Special Events

Special Events Update August 18, 2026

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (FLSRA) is a special park due to its diverse recreational opportunities, and in recent years has become an increasingly popular destination (over 6 million park visitors annually) in the region as well as a high - demand venue for hosting events. FLSRA enjoys the opportunity to host events, but we must also adapt to changing trends in use to ensure a positive experience for all park visitors and reduce the impact on park resources.

Restricted Dates  

April 1 st – Labor Day  

Special event requests during this period are generally not approved due to heavy public visitation , regular park closures , staff constraints, and impacts on park resources. Few exceptions may be considered and are dependent on area of the park, total attendance, day of the week, impacts on public visitation, event history, and complexity of the event. Questions?  Please email  specialevents.folsomlakesra@parks.ca.gov . 

Interested in hosting a new event at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area?  

The first step is to submit this special event request FORM for initial evaluation. Please be aware that requests submitted less than 90 days in advance of the event date will not be considered.  (Effective March 13, 2026)

Returning Events at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Special Event Permit Applications and required Operations Plan must be submitted to our office by email along with the $ 5 0 non-refundable  administrative fee   at least 90 days in advance of the event date , but no earlier than 1 year in advance of the event date ( effective March 13, 2026 ). The operations plan must  include the following event information for the Special Event Permit application to be considered :  

• Event Narrative and Timeline  
• Event Site Map  
• Course Map (if applicable)  
• Safety and Emergency Response Plan  

  Events will also be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance naming State Of California and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as additional insured.  

  To obtain a Special Event Permit application and/or questions related to the operations plan , please contact the Special Event Coordinator at specialevents.folsomlakesra@parks.ca.gov . 

Fees    

*fees are subject to annual changes.

Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Special Event Permit Requirement  

A special event scheduled to occur within a State-Owned Building, property, or Specified State-Occupied buildings require an OSFM Special Event permit and may also be subject to an inspection. Please visit the OSFM website for information and how to apply for the required permit.  

https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-and-life-safety  

If the event plans include any of the following equipment, an OSFM S pecial E vent permit will be required:    

• Catering/Food Preparation Sites   
• Beer Garden   
• Tents  
• Inflatable structures    
• Temporary fencing/barriers/delineators    
• Portable Structures  
• Bleachers   
• Elevated platforms /Stages                
• Fire/open - flame/burning   
• Flame producing equipment or hot work   
• Energized Equipment or electrical modifications   
• Gas or Diesel Generators         
• Heaters   
• Electrical lighting  
• If the event is considered and/or named a Festival  

Event organizers are responsible for acquiring the OSFM S pecial E vent permit and the associated fees. OSFM fees for permit application review and approval are $240/hour . A ny subsequent inspections, which are conducted at the discretion of the State Fire Marshal, are billed separately but at the same rate . OSFM fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the complexity of the event, approval processing , and inspection fees .  

The OSFM  S pecial E vent permit application must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal Office by the event organizer at least 30 business days prior to the scheduled event date. A copy of the approved OSFM S pecial E vent permit must be submitted to FLSRA at least 14 business days prior to the scheduled event date. A FLSRA Special Event permit is contingent upon receipt of the OSFM Special Event permit.  

Additional OSFM Resources:  

Tents  

Energized Equipment  

Events and Fairs  

GovMotus Special Events Cover Page  

Permitting and Inspection Requirements and Guidelines  

Questions? OSFM Contact Information: Contact List

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Film Permits are arranged on an individual basis through the California Film Commission.
For additional information please call (323) 860-2960

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2026 Calendar