A special event permit is used for single day activities if a group is larger than 20 people or requires special use of an area. A single day event or group activities (such as lessons, camps, school groups, or similar) must apply for a permit and cannot operate in the Park without one. If you have a large event or public art installation proposal see below. Please note that private events, classes, or lessons where participation, tickets, or entrance fees are collected require special permissions. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a public space open for use by anyone, issuing permits for special uses ensures that the majority of the Park is open for that purpose.
Application Process
Special event permits are required for the following:
- Any activity involving more than 20 people at one time. This includes school trips, picnics, and field days.
- Any activity for which specific space within the Park (i.e. a sports field or court) is requested to be reserved or set up is required, including for groups with less than 20 people at one time. There is no set up allowed on park lawns.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Permits are not issued for holidays or holiday weekends.
- Applications must be submitted at least 21 days prior to your requested event date.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Your event is not confirmed until you have received a permit directly from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- Dates cannot be confirmed or held before an application is submitted. Permits are granted on a first come, first served basis. If the date or location you applied for is already reserved, we will work with you to find the next best alternative.
- Permits are issued for up to 75 people and 4 hours maximum. Permits do not grant exclusive access to park space.
- 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.
- It is not possible to reserve or receive a permit for events or film/photo shoots in Emily Warren Roebling Plaza.
- It is not possible to reserve or receive a permit for the Pier 5 grills or any picnic tables in the Park. Permits are not issued for the grills or picnic tables. Please maintain a group size of 20 people or less if using these facilities. It is not allowed to bring your own grills or tables into the Park. For more information on use of the Picnic Peninsula see here.
- Permits allow for the use of blankets and coolers only. Tables, chairs, tents, personal grills, sternos, and amplified sound are not allowed to be brought into the park.
- For single date usage of the athletic courts or fields, you must apply for a special event permit. Please contact the permits department with the below form to discuss availability for single date athletic permits.
- School trips and field days are allowed for a maximum group size of 200 with 1 adult present for every 10 children. Brooklyn Bridge Park does not have parking for school busses. Please plan for drop off and pick up only. Insurance is required for schools outside of the New York City public school system. Please see the main page for more information on insurance requirements.
- To book a trip to the Pier 2 roller rink, please visit their website.
- To book a trip to Jane’s Carousel, please visit their website.
- Use of the Studio at St. Ann’s Warehouse, please visit their website.
FAQs
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Are there public restrooms?
Yes, there are restrooms at Pier 6 at Fornino and in Quay Tower; in the Boathouse in the Pier 5 Uplands, in the orange building on Pier 2, under Squibb Bridge; at Empire Stores in Empire Fulton Ferry, and in 99 Plymouth Environmental Education Center.
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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 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 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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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 pitch a tent or hang a hammock?
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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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Is there parking?
Parking near Brooklyn Bridge Park is very limited. We recommend taking public transportation, biking, or walking to the Park. BBP is accessible by bus, subway and ferry.
There are limited metered parking spaces in a public parking lot on Furman Street near Pier 2. The parking spaces are metered for both a minimum and a maximum of three hours. Please note that parking on the Loop Road (between Pier 5 and Pier 6) is not allowed, it is a drop off space only.
There are two paid parking lots in the Park. A parking garage is located near Pier 6, accessible on the south side of 360 Furman Street. A parking garage operated by LAZ is located near Pier 1, accessible on the south side of 90 Furman Street (under Squibb Bridge).
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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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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 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 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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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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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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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]
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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):
Public, Ticketed, or Marketing Events
- For large scale events, please use the contact us form below to submit a brief event proposal.
- Total event fees will be determined after your application and proposal have been submitted and reviewed by park staff.
- Submitting a permit application and event proposal does not guarantee approval. Your event is not officially confirmed until you have received a permit directly from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- All marketing, signage, advertising, and outreach for events must be approved by park staff prior to their public release. Do not advertise events at Brooklyn Bridge Park without direct approval from Park staff.
