Special Event Permit Application Form

Plan Your Event in One of Newark’s Premier Downtown Parks

A Special Event is any organized activity that takes place — in whole or in part — on City of Newark public property and requires the coordination of City services for its successful execution.

Newark City Parks Foundation (NCPF) manages events held specifically at the following five parks:

Military Park
Harriet Tubman Square
Mulberry Commons
Lincoln Park
Riverfront Park

 

When Do I Need a Special Event Permit? 

You must submit a permit application if your event involves any of the following:

50 or more attendees
Amplified sound (DJ, performances, speeches)
Event promotion (e.g., fliers, online ads)
Temporary structures (tents, tables, chairs, staging)
Food or merchandise vending
Public performances or art installations

 

 

Fee Structure & Payment Process
NCPF uses a two-part fee structure to keep our parks accessible, while covering administrative and maintenance costs: 

 

Stage	Amount	Details
Application Fee	$50	Non-refundable. Paid upfront when submitting. Covers admin processing.
Reservation Payment	$1,000	Due only upon approval. Covers: $500 permit & date reservation + $500 refundable deposit. Nonprofits with approved waivers pay only the $500 deposit.

 

All payments are made via PayPal or credit card through our online portal. 

Additional Vendor Fee (Not Included in Permit Fees)
If your event includes vendors selling food, beverages, or merchandise, each vendor is required to submit their own application and pay a $50 vendor fee. This vendor fee is separate from the Special Event Permit and is not included in the $1,000 reservation payment.

Event organizers are responsible for ensuring that all participating vendors complete the required vendor process and submit necessary documentation. 

What Happens After I Apply?
Submit your application with the $50 fee.

We’ll review for:
- Date and location availability
- Event feasibility and compliance with park rules
- If approved, we’ll schedule a follow-up or meeting.
- Upon your $1,000 reservation payment, your permit and dates are locked in.

Rain dates are included but must be communicated to us in writing and are used strictly for weather-related rescheduling.

 

Deposit Refund Policy
You’ll receive your $500 deposit back within 10–15 business days if the park is left in good condition. Use the checklist below as a guide:

Deposit Return Checklist:
No damage to park infrastructure or landscaping
All trash bagged and removed
No debris, tape, fliers, zip ties left behind
No unauthorized vehicles driven into the park
No unapproved sound amplification
No illegal activity or violations of City ordinances

If any of these are not met, your deposit may be partially or fully withheld.

 

Prohibited Items & Activities
The following are prohibited in all Newark City parks (unless specifically permitted):

Alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis sales or consumption
Unlicensed food vendors
Sale of merchandise without a permit
Animals (except certified service animals)
Refer to official City Ordinances:

§ 20:4-1 – Park Conduct Code

§ 20:4-10 – Prohibited Activities

 

Additional Permitting & City Services
You may also need to contact other City departments for:

Street closures or block parties
Mobile stage rentals
Use of non-NCPF parks or citywide events

City of Newark – Business Administration Office
https://specialpermitapplications.newarknj.gov
Email: specialevents@ci.newark.nj.us

 

Want a Park Not in Our Network?
If your event is outside of our downtown footprint, please contact:

Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services
(973) 733-6454
https://newarknj.gov/departments/recreation

 

Questions or Assistance?
(201) 341-8311
hello@newarkcityparks.org
www.newarkcityparks.org

 

Permit Fees

Park Permit - $500 per event
A Park Permit is required for the use of any of the following city-owned parks: Lincoln Park, Harriet Tubman Square Park, Mulberry Commons, Military Park, and Riverfront Park . The cost of the permit is $500 per event, with an additional charge of $250 for each additional day. In addition, applicants may be subject to a refundable security deposit of $250. If damage occurs, the Newark City Parks Foundation may retain part or all of the security deposit, and additional charges may be assessed in order to restore the park to its original condition.

Demonstration – No Fee
A demonstration is an event or gathering that is protected by the First Amendment and is held for the purpose of expression. Such events may include public assemblies, rallies, protests, speechmaking, marching, or vigils that take place on any City property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, or alleys, and may require the closure of streets or sidewalks to comply with normal traffic regulations or controls governing such places.

Film and Photo Shoot - $500 per day
In order to secure exclusive rights to utilize a park for filming or commercial photography purposes, prospective applicants are required to obtain a park permit. Additionally, a film permit must be procured from the Newark Office of Film & Television

Street or Sidewalk Closure

Special Events may require a Street Closure Permit in addition to other applicable permits if the event includes the closing of a City street or sidewalk. Street Closures are required when an event will not comply with normal traffic regulations. Upon receipt of an approval letter by the City of Newark, you will need to contact the Division of Traffic & Signals at (973) 733-3969 to arrange to pick up barricades for your event. There is a $20 refundable deposit for each barricade that must be paid with a money order or personal check. The barricades must be returned within seven (7) days. Failure to return the barricades within seven (7) days will result in the forfeiture of the $20 deposit and require payment of an additional $55 replacement fee. Citizens are not allowed to use their cars or anything other than a City-issued barricade to close a street.

Please read the following permit requirements carefully and check all that may apply to your event.
Note: These additional permits are to be applied for, after the Special Events Permit application has been approved

Alcohol served or sold (Please note the additional insurance requirement)
Applicant must submit a permit application to the Newark Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in Room 102 City Annex at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the event. Upon obtaining authorization from the Newark Division of ABC, the applicant is required to file an application with the Division of ABC in Trenton at least ten (10) working days prior to the event via mail only. The Division of ABC in Trenton may disapprove, deny, and/or cancel any application without notice, reason, or cause.

Fireworks (Please note the additional insurance requirement)
Applicant must submit a copy of the firework vendor’s (1) Permit to Manufacture Explosives and (2) Permit to Use Explosives, both issues by the New Jersey Department of Labor, Office of Safety Compliance. Applicant must obtain and complete a “Permit Application for Storage/Use of Explosives” issued by the City of Newark Fire Department, Division of Fire Prevention and Life Safety. The permit fee is Three hundred (300) dollars.

Amusement Rides (Please note the additional insurance requirement)
Applicant must provide proof that the owner/operator of the amusement rides has acquired the necessary permits from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Bureau of Code Services.

Animals (Please note the additional requirement)
At least one (1) week prior to the event, the applicant must submit a health certificate for each animal to participate, as well as the name of a veterinarian who will provide care for any injured or sick animal, a copy of the handler’s licenses required under Federal and/or State law, and verification of access to animal transport. (Applicant must be able to show compliance with all of the above requirements in order to receive Special Event Permit.)

All Special Events; except for First Amendment Activities in accordance with applicable law, require a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Newark and Newark City Parks Foundation Inc. as an additional insured and an Additional Insured Endorsement (form CG 2026, CG2012 or its equivalent. (See examples of documents in Appendix.). The Certificate of Insurance should include a hold harmless provision that reads as follows: 

The City of Newark and its officers and employees are additional insured. The [INSERT NAME OF APPLICANT] shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City of Newark, its agents servants and administrators from and against any and all claims, or actions at law, whether for personal injury, property damage or liability including any costs of defense incurred by the City of Newark which arise from any acts, omissions of the insured, its agents, or employees arising out of or related to the permit(s) and use of the City of Newark’s parks, streets, and/or facilities for [NAME OF EVENT]. 

Disclaimer for Special Event Application Form

By submitting this special event application form to the Newark City Parks Foundation (NCPF), the applicant agrees to abide by the following regulations and conditions.

 

No Cars in the Park
It is strictly prohibited for unauthorized vehicles to enter the park for loading, unloading, or parking purposes. The applicant must ensure that all event participants, vendors, and attendees are informed and adhere to this policy. NCPF staff will provide park users with designated loading and/or food truck zones. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations may result in the forfeiture of the security deposit. The event organizer shall assume full responsibility for any damage caused by vehicles or any other means during the event.

Rescheduling of Events due to Inclement Weather
NCPF holds the right to reschedule any special events due to inclement weather conditions. The safety and well-being of event participants, attendees, and park facilities are of utmost importance. In the event of adverse weather conditions that may pose a risk to the park, event or its participants, NCPF reserves the right to postpone or reschedule the event. The applicant understands and agrees that NCPF will make the final decision regarding event rescheduling and will communicate any changes in a timely manner.

EAP (Emergency Action Plan) for Events Involving Children
For special events involving children, it is mandatory to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. The applicant must provide a comprehensive EAP that outlines the necessary safety protocols, emergency contact information, evacuation procedures, and any other relevant details to ensure the well-being and security of the children during the event. NCPF reserves the right to request and review the EAP prior to approving the special event application.

By signing this special event application form, the applicant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by all the terms, conditions, and regulations set forth by the Newark City Parks Foundation for the successful execution of the event.