Some activities or special uses require a permit. Commercial film and photo shoots, wedding ceremonies, league sports, single day events, or group activities (such as lessons, camps, school groups, or the like) must obtain a permit and meet insurance and other requirements. For more information, and to determine if your visit requires a permit, continue reading.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a public park and as such, any events, classes, or gatherings larger than 20 people require a permit. Regardless of the number of participants, we do not issue permits for events, classes, group instruction, or gatherings where a fee is charged (unless it’s a league sport played on the volleyball, basketball, or soccer fields). Additionally, amplified sound, including microphones, is not permitted.
Free, outdoor public space is critical. At Brooklyn Bridge Park, we have always prioritized free public events, activities, and classes. We believe that public space is for the public, and we work to ensure as much of the public space as possible is available to all who visit. This is why we partner with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and others to provide a huge array of completely free programming at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Applying for a Permit
- Permits must be obtained prior to undertaking regulated activities as defined in the Park Rules and Regulations.
- Applicants should read all Permit Terms and Conditions prior to submitting an application.
- Permits are not issued for weekends or holidays.
- All applicants will be charged a $25.00 non-refundable application fee and a $1.00 credit card processing fee. Additional fees may be required based on the nature of the requested permit and will be assessed after your application has been received.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee you will be granted a permit. Your application is not approved until you have received a permit from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- Applications may take up to 21 days to process after they have been submitted. Applications must be submitted at least 21 days in advance.
- Permits are not issued for Max Family Garden.
- It is not possible to receive a permit for the Pier 5 grilling stations or any picnic tables in the park. All tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis for groups of 20 people or less. Personal grills are not allowed to be brought into the park.
- Applications for the upcoming year will open on December 1st of the current year.
- Commercial activity in the Park is prohibited unless specifically authorized in a permit, and authorization is rare. Absent specific authorization, a permit does not allow an event holder to charge a fee or require a donation to participate in or attend the event.
- Decorations like chalk, confetti, powders, glitter, balloons, flower petals (real or fake), or any other similar substance cannot be used in the Park. These substances are difficult to manage when blown into plant beds, water features, or paths. These products can blend with the soil or water and the dyes or chemical makeup of these products may have long-term harmful effects on the Park’s ecosystem.
Permit FAQs
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When do I need a permit?
- bring a group larger than 20 people into the Park;
- host a wedding ceremony;
- film or photograph for professional or commercial purposes;
- rent access to a sports fields or courts
Permits must be obtained prior to undertaking regulated activities as defined in the Park Rules and Regulations.
Generally, permits are required if you want to (this list is not exclusive or exhaustive):
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Can I get a permit for or reserve picnic tables or grilling areas?
No, picnic tables and grilling areas are on a first come, first serve basis. When the grilling area is busy, we ask that grills are only used for one hour at a time.
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Is a Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Permit valid in Brooklyn Bridge Park?
No. Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Permits are NOT valid at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Film and Photo permits must be issued directly from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
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Can I bring my own grill?
No, cooking equipment of any kind, including sternos and other heating equipment, is no permitted in the Park. This type of equipment could endanger other park patrons or the natural environment. Grills are available for first come, first served use at the Pier 5 Picnic Peninsula.
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Do I need a permit to take photos?
It depends on the photoshoot. Permits are required for commercial photo shoots, or groups larger than 20. Learn more about the permitting process on the permits page.
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Can I decorate or set up for a small gathering?
If you are hosting any event that requires set up, you must have an approved permit from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Please note that chalk, confetti, powders, glitter, balloons, flower petals (real or fake), or any other similar substance cannot be used in the Park. These substances are difficult to manage when blown into plant beds, water features, or paths. These products can blend with the soil or water and the dyes or chemical makeup of these products may have long-term harmful effects on the Park’s ecosystem.
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Can I bring balloons or other party decorations?
If you are hosting any event that requires set up, you must have an approved permit from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Please note that chalk, confetti, powders, glitter, balloons, flower petals (real or fake), or any other similar substance cannot be used in the Park. These substances are difficult to manage when blown into plant beds, water features, or paths. These products can blend with the soil or water and the dyes or chemical makeup of these products may have long-term harmful effects on the Park’s ecosystem.
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Can I host an event or activity?
To host an event or an activity in Brooklyn Bridge Park you must have an approved permit from Brooklyn Bridge Park. This process insures that any given area of the Park is not over crowded and that organizations are properly supported and insured. If you would like to host an event or activity in the Park, please review the conditions for a special events permit.
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Can I bring a school group for a field day?
Yes, however a permit is required. School trips, field days, and camp groups are allowed for a maximum group size of 200, with 1 adult present for every 10 children. Brooklyn Bridge Park has a limited number of school bus layover parking and is not guaranteed. Insurance is required for schools outside of the New York City public school system. Please see the permits page for more information.
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Can I bring or consume alcohol in Brooklyn Bridge Park?
Alcohol cannot be brought into Brooklyn Bridge Park. Alcohol is available for purchase at some Park concessions, but must be consumed within that concession location.
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Can I fly a drone?
No, drones are not permitted in the Park.
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Can I have a birthday party at the roller rink?
Yes! Please inquire with the roller rink and see more here.
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Can I play music in Brooklyn Bridge Park?
Amplified sound is not allowed in the Park. Playing music from a radio or speaker or similar is not allowed. Enjoy the sounds of the Park and the nature that surrounds the area while be respectful of those around you.
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Can I have my wedding in Brooklyn Bridge Park?
Yes, permit applications for wedding ceremonies are available. Wedding ceremonies can be held on the on the Pier 1 Granite Prospect, on the Empire Fulton Ferry boardwalk and at the Main Street pebble beach only. Permits are required. Please see our Permits section of the website for more information.
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Can you confirm or hold a date before I submit an application?
No, dates cannot be confirmed or held before an application is submitted. Permits are granted on a first come, first served basis. Applications that are submitted are given preference for a date or location. We advise that you submit your application as soon as possible. If the date or location you applied for is already reserved, we will work with you to find the next best alternative.
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How do I submit a public art proposal?
Please submit a proposal that outlines your project (e.g. renderings, height, weight, length of installation, proposed location, security or electrical needs, etc.) to [email protected]
Insurance Requirements
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Insurance Requirements
All permit applicants who are required to provide insurance must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with the following language in the ‘Description of Operations’ box and the following address as the certificate holder. If you fail to provide a COI with the language below, we will not issue your permit.
Description of Operations text (“permittee” is your entity name):
“permittee” is also insured under the described policy. The following are included as additional insureds, including with respect to claims arising out of Permittee’s operations: Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation d/b/a Brooklyn Bridge Park, the City of New York, Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation, New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development, the State of New York, and their respective officers, officials, agents, members, directors, and employees, with coverage at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 26.
Certificate Holder text:
Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact Permits Department
Have a question before submitting a permit?
Please review the FAQs on this page, and then contact us. Thanks!
