Special Event Venues

The following is a summary of the typical basic fees for special events. Please complete a Special Event Application and we will assist you in determining total fees.

Park VenueCommercial FeeNon-Profit FeeVenue Capacity
Civic Center Plaza (Joseph Alioto Piazza)
$36,519
$18,25925,000
Civic Center Plaza - Decomposed Granite Area
$17,454$8,7283,000
Embarcadero Plaza
$10,225$5,1137,000
Embarcadero Plaza - Don Chee Way Hardscape
$4,525$2,263TBD
Golden Gate Park - Bandshell (Spreckels Temple of Music)
$3,652$1,826500
Golden Gate Park - Hellman Hollow (formerly Speedway Meadow)
$26,294$13,14720,000
Golden Gate Park - Lindley Meadow
$14,608
$7,304
10,000
Golden Gate Park - Marx Meadow (two-hour limit on amplified sound)
$3,652
$1,826
2,000
Golden Gate Park - Music Concourse
$15,517
$7,758
---
Golden Gate Park - Polo Field
$73,038
$36,519
57,000
Golden Gate Park - Robin Williams Meadow
$17,529
$8,765
15,000
Hallidie Plaza
$2,956
$1,478
---
Japantown Peace Plaza
$1,875
$939
1,400
John McLaren Park - Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre 
$4,674
$2,337
1,500
John McLaren Park - Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre Special Rate for Community Events Only***
N/A$825
1,500
Lake Merced - Sunset Parking Lot
$1,552
$777
TBD
Marina Green - East (Big Marina)
$10,956
$5,478
7,500
Marina Green - West (Little Marina) **
$1,169
$584
700
Mission Dolores Park ****
$17,529
$8,765
TBD
Noe Valley Town Square
$1,047
$523
---
Portsmouth Square **
$730
$365
500
Potrero del Sol Park (La Raza)
$14,869
$7,435
TBD
Potrero del Sol - Skate Park
$2,845
$1,423
TBD
Potrero del Sol - Stage Area
$2,133
$1,067
TBD
Precita Park ****
$7,304
$3,652
TBD
Union Square Plaza
$10,956
$5,478
3,500
United Nations Plaza
$2,327
$1,163
2,600
Washington Square ****
$4,674
$2,337
TBD


Other Sites: $1.46/person times venue capacity

* To be eligible for nonprofit fee, entity sponsoring a running event must be a not for profit.
** Minimum fee for event involving amplified sound is $770
***Community focused, no financial benefits to organizers
****No new special events. Returning community events only.


Amplified Sound Fees and Procedures

The minimum venue fee for any event involving amplified sound is $770

Amplified sound fee is $92 for non profit and $660 for commercial event

Amplified sound may also include costs of Park Patrol to monitor sound level depending on venue

Special additional application required:
Amplified Sound Application


Other Fees


Impact Fees

  • Race Fees in Park: $1.59 per runner
  • Walk Fees in Park: $0.79 per walker
  • Ground Regeneration Fees: Depends on location and number of participants

Events Requiring Road Closures in Park

  • $1.59 per participant plus cost of Park Patrol to assist with road closure
  • Requires outreach to neighbors. Coordination with MUNI, SFPD and DPT also required

Concession Fees

  • 5% of any concession sales

Staff Reimbursement – This can include a variety of different staff:

  • Park Patrol to monitor event activities
  • Gardener Supervisors to review set up of site, to inspect site after the event and to make any necessary repairs
  • Custodial to provide additional janitorial service during the event and for post event clean up

Gated Event: 25% of ticket sales

Amateur Events – no admission charge: Weekdays – $247; Weekends $328 (non-holiday)