SPECIAL EVENTS AT CITY PARKS
INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE
- What is a “Special Event”?
- Insurance requirements for Special Events
- How to schedule your upcoming event
- More details for popular special events
- Special Events Calendar
WHAT IS A "SPECIAL EVENT"?
A special event is a one-time or infrequently occurring event outside City-sponsored programs or activities. A special event is an opportunity for a leisure, social, or cultural experience outside the normal range of choices or beyond everyday experience. Examples of common special events in parks include festivals, community / neighborhood events, run/walk events, athletic tournaments, weddings, etc. Special events are also any event in a park used for fundraising or collecting funds and/or any non-City sponsored event or activity that results in increased risk to the City of Knoxville.
Not all events are “special events”. Individuals or groups who rent facilities for events such as birthday parties, baby showers, wedding showers, etc. are typically not considered a "special event" and not required to provide insurance. Events as mentioned previously only require insurance if funds are being collected for donation or fundraising and/or the activity results in increased risk to the City (soccer team practices, for example - see Insurance File for requirements).
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
As a general rule, the person or group hosting a special event must provide a certificate of insurance covering the City of Knoxville. The amount of coverage varies based on the type of event. This file linked below provides more information in regards to amounts of insurance required based on the type of event being hosted. City staff will assist in this determination.
Insurance Requirements for Special Events at City Parks & Recreation Facilities [PDF]
Insurance is required for any event with the following exceptions:
- Club meetings & organizational meetings
- Celebrations (anniversary parties, birthdays, banquets, luncheons, awards, ceremonies)
- Meetings of a social, academy, business, or philosophical nature or expressive activity (other than fundraising)
The use of inflatables/"bounce houses" is ONLY permitted if the individual/group utilizing the equipment discloses such use to the City's Risk Manager at least 10 business days in advance and submits the following disclosure statement:
Inflatable Disclosure Statement [PDF].
STEPS TO SCHEDULE YOUR SPECIAL EVENT
MORE DETAILS FOR POPULAR SPECIAL EVENTS
SPECIAL EVENT CALENDAR
Click HERE to be linked to the Events Calendar maintained by the City's Office of Special Events.
Note: Events on this list are not sponsored or connected to the City of Knoxville. This is a list of Special Events scheduled at City parks. Other rentals such as birthday parties, showers, etc. are not shown on the list.