Request for Applications

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS - SPECIAL EVENT CURRENT OPPORTUNITY: 

The City of Austin, through its Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment Department (ACME), is seeking applications from qualified and experienced individuals or companies to organize and produce events with attendance greater than 1,000 people. The selected applicant will deliver a dynamic event experience on City parkland that provides affordable access and reflects diverse community representation. The event is expected to occur annually, in substantially the same form each year, as a contracted Annual Special Event.

Location: Vic Mathias Shores – Auditorium Shores within Town Lake Metropolitan Park

• 700 W Riverside Dr., Austin, Texas 78704

• Up to two (2) Event Days available 

Response Documents Accepted:

• Friday, May 22, 2026 - Friday, June 5, 2026.  

• Responses must be received on or before 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026. 

Learn More and Apply:

• Learn more about the opportunity - Request for Applications Information Packet

• Complete the application - Request for Applications Response Document (fillable PDF after download)

Background - History:

The former Parks Department Office of Special Events created a city-wide public process for filling an event day vacancy at Auditorium Shores, Festival Beach/Fiesta Gardens, and Zilker Metropolitan Park.

On June 15, 2017, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 20170615-23, thus implementing recommendations from the Parkland Events Task Force (PETF) adopting parkland limits for Auditorium Shores, Zilker Park, and Festival Beach that would be reached through attrition.  Throughout the PETF, Parks and Recreation Board, and City Council adoption processes, a significant amount of feedback  was received regarding opportunities for new events; a transparent process for all event organizers, and meeting the goals of the final PETF Report to host events with minimal impacts to the public. The most notable opportunities and desired features consisted of inclusive programming, free participation, hosting events in off-peak season, and events that were able to maintain financial sustainability.

When an event organizer elects to no longer host their Annual Special Event, an event day vacancy may become available.  

In 2019, a public Request for Applications (RFA) process was created to select a new Annual Special Event to fill vacancies when they become available.  The Austin Parks and Recreation managed administrative process ensures a competitive and transparent experience for future event organizers in the three parks that have adopted event day limits.  The RFA will also provide metric based scoring by a panel of evaluators who have significant relevant experience in the PETF work as well as park and special event operations.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

• Any questions regarding this Request for Applications must be emailed to:  ParkSpecialEvents@austintexas.gov

• Subject Line: RFA Question

Answers to questions received will be posted below in the FAQ 

What is the formal capacity? 

The park capacity may be up to 15,000 – 20,000 attendees – However, capacity is established through the permitting process and is based on several factors such as fencing, amount of exits as well as added/built infrastructure.

Note: Upon fire department review, events/organizers may be legally required to adjust occupancy numbers for safety.  Organizers can plan ahead by plotting detailed cad-like plans with clearly and completely marked infrastructure (all items on site) and provide the information well in advance to the City.