Permits & Reservations

Special Events

Are you interested in holding a special event, festival, or community gathering at a County Park? From beautiful outdoor settings to indoor old-world charm, County Parks is pleased to offer attractive venues for larger special events, such as festivals and community gatherings!

Special Events Reservations

If you are interested in a ceremony, wedding, private party, or picnic reservation,
please refer to those specific pages on our menu.

When to Reserve

Large festivals require reservations 6-12 months before requested date(s). Smaller events vary. Please contact us for specific information. Email us at reservations@scparks.com  or call at (831)454-7938.

How to Reserve
  • Complete the Special Event Request Form and send to reservations@scparks.com.
  • Once a completed request form is returned to the Parks office, staff will evaluate the proposed event.
  • If approved, we will provide specific Conditions of Use with the Special Event permit.
Fees, Rules, and Regulations

Please review the following documents for current pricing, rules, and regulations. Be aware that some sites have special restrictions.

Anna Jean Cummings County Park

Anna Jean Cummings County Park in Soquel is a beautiful park with a playground, picnic tables, athletic fields, open space trails and abundant lawn area. Restrooms and ample parking are available on both the lower and upper benches of the park. This location is ideal for family-friendly festivals or community events.

Aptos Village County Park

Aptos Village County Park is a popular location for festivals such as the Santa Cruz Blues Festival and the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group's Gourmet Grazing on the Green. The beautiful park is in a lush setting with a clubhouse, large patio, permanent restrooms and BBQ. The grounds boast an abundant lawn with stately trees as background, a charming gazebo, and trails. It is nestled between Santa Cruz beaches and the hills of Aptos, making it the perfect destination for all guests.

Bear Creek Recreation & Community Center

Bear Creek Recreation and Community Center includes a welcoming clubhouse and adjoining grove picnic area. Located in San Lorenzo Valley, the historic venue is home to an old-growth redwood tree that is over 2,000 years old.
Please contact Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District for reservations at (831) 338-4144 or on their website at www.bcrpd.org.

Government Center Lot

The Government Center Lot is perfect for day-long celebrations such as Earth Day, community marches, and car shows. This location is also a great option to provide extra parking or shuttle options for events.

Highlands County Park

Highlands County Park is a large space perfect for festivals. Your rental can include a delightful mansion with the entire park option. This venue offers privacy in a park setting with elegant, landscaped grounds and riverside trails.

Heart of Soquel County Park

Heart of Soquel County Plaza and Parkway in Soquel is a spacious plaza perfect for open air markets and gatherings. This venue offers privacy in a park setting with a nearby creekside trail.

Neighborhood County Parks

Various neighborhood County parks are available for special events. If you have a specific park in mind, please contact us.

Pinto Lake County Park

Pinto Lake County Park near Watsonville is a charming lake-side park with a playground, picnic tables, disc golf course, abundant lawn areas and open space trails. There is ample parking with an entrance kiosk and permanent restrooms. This park is perfect for large community events and festivals!

Simpkins Family Swim Center

Simpkins Family Swim Center in the Live Oak neighborhood is a community aquatics complex with a 50-meter pool, 150 ft water slide, a warm water zero-entry pool, and a spray zone play area! Please contact Aquatics at swimcenter@scparks.com or call (831) 454-7960.

Veteran's Memorial Building

The Veteran's Memorial Building is a historic hall in Downtown Santa Cruz.
Please visit their website at www.veteranshall.org.

For Special Events, please note:

  • Each venue has site-specific restrictions.
  • There are additional fees for alcohol permits. Beer, wine, and champagne only.
  • Unique requests require Parks Office approval. Please ask us!
Show entries
Table will be rendered here

Cancellations

Each event will be subject to specific conditions of use including cancellation and changes policies.

Contact Us

Phone:

(831) 454-7938

Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays

Our physical office is open, but staff availability is limited as most staff members are working remotely.