Last Edited: March 13, 2026
Interested in hosting a walk/run, bike race, triathlon, or other distance event in Saint Paul? Start planning your walk/run by completing an event proposal form and our staff will guide you through the process to help bring your event to life in one of Saint Paul’s vibrant park settings.
The information below applies walk/run events of under 1000 attendees. For walk/run events over 1000 attendees/day please fill out the Large Event Proposal Form and an event coordinator will provide more information and guide you through the event planning process.
The Department of Parks & Recreation may require a separate agreement for an event. The language in any agreement between the Department and a permittee may supersede the rates listed here.
Per participant fees, based on estimated size will be collected up front at the time the permit is secured. Rates will be determined per individual event when using multiple sites and/or renting a shelter/pavilion.
| # of Attendees | Standard Rate* | Participant Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 250 | $150.00 | $1.50/participant |
| 251-500 | $200.00 | $1.50/participant |
| 501-999 | $250.00 | $2/participant |
| 1000+ | Use Large Event Proposal Form for events over 1000. | |
| **Extra site fee | $75.00 | |
* All rates (excluding tax-exempt organizations) are subject to state and local sales tax. All tax-exempt permits must show proper documentation prior to permit being issued (i.e. Minnesota ST3).
** If more than one site is used, extra site fee will apply.
No refunds will be issued less than 30 days prior to the permit. Permits under $150.00 will not receive a refund. Permits over $150.00 will receive 50% of the permit if the refund request is received 30 days prior to the event. There will be no refunds due to weather conditions.
There will be a $25.00 charge each time you alter your permit (time change, date change, location change).
If events need to mark paths and/or routes, ONLY CHALK, CONES OR FLAGS may be used. Painting of any kind is prohibited
The Department of Parks and Recreation retains the right to collect damages from the permit holder if site/facility is left in an unacceptable manner and requires extensive cleanup or repair by Parks staff. Additional fee will be added to credit card on file. Permit holder is responsible for repair/replacement costs of park property damaged/destroyed as a result of their event. No painting is allowed.
If tents will be staked, tent sites must be located for underground utilities before installation. Como Lake Path and Phalen Lake Path have specific locations for any and all tent placement.
Any permit applicant requesting closing of streets or with 5,000 or more participants must contact the Police Special Operations Unit for a special event permit.
Walks, runs, bicycle events, parades, cross country meets, photo shoots and filming, public events, public events serving food and/or alcohol, fireworks/pyrotechnics, petting zoos and placement of large games/inflatables on event site.
All insurance certificates must be submitted to Parks and Recreation no later than 15 business days prior to your event, or your event may be canceled.
The lessee must obtain Comprehensive General Liability (CGL) coverage from a company licensed to do business in the State of Minnesota. Such insurance shall be at a $1,500,000 per individual claim and $3,000,000 in aggregate, and shall further include the City of Saint Paul being named as an
additional insured.
The City reserves the right to change the amounts and/or types of insurance it requires for an event.
A copy of the insurance policy, including event name, date and location, must be submitted no later than 15 business days prior to the event to both:
For Harriet Island/Upper Landing events, send to:
Should any of the above described policies be canceled before the expiration date thereof, notice shall be deliver in accordance with the policy provisions.
Events that require a special event permit through the Saint Paul Police Department require proof of insurance coverage. See the Saint Paul Police Special Operations Unit for more information.
Organizations claiming tax exempt status must submit a completed ST3 form prior to making a park reservation. (This tax exempt number must be issued by the State of MN and not by the IRS Department of Treasury).
The rules and guidelines below are for events of less than 1000 attendees/day. For information on planning events of 1000 or more attendees/day, visit the Large Event & Festival Planning webpage.
The rules and guidelines below are for events of less than 1000 attendees/day. For information on planning events of 1000 or more attendees/day, visit the Large Event & Festival Planning webpage.
Permit Office
25 West 4th Street, Suite 400
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Ph: 651-266-6400
ParksCustomerService@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Mon-Fri: 7:30am-4:30pm