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Outdoor Events and Gatherings

​​​​​​With sweeping views and beautiful opens spaces, the Presidio is the perfect place to host a large event or small gathering. We currently offer two lawn sites for events – the Civil War Parade Ground and Graham Street Lawn both on the Main Post and East Meadow and Western Lawn at Tunnel Tops. These lawns can accommodate outdoor events for groups from 51 to 3,000 people.​ If you would like to hold an outdoor event in an area not listed, please let us know and we can determine if it is feasible.

The lawns are available for rent from mid-March to mid-November each year.​​

Picnics or Small Gatherings with 50 or fewer participants do not require a special use permit, unless any of the following uses trigger a permit with fees. Elements that could trigger the need for a special use permit, regardless of size include:

  • Hiring Vendors including entertainers and musicians, etc.
  • Advertising an event to the public
  • Alcohol Service
  • Catering or Food Trucks
  • Tenting
  • Staging
  • Generators
  • Reserved parking, valet parking or shuttle service
  • Any significant equipment
  • Please see the FAQ​s page for more information

Additional information:

  • Inflatables/jumpy jumps are not permitted in the Presidio.​
  • Organized sporting activities are only allowed with a special use permit at Fort Scott Ball Field. See Playing Fields information.​
  • Picnic tables/gathering sites are available on a first-come, first-served non-exclusive basis.​
  • Alcohol is allowed in picnic areas. Kegs are not allowed.

To get started, please fill out an application and ret​urn to us.

​​If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at outdoorevents@presidiotrust.gov or call (415) 561-4200. In general, a permit requires a minimum of 10 business days to complete.