Events and entertainment are a big part of Burlington’s allure. They attract visitors from both our local and regional area; often times in large numbers. In 2017, Burlington hosted over 25 large events in downtown and on our waterfront. The below cheat sheet is intended to give large event planners (50+) a general guide to planning their events, with a focus on parking and transportation.

Tips & Tricks

Your guest’s experience starts when they’re planning their trip and then continues when they arrive. Give your guests the tools they need to make getting to your event a carefree experience:

  1. Contact Park Burlington – we’re here to help you plan your parking & transportation needs
  2. Interactive Parking Map – showcase our interactive map on your event website and marketing materials
  3. Parkmobile – promote Burlington’s pay-by-cell parking app! Contact us to explore sponsoring a Parkmobile discount for your event
  4. Permits – see if you need a permit and who to contact.
  5. Expenses & Security – explore general expenses and local security firms
  6. Calendars – get up-to-speed on what’s happening in BTV

Where?

BTV’s Large Venues and their Parking & Transportation Options

The chart below provides general information on parking and transportation for Burlington’s large-event venues. The chart is meant to give you a quick reference, each venue should be contacted for exact details. On-site parking indicates parking is available at the specified venue, all other parking types indicate that parking type is within one block of the venue.  Click image below for live-link PDF!

What & Who

Permits by event type & who to contact

Who
Contact Info
Event Type
Burlington Police Department Sarah Trieb
Assistant to the Officer in Charge
(802) 540-2246
[email protected]
Click here for more info!
  • Parades*
  • Street Events (Block Party)
    • Street Closures
  • Protests & Demonstrations
Burlington Fire Department Office of the Fire Marshall
(802) 864-5577
Office Hours: M-Fri 8:00-10:00AM & 12:30-1:30PM		 Tents

  • Larger than 200 sq. ft. in public space
  • 1,200 sq. ft. or larger anywhere in City of Burlington
Burlington Parks & Recreation Parks & Recreation Administrative Office(802) 865-7247 Parks Special Use

  • >20 attendees
  • Exclusive use for specific date/time
  • Ongoing events
  • Commercial or
    fundraising purposes
  • Charging a fee
  • Solicitation of any kind
Church Street Marketplace
Julia Chalmers
Marketing Specialist/Administrative Support
[email protected]
(802) 863-1648
 Marketplace use**

  • Parade
  • Rally
  • Walk
  • Vigil
  • Event Application
  • Non-Profit Tabling
City Clerk City Clerk’s Office
(802) 865-7000
[email protected]		 Entertainment Permit for Licensed Establishment

*Parades solely taking place on Church Street Marketplace will only need to contact Church Street Marketplace
**If Marketplace Use involves streets outside Church Street Marketplace, contact Burlington Police first

General Overview

General Expenses

Meter Bags: $15 per meter, per 12 hours; $30 per meter, per 24 hours – use meter bags to reserve on-street spaces around BTV, contact DPW for more information!

Meter Rates: Smart Meter: $1.50/HR | Brown Top: $0.40/HR | Blue & Yellow Top: $1/HR; more info here!

City Garages: Two hours free in city garages, detailed rate information here!

Private Facilities: rates vary, up to $4/HR, view interactive map for all private facilities and rates!

Local Private Security Firms

Green Mountain Concert Services – For nearly two decades GMCS has specialized in providing unarmed, physical security solutions to high-profile special events, venues, and educational institutions: LEARN MORE

Chocolate Thunder Security – Chocolate Thunder Security offers over 20 years of ensuring a friendly atmosphere while interacting with people: LEARN MORE

Local Maps

Park Burlington’s Interactive Parking Map – explore all the on-street and off-street parking in BTV on your computer or mobile device: VIEW MAP

Burlington Business Association’s Waterfront Map – explore all the entertainment, food and lodging options near Burlington’s historic waterfront: VIEW MAP

Local Event Calendars

Burlington Business Association – The BBA is a private membership organization that advocates on behalf of Burlington’s business community. Their alliance of more than 260 diverse businesses shares the goal of stewarding and promoting Burlington’s economic vitality: VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Church Street Marketplace – is a business improvement districtthat includes the public street and all properties that abut Church Street between Pearl and Main Streets. It is a National Register Historic District and has been named one of the Great Public Spaces in America for its historic buildings, thriving retail trade, carefully maintained streets and walkways, and strong community support: VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Seven Days – Independent Vermont alt-weekly covering news, politics, food, arts, music and culture: VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR.

Burlington Free Press – The largest daily newspaper in VT providing quality local journalism: VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce – The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce is Vermont’s largest business organization. They are committed to serving our 2,500 member businesses by growing the economy, advocating pro-business public policies, and providing member-exclusive innovative programs and services: VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR