Below is a series of frequently asked questions about reserving the park. If you have a question that isn't answered here, email republicsquare@downtownaustin.com.

Premier Location: Republic Square is in the heart of Downtown Austin, ensuring high visibility and transit accessibility. The park naturally draws a diverse audience.

Event Ready: Republic Square’s flexible layout and amenities make it ideal for hosting activities. The park features open green spaces, shaded seating areas, and a well-maintained environment perfect for relaxing or socializing.

Proven Results: With a track record of crowd drawing events, Republic Square has been a cornerstone of Austin’s community life since 1839.

Remember, rules are to keep the park fun and safe for everyone. If you're not sure what requires a permit, please just ask 😊

• Alcohol – No selling, sharing, or drinking alcohol. No tobacco allowed.

• Attaching things – Tying or sticking things to park property.

• Big gatherings – Having more than 50 people at an event.

• Blocking the park – Closing off parts so others can’t use them.

• Classes – Holding fitness or exercise sessions.

• Digging – Putting stakes or poles into the ground.

• Food – Serving food must follow health rules.

• Food trucks – Parking any kind of mobile food stand.

• Noise – Using speakers, playing music, or drumming.

• Photos/videos – Taking pictures, filming, or flying a drone.

• Saving a spot – Reserving an area for a certain time.

• Selling stuff – Selling things, performing for tips, or handing out merchandise.

• Setting things up – Using tables, tents, stages, or equipment.

• Sidewalk use – Blocking walkways people need.

• Signs – Putting up banners or ads.

• Special events – Hosting festivals, concerts, or weddings.

• Vehicles – Driving cars or wheeled vehicles in the park.

Refer to https://www.austintexas.gov/page/special-events-policies-procedures for more examples.

A permit makes sure your time at the park is reserved. Republic Square is run by Downtown Austin Parks, LLC (DAP) a nonprofit that takes care of the park and provides community programming. DAP works closely with PARD, Austin’s Center for Events (ACE), CapMetro, and the adjacent Federal Courthouse to keep day-to-day operations and maintenance running smoothly for everyone.

An event organizer submits a permit application through the Republic Square website republicsquare.org/reserve to request a date and location.

No, we cannot verbally verify dates or availability prior to receiving your completed Event Application Form. Park availability depends on the size, scope and impact of each event so we cannot check the schedule without a completed form.

• Minimum: 30 days prior

• Smaller events: 3-6 months prior

• Larger events: 6-12 months prior

• Special events: 12+ months prior

• Re-occurring events: August and September

While we do try to accommodate our clients' requests as much as possible, it is sometimes necessary to offer the applicant different times, locations, or dates for events, due to the volume of requests and park rules and conditions. DAP must weigh numerous factors in assessing each event application and may not always be able to accommodate your requested use.

No, an area will not be cordoned off for your use only. The event permit only gives you and your group permission to use the park on your designated day. For private/ticketed activities or those with alcohol, the organizer must furnish their own fencing.

Event capacity for the entire park is 5,000. Visitor numbers may not exceed this at any time.

Depending on which area(s) you’d like to reserve, rental fees can range from $250 to $17,500+.

• Less than 30 days' notice: no money will be returned

• 30 to 90 days’ notice: half of rental funds will be returned

• More than 90 days’ notice: rental funds will be returned; less application fee

Reservations are made at your own risk. No cancellations within 14 days of the event will be accepted prior to your event based on a predicted weather forecast.

Yes, there are two publicly accessible restrooms. Additional portable toilets may be required for your event/gathering.

Parking near Republic Square is very limited. We recommend taking public transportation, biking, or walking to the park.

No. Tie ins to the park’s power system requires a licensed electrician and amperage cannot be guaranteed. Plan to provide a portable power system (run-quiet generator) for stage lighting, sound systems, video walls, catering vendors, etc.

Individuals or organizations are required to obtain a Temporary Food Event permit for any event in which they are offering food for public consumption.

• Access – Members of the public cannot be excluded from use of the Park unless the park has been rented in its entirety.

• Alcohol – If your event requires alcohol sales, not served from or provided by the onsite cafe, a TABC temporary event permit is required by state law.

• Amusement amenities – Use of inflatable rides/games, moonwalks, climbing walls, dunking booths, petting zoos, mechanical rides, and other amusement amenities must be disclosed at the time of application and require approval. Vendors, amusement contractors, or subcontractors are required to maintain insurance, provide required certificates of insurance prior to entering Republic Square, and adhere to all State and local inspection requirements.

• Audio-Visual equipment – Renter must provide their own.

• Bathrooms – Republic Square has two (2) gender neutral restrooms that are open to the public. The applicant is responsible for providing additional toilets when the number of event attendees exceeds 250 guests. Events over 250 guests require a ratio of two toilets per every 500 attendees with a minimum one of which must be ADA accessible. Hand sanitization stations and daily servicing are required. Portable toilet placement must be done under supervision of Republic Square staff.

• Cleaning/restoration – Applicant is required to remove all event-related materials, equipment, supplies, litter, recycling, and refuse. Failure to fully remove all event-related materials from the park will result in loss of damage deposit and possible additional restoration fees.

• Deliveries – Deliveries and pickups of any equipment (including rentals) must be completed within the hours of the permit.

• Drones/unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – Launching, landing, or operating drones is strictly prohibited in Republic Square.

• Electricity/water – We don't provide access to electricity or water at events. For access to electricity, we advise applicants to rent a generator. The placement of generators requires advance approval.

• Filming – Groups who wish to use the park for commercial photography or videography, NOT in conjunction with an approved event, must apply for a permit.

• Food/vending – There is an onsite café available. A temporary food event permit is required anytime food is being offered for public consumption. See City Code and the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) guidelines for permitting and food safety. Glass and Styrofoam are prohibited.

• Furniture – The chairs and tables and other fixtures in the park are always for public use. The removal or relocation of any park furniture must be requested and approved.

• Gardens/grounds – The gardens, lawn, and walkways must be protected from damage during load-in, load-out, and throughout your event. Park staff will work with you on an appropriate protection plan. Any damage will be billed to the event applicant. Staking tents or other structures is prohibited.

• Hours – Events must take place between the hours of 6:00AM to 10:00PM.

• Insurance – all applicants must comply with the insurance requirements set forth by Downtown Austin Parks, LLC. Certificate must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the event. Failure to submit Certificate of Insurance as required can result in cancellation and loss of deposit.

• Internet – Wi-fi is not available for events.

• Lighting – Lighting may not be attached to any trees, plants or shrubs. String lights should NOT be installed on outdoor handrails (safety and electrical hazard).

• Loading/off-loading/event production vehicles – Vehicles required for loading and/or event production must be permitted through the application process. Driving vehicles or other equipment within the park is strictly prohibited.

• Parking – Austin Transportation's Parking Enterprise Division manages curb space to encourage equitable access for residents, visitors, and businesses, while also promoting safe mobility for the entire community. Visit https://www.austintexas.gov/paidparking or download the Park ATX mobile app to find a parking space.

• Transit – Three bus stations are located at the park. Refer to Cap Metro (https://www.capmetro.org) to learn about the transit system including routes, stops, destinations, ADA corridors, and more.

• Permits – Depending upon the size/nature of your event, you may be required to obtain permits.

• Professional photography – A permit is required when equipment is more extensive than a single tripod and single person crew.

• Safety – Without exception, all park rules shall remain in effect during events.

• Security – Refer to the Austin Center for Events (ACE) Police & Event Security webpage. [https://www.austintexas.gov/ac...]

• Signage – All event signage must be approved through the event application process to ensure that it is safe and will not damage park property. Removal or covering of existing park signage is strictly prohibited.

• Sound / Noise Control – All amplified sound at outdoor special event venues must be approved by ACE. Contact ACE at soundpermits@austintexas.gov. Refer to City of Austin Municipal Ordinances §9-2 and §4-20 for required cutoff times and decibel limits. At Republic Square, the maximum allowable decibel levels are: 65 dBA during daytime hours and 55 dBA during nighttime hours. Amplified sound is permitted only between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

• Stage/setup – A complete schedule of load-in, performance, and load-out activities must be submitted at least four (4) weeks prior to the event. Detailed drawings indicating locations of all event equipment, footings, materials and activity sites are required with event application.

• Street events – If your event exceeds the perimeter of the park, a City of Austin Special Events Permit for use of the right-of-way will be required. This would include food trucks parked along adjacent streets, ticket booths or cues extending past the park boundaries and more.

• Tents – All commercial, rental tents require coordination with the applicant in advance of the event. Use of stakes is strictly prohibited. Anchoring may be done by using appropriate weights or water barrels only. All tents must be approved as part of the event application process.

• Trash/recycling – Event organizers are required to remove all trash from Republic Square and leave the event site litter-free. All recycling and trash must be properly removed from the park within the permitted rental time for the event and hauled off-site to an appropriate facility or facilities. If an event is expected to generate a large quantity of trash, the organize ‘r is required to supply their own trash receptacles and provide onsite staff throughout the event to monitor trash removal and general event production. Failure to properly remove trash may result in additional fees and loss of security deposit.

• Weather – Event organizers must develop weather contingency plans for events. If possible, it is best to decide to cancel an event with enough time to notify event participants via signage, email, website, and social media.

Be a Good Human Guidelines

Members of the public cannot be excluded from use of the Park unless the park has been rented in its entirety.

• Be kind and courteous to yourself and others.
• Welcome feedback and embrace your curiosity.
• Aim to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including racial, sexual, gender-based, ableism, fatphobia, and transphobia.
  
• Mind the power of language and speak up when necessary.

Prohibited Behaviors and Activities

Members of the public cannot be excluded from use of the Park unless the park has been rented in its entirety. The following are not permitted at any event or venue:

• Use of profanity or abusive language
• Possession of firearms or weapons
• Disruptive, disorderly, or unsafe conduct
• Smoking, vaping, or illegal drug use
• Wearing inappropriate or offensive clothing
• Unauthorized solicitation or loitering

Activities that violate laws or disrupt events are strictly prohibited, including:

• Threatening the safety or well-being of others
• Damaging property or event spaces
• Interfering with scheduled programming or operations
• Disrupting a family-friendly environment