Temporary Concessions and Commercial Activity

Temporary Concession Permits

Concession approvals (permits) are required and issued to applicants for commercial activity requests (vending, merchandise sales, etc) in the park system.  Concession permits are issued at stand-alone park locations where short-term or single day concession needs arise that benefit an activity or the public at the requested park location.

Concession permits are NOT issued for vendors to vend outside or near permitted special events where organizers typically coordinate vendors inside their permitted grounds and spaces.

Current Opportunities:

First Come First Serve – Spring and Fall Permit Terms

Spring Season - March through August (Applications accepted beginning January)

Fall Season - September through February (Applications accepted beginning July)

• Metro, District, and Neighborhood Parks not included within a released RFA
• Zilker Park, Vic Mathias Shores, and Butler Park - Use RFA Response Document - released in January
• Temporary Concession - Application (Word Document link)
• Temporary Concession - Map of Available Locations (Google Map)

All applications must be submitted through email to: Gergo Perlaky / Gergo.perlaky@austintexas.gov

Please Note: Temporary Concessions availability may change based on Local Orders and City Department guidelines.

Permit Types/Fees

1. Temporary Concession Permits

• Food, Beverage and Recreation Merchandise ($500-$1500/6-month period) The fee for operating for six months at a district or metropolitan park is $1,500 (district or larger) and $500 (other parks) for all other parks at approved applications. The fees will be paid in full at the time of contract execution.
• Boating - Walsh Boat Landing (prices vary) See Walsh Boat Landing guidelines.                  

2. Single Day Concession Permits ($50/day) The Parks and Recreation Department issues single day permits to vendors wishing to set up at (or outside of) a place in a park for a short-term event purpose.

3. Performing Artists in the Parks ($10/day) Performing artists are allowed to entertain in the parks provided they are registered with and approved by the Parks and Recreation Department.  The fee for performing artists is $10 per day, and permits may be purchased in two-week increments. Individuals wishing to perform as artists or entertainers in the park must adhere to the following rules.  

Online Resources for all Applicants:

• Application - Food, Beverage & Recreation Oriented Merchandise (word doc)
• Application - Walsh Boat Landing (word doc)
• Application - Performing Artist (word doc)
• Seasonal Permit Timing (pdf) – View permit availability
• Map of Available Concession Sites - View available concession sites - Google map
• Map of Walsh Boat Landing Site Related to Guidelines
• Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) Process (pdf)
• Health Permit (if applicable) - Austin Health and Human Services requirements
• Insurance Requirements (pdf) - View City required Insurance
• Report - Walsh Boat Landing Monthly Launch Report (excel)   Report Guide (pdf)
• Sales Tax - All vendors are required to have a State of Texas sales and use permit.
• Sole Proprietor Letter (word doc) - TEMPLATE letter for sole proprietors

Other Concession Permit Information:

• Permanent Concessions (existing or new requests)
• Commercial Use of Dedicated Parkland (fitness groups, training, bicycle tour groups, dog training)
• Commercial youth programming or classes must utilize the Contract Instructor Process.