Lawn Rentals & Special Use Permits

Special Use Permits help ensure public safety, prevent accidental impacts to the park’s natural, historic, and cultural resources, and minimize conflicts with other visitors and activities.

Special Use Permits are generally required for organized events or activities, as well as commercial enterprises that meet (but not limited to) any of the following criteria:   

• Gatherings with over 50 attendees
• Any size wedding ceremonies
• Hired entertainment or services
• Events with catering and/or food trucks/carts and/or alcohol sales/beverage service
• Events with any rental equipment or furniture
• Events beyond the scope of “normal” park use 

For a complete list, please contact outdoorevents@presidiotrust.gov.

Yes, if your group is under 50 people and your event does not have any of the criteria outlined above in When do I need a Special Use Permit, you may host a casual gathering in the Presidio on a first-come-first served basis. One 6’ table, lawn chairs and blankets are allowed. Tents are not allowed. You can have one small shade structure (under 5’x5’). Staking into the lawns and landscape is not allowed.

There are a variety of locations available for outdoor events. These include the large lawn areas on the Main Post, Tunnel Tops, playing fields, other areas in the Presidio. For details on available sites, including size, location, and capacity, please see Plan an Event.

The Presidio offers a variety of historic venues for special events. Please view the whole list of venues here.

Yes, you can have a wedding at any of the lawns we permit for special events. All outdoor weddings require a Special Use Permit. Small weddings (up to 25 people) can obtain a permit for approved locations through Recreation.gov.

To request a Special Use Permit, fill out a Special Use Permit Application.

Most picnic tables are on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservable picnic and BBQ areas are available on Presidio Tunnel Tops and reserved through Recreation.gov.

Catering is allowed in conjunction with a Special Use Permit; additional fees apply. Proof of insurance is required for caterers, and additional documentation may be required.

Yes, food trucks and/or carts are allowed with a Special Use Permit at most locations; additional fees apply. Proof of insurance and additional documentation is required.

Yes, alcohol is allowed at your event. It must be served or sold by a licensed company with the required liquor liability insurance.

Commercial General Liability insurance is required. Insurance policies can be purchased from the Presidio Trust’s approved insurance vendor. Insurance rates vary. Some activities may not be insurable. Corporate clients may supply their own commercial liability insurance.

Please help keep the Presidio green!

• Balloons are not allowed at outdoor events
• Confetti, glitter, fire sparklers, hay, rice, piñatas, bubbles, etc. is not allowed
• Staking into grass is not permitted to protect underground resources
• Inflatables are not allowed
• Other restrictions may apply

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area Office of Special Park Uses manages the permitting process for outdoor events at Crissy Field, Baker Beach, East Beach, and West Bluff. Contact them at (415) 561-4300 or visit their website.