USQ Plaza Events + Activations

Looking to host an Event in Union Square? Let us help!

Below you can find resources to help you plan outdoor events throughout the Union Square 14th Street district. Once the proper applications have been submitted for your event, you can reach out to our Marketing + Events team to help promote the event. Don’t see what you need? Reach out to our team at info@unionsquarenyc.org for assistance.

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

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).

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.

 FAQs

  • The cost of activating in Union Square depends on several factors, including the type and scale of your event. Here's a brief overview:

    Union Square Park: This is categorized as a Level B Park. Please refer to the NYC Parks fee schedule here for detailed information. Please note, that there may be additional fees beyond the base event fee.

    DOT Broadway Plaza: Union Square is classified as a Level C plaza. The SAPO permitting fees can be found here. Please note, that there may be additional fees beyond the base event fee.

    While the Union Square Partnership manages, maintains, beautifies, and programs the plazas in Union Square, we do not currently charge any additional maintenance fees for activations.

  • 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.

  • Market applications are now open for the 2024 Holiday Season. Submit your application here.

Need Help?

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