Plan An Event

Are you organizing a festival, parade, concert, charity race, regatta, or neighborhood block party? Planning a filming or photo shoot? Columbus Recreation and Parks assists event coordinators in planning a successful event in the City of Columbus while providing a positive impact to the residents and businesses. Columbus’ 400+ parks are a great place for residents to connect, enjoy nature and stay active. These are the community’s parks, and it takes all of us to ensure they are a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has declared a moratorium on all new race events (as defined in the Event Planning Guide) on multi-use bike trails in the downtown area, effective Dec. 1, 2023, until further notice. The primary areas affected by this moratorium will be the Lower Scioto Greenway.

This declaration is based on a number of factors, including high demand, as well as new and ongoing construction projects in the area, which restrict the access to a portion of the trail between Souder Avenue and Broad Street.

Staff will review any pending applications for feasibility, but recommends no new events plan or start an application for this area.

Permits

Special Event Permit

A Special Event Permit is issued for an event utilizing parks, streets and waterways in the City of Columbus where planned activities go beyond normal use. Special Events include festivals, street fairs, concerts, races, regattas, parades, etc. These events may include street closures, are marketed citywide or regionally, and involve extensive planning and coordination with multiple City departments. The deadline to submit an application for a Special Event Permit is 60 days prior to the event.

Special Event Planning Guide
Special Event Application User Manual

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Block Party Permit

A Block Party Permit is issued for the closure of a block and/or street for residents of the block and their families. There is no marketing and/or community advertising for the block party and it is not open to the public. Alcohol is not permitted on the streets of a residential block party. Church festivals, fairs and/or giveaways are excluded from residential block parties. The deadline to submit the Block Party Application is 30 days prior to the block party.

Block Party Planning Guide

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Film Permit

A Film Permit is issued for any commercial purpose filming and/or photo shoots within the City of Columbus parks or streets. Non-commercial, still and/or personal photography may require a permit, please see the Planning Guide below for definitions and requirements. The deadline to submit a Film Application is 5 days before filming, except when closing a street as part of the filming then the deadline is 30 days before the filming date.

Film Planning Guide

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Additional Information

Fees

Event Fee Schedule

Event Permit Calendar

The Office of Special Events maintains a calendar for events requiring a permit. Please note this calendar does not reflect the availability of parks.

Event Permit Calendar

Special Event Support Program

Launched in 2017, the Special Event Support Program provides funding in five categories to Columbus-based organizations that have an established reputation for excellence and credibility, which enhance Columbus’ overall cultural environment, support the City’s economic vitality and increase the visibility and reputation of Ohio’s capital city as a desirable destination for visitors.

2024 Special Event Support Fall Cycle Program Guidelines

City Resources

SWACO

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is now offering financial support to local public event organizers to assist with the promotion of waste reduction activities, increasing recycling and composting at events and generating public awareness about waste reduction.

Maps

COURSE MAPS
Course       Distance (Miles)      Course Capacity      Digital Map
Columbus Commons 1     3.1      10,000      Digital Map
Columbus Commons 2      2.9      10,000      Digital Map
Columbus Commons 3      6.2      5K: 10,000
    10K: 1,000
     Digital Map
Columbus Commons 4      1.5      Sidewalk: 200
    Road: 10,000
     Digital Map
Columbus Commons 5      1.2      Sidewalk: 200
    Road: 10,000
     Digital Map
Crew Stadium      3.1      500      Digital Map
Genoa Park 1      3      1,000      Digital Map
Genoa Park 2      3.3      1,000      Digital Map
Genoa Park 3      3.1      1,000      Digital Map
Genoa Park 4      3.1      1,000      Digital Map
Genoa Park 5      3.1      10,000      Digital Map
Genoa Park 6      2.8      10,000      Digital Map
Genoa Park 7      6.2      5K: 10,000
    10K: 1,000
     Digital Map
Genoa Park 8      1      Sidewalk: 200
    Road: 10,000
     Digital Map
Genoa Park 9      1.5      Sidewalk: 200
    Road: 10,000
     Digital Map
Huntington Park 1      3.1      1,000      Digital Map
Huntington Park 2      3.2      1,000      Digital Map
Huntington Park 3      1.1      5,000      Digital Map
McFerson Commons 1      3.1      1,000      Digital Map
McFerson Commons 2      3.1      1,000      Digital Map
Smith Farms      3.1      500      Digital Map
Wolfe Park 1      3.1      500      Digital Map
Wolfe Park 2      1      1000
    (Parking limited)
     Digital Map

 

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