Rental FAQs

Rentals are offered from sunrise to sunset each day, with one event permitted per facility. Permitted renters are welcome to use the venue on that day for as much or as little time as they like. We do not offer shorter time slots.

Parking is first-come, first-served throughout Overton Park. It is strongly recommended to arrive early on weekends.

You may bring your own grills, hoses, tables, and other equipment as needed. Generators are allowed only at the formal gardens. There are dedicated bins at both East Parkway Pavilion and Rainbow Lake Pavilion for disposing of hot coals. Please only dispose of coals in these bins or off park grounds.

Overton Park Conservancy has a list of permitted and insured vendors for inflatables, portables, food trucks, and game trucks. You must use a vendor from this list, which we will provide upon request.

Overton Park Conservancy issues permits for the use of the Old Forest paved trail, which is closed to vehicles. These events also require the rental of either the Rainbow Lake Pavilion or East Parkway Pavilion in conjunction with the use of the trail. We do not permit the use of vehicular roads within the park due to impacts on guests and other park entities.

Alcohol consumption in public spaces in the City of Memphis is strictly prohibited without special permits/fees from the TN Alcohol Commission and the City of Memphis. The Memphis Alcohol Commission (AC) is the regulatory authority for beer permits. The AC meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 9:00 AM in the City Council chambers at 125 N. Main St., unless otherwise noted. The applicant or the applicant’s legal representative is required to address the AC on the date the application is to be heard. Click here for the Special Beer Permit application.

Permitted alcohol consumption at events in Overton Park requires disclosure on your rental application and permission from Overton Park Conservancy.

Overton Park has several wonderful cultural attractions that may be holding events during the time of your rental. These can cause parking congestion or noise, so it’s good to plan ahead. The Overton Park events calendar contains all events from the next 1-2 months, but it’s also a good idea to check each individual venue’s calendar. Overton Park Conservancy is not responsible for inconveniences caused by special events held by separate entities within the park.

Other venues: 

• Brooks Museum, brooksmuseum.org, (901) 544-6200, www.brooksmuseum.org/contact
• Memphis Zoo, memphiszoo.org, (901) 333-6500, zooinfo@memphiszoo.org
• Overton Park Shell, overtonparkshell.org, (901) 300-3011, info@overtonparkshell.org

If your event will have more than 25 attendees, you must also obtain a permit from the City of Memphis. After you have confirmed your rental with Overton Park Conservancy, we will issue you a rental contract. You will then need to submit this to the City of Memphis Permits office along with their separate application for an Assembly Permit as required by City Code. Contact the City of Memphis Permits Office at either 901.636.6711 or permits@memphistn.gov. Allow four weeks for processing.

A damage deposit ranging from $100 – $1,000 and payable only by credit card may be required for some special events. If necessary, the damage deposit will be used to offset the cost of damage, repair, replacement, and/or excessive cleaning needs to structures, grounds, and fixtures. It is also used to offset additional rental fees that may be incurred. The damage deposit fee return process will begin no later than seven business days following the rental.