outdoor film series, or festivals in any park, should submit a Special Event Permit Application. Please read the Special Event Guidelines for information on the permitting process for Special Events.

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is not responsible for activities immediately surrounding the vicinity of the area permitted for a special event or wedding. The Waterfront District is an active marina with continuous improvement projects that occur as scheduled or without notice.

Apply for a Special Event Permit by submitting a Special Event Permit Application online. A valid email address and credit card to pay the $50 application fee are required. Only Visa and MasterCards are accepted as methods of payment. More information is available to help with submitting an online application. A short guide has been created to help complete the application. If you need in-person help submitting the application, you may visit the Permit Center and staff will be ready to assist you.

Applications should be submitted at least 6 months before the event date and applications for year-round permits are accepted by submitting a Special Event Permit Application online. A site map, which clearly show where tents, vendors, parking, any street closures and other elements of the event will be located, must be uploaded with your event or wedding permit application.

A permit application will not be considered without a site map. Refer to an example of a site map.

Events to be hosted at Market Square also require submission of a Market Square Application.

Any changes to site maps and applications must be submitted to the Special Event Permit Manager at least 5 weeks before the event or wedding date for written approval. Please call 703.746.5421 for assistance.

Which parks can be reserved through Events & Public Space Activations for Special Events and weddings?

Events & Public Space Activations oversees park rentals for:

• Montgomery Park

• Oronoco Bay Park
• EF Pier Gazebo

• Waterfront Park south lawn

Community Parks cannot be reserved for private events, birthday parties, or activities. They are used on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Parks are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. No holds are placed on parks for potential events or weddings. See Waterfront District park rental guidelines.

To host an event at a recreation center, please contact the recreation center directly to reserve their space.

To reserve an athletic field or outdoor court, please submit the Athletic Field and Outdoor Court Request Form.

To host an event in a public area not listed above, please name the area in the Special Event Permit Application.

The City of Alexandria is committed to facilitating a wide range of special events that highlight the diverse communities within the City. The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities manages the special event permitting process for events throughout the City. 

Per City Council, only the south lawn of Waterfront Park may be reserved for events not produced by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities, Office of Historic Alexandria, and Visit Alexandria.

For questions, email arts@alexandriava.gov and a member of the team will contact you. 

• Picnic Reservations, Parks, Athletic Fields, Outdoor Courts, and More
• Waterfront District Park Rental Guidelines
• Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Fee Schedule
• Recreation Center Contact Information
• Calendar of Events & Activities 
• City Concerts 
• Parking in Old Town 

Event and wedding organizers may be required to submit some or all of the forms below. The Special Event Permit Manager will notify each organizer if the forms are necessary to complete the permitting process.

• Public Health Guidelines Plan
• Communication Plan
• Crowd Manager Schedule
• Equipment Delivery Schedule
• Food Vendor List
• Organizational Chart
• Volunteer Schedule