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Union Square Plaza + Park Events Guide

Below, you can find resources to help you plan outdoor events throughout the Union Square 14th Street district. Don’t see what you need? Contact our team at events@unionsquarenyc.org for assistance.

This guide is produced by the Union Square Partnership as a resource for hosting events in Union Square.
Download Our Guide

Our Plazas

  • Broadway Plaza

    We maintain, manage, and beautify the Broadway Plaza between East 17th St. and East 18th St. in agreement with NYC DOT. If you are interested in having an event in the Broadway Plaza, please review the New York City guidelines for plaza events before applying for a permit with the Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management’s Street Activity Permit Office (CECM/SAPO).

    Apply for CECM/SAPO Permit

  • Union Square Park Plazas

    We also support the Parks Department through the maintenance and beautification of the Union Square Park North, South, and West Plazas. To plan an event in one of these plazas, you must file a permit with the New York City Parks Department.

    Apply for NYC Parks Permit

FAQs

  • The cost of activating in Union Square varies based on the type, size, and location of your event. Here's a general breakdown:

    Union Square Park is categorized as a Level B Park. Event permitting fees are set by the NYC Parks Department. You can view the full fee schedule here. Additional charges may apply depending on your event's needs.

    Broadway Plaza (14th to 17th Streets) is currently classified as a Level C Plaza by the NYC Department of Transportation and requires a SAPO permit. You can find SAPO’s standard fee schedule here.

    Please note: In addition to SAPO’s permitting fees, Union Square Partnership charges a BID maintenance fee for all activations in the Broadway Plazas. This fee supports ongoing maintenance, beautification, and programming in the district. The exact fee will depend on the nature and duration of your activation.

    For more information or to discuss your event proposal, please contact us directly at events@unionsquarenyc.org.

  • Generally, permits are not required for casual photographers, tourists or credentialed members of the media.

    You do not need a film permit if you are (1) using a hand-held camera, a camera on tripod, hand-held props and/or hand-held equipment, (2) not asserting exclusive use of City property, (3) not using prop weapons, prop vehicles, stunts, actors in police uniform and (4) not requesting parking privileges for production vehicles.

    Standing on a City sidewalk, walkway of a City bridge or within a City park while using a hand-held camera and not otherwise asserting exclusive use of City property is NOT an activity that requires a permit. Learn more here.

    All permits for filming and photography must go through the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). Apply for a MOME Film Permit here.

  • We are a proud partner of GrowNYC, which runs the Greenmarket at Union Square Park. If you're interested in participating, please follow the guidelines set by GrowNYC.

    Farmers: If you are a local farmer, complete the Farmer Questionnaire on the GrowNYC website to request an application.

    Non-Farmer Producers: If you produce seafood, preserves, or baked goods, fill out the Non-Farmer Questionnaireon the GrowNYC website.

    Individual Volunteering: Find out more here.

    Corporate and Group Volunteering: Get involved here.

  • Urbanspace manages the Union Square Holiday Market. For the most up-to-date information on participation, including vendor opportunities and application details, please visit the Urbanspace website.

Have More Questions or Need Assistance?

If you're interested in activating public space in Union Square or have questions about event planning, permitting, or available resources, we're here to help. Please fill out the form below, and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.

Alternatively, you can reach us directly at events@unionsquarenyc.org.