Memphis Riverfront

Reserve a Park

Requesting an Application

1. Print the Application for Park Usage or contact the Program and Event Coordinator for the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC) at 901.576.7205.
2. Return the completed application, along with the $15 processing fee, and signed Terms of Agreement to the Program and Event Coordinator at the address listed on the application.
3. The $15 processing fee can be submitted in the form of check or money order payable to Riverfront Development Corporation.

NOTE: All applications must be submitted no later than 60 days prior to the requested event date.

Reserving the park:

4. Upon approval of the park use application, a $100 refundable damage deposit is required to reserve the park, in addition to any usage fee that may apply.
5. Once the park usage fee and damage deposit are received, RDC will send an agreement contract that will also serve as your park use permit.
6. A layout of the setup of the park event may be required; in which case it will need to be submitted to RDC 14 days prior to the event, including setup and break down dates and times.

Preparing for the Event:

7. A City of Memphis Public Assembly Permit is required for all events that will involve 25 or more people. This permit may be obtained from the City of Memphis Permits Office (901.636.6711). A copy of this permit, along with any additional permits required for the event, must be submitted to RDC no later than 14 days prior to the event.
8. In addition, any event that fits into Use Categories 2-5 must have proof of liability insurance citing Riverfront Development Corporation and the City of Memphis Risk Management Office as additional insured (see Terms of Agreement). A copy of the insurance certificate must be submitted to RDC no later than 14 days prior to the event.

Additional permits may include:

9. Liquor permit and liquor liability insurance – contact City of Memphis Permits Office (901.636.6711)
10. Vending permit – contact Memphis Shelby County Code Enforcement (901.379.4200)
11. Tents – any tent larger than 10×14 will require the approval of the Fire Marshall on the day prior to the event
12. Street closure – contact the MPD Special Events Office (901.636.4640)

Fees and Deposits

• Application Processing Fee: $15 (payable to RDC)
• Public Assembly Permit: $25 (payable to City of Memphis)
• Refundable Damage Deposit: $100 (payable to City of Memphis)
• Park Use Fee: $ Depending on venue (payable to RDC)

Riverfront Park Usage Policy

As Tom Lee, Greenbelt, Confederate and Jefferson Davis Parks, along with the Cobblestone Landing, are the primary downtown parks providing regular open access to the public; it is the general policy of the Riverfront Development Corporation to keep these parks open for public recreational use on a regular basis. Therefore, with the exception of the annual Memphis in May International Festival; the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration; and the Stone Soul Picnic; each of which is long-standing and well established, it is the policy of RDC not to permit events in these parks which restrict public access and full use.

Exceptions to this policy may be granted solely by the Board of Directors of RDC based upon (1) demonstrated prior successful execution of large public events, (2) the generation of additional economic benefit to the downtown area and beyond, (3) demonstrated community-wide appeal, and (4) demonstrated financial stability of the proposed user.

Remaining riverfront parks, including Martyrs, Crump, Vance, Butler, Ashburn Coppock, and Chickasaw Heritage, are available for limited use on a reservation basis. However, amplified sound is not allowed in any of these parks without a special permit. Permits for park usage are required for all riverfront parks. Applications are available by contacting the Program and Events Coordinator at Mud Island River Park. Certain fees do apply and are based on event type and length of use.

Park Usage Fee Chart

Definition of Uses

Use 1:
An event of less than 100 people that does not require any exclusive use of an area of the park or set up other than small tables and chairs. The park will remain open to the public and space is on a first-come first-served basis.

Use 2:
An event of less than 100 people that requires (1) an exclusive use of a particular area, (2) has any formal set-up (including tents, stages, cooking, distribution of goods, etc.), or (3) charges for participation whether the event is open to the public or not. All for-profit or commercial endeavors fall into either Use 4 or Use 5.

Use 3:
An event of more than 100 people that requires (1) an exclusive use of a particular area, (2) has any formal set-up (including tents, stages, cooking, distribution of goods, etc.), or (3) charges for participation whether the event is open to the public or not. All for-profit or commercial endeavors fall into either Use 4 or Use 5.

Use 4:
A for-profit organization or event or any commercial endeavor, regardless of size, that will charge admission, or sell any type of product (including food and drinks).

Use 5:
An exclusive use event requesting private or exclusive use of an entire park, or the majority of a park, using barricades or any other structure that impedes free public access to the park.