Washington Park Boathouse

Washington Park Boathouse from across Smith lake

View of Washington Park Boathouse along the lake in the evening
interior of Washington Park Boathouse with tables and decorations set up
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Renovated in 2012, the Washington Park Boathouse was part of the City Beautiful project at the beginning of the 20th century.  Designed by Jules Jacques Benois Benedict, the structure was completed in 1913. You and your guests will enjoy a spectacular view of Washington Park’s legendary flowerbeds and broad landscape that personifies the ‘City Beautiful Era’ of Denver’s early years.

Washington Park is on the US National Register of historic places as well as the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.  

Review Event Facility Rules and Regulations(PDF, 117KB)

Download the facility brochure(PDF, 578KB) 

Venue Details

2027 Event Facility Information

2027 Event Facility Reservation requests will be accepted via the online portal beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Mon. November 2, 2026.

What is available for reservation on November 2, 2026?

  • Washington Park Boathouse events taking place in 2027.

What is the process on November 2?

  • Reservation requests are made through the online portal, HERE, beginning at 8:00 a.m. (Mountain Time).
  • Applicants must have an activated customer account to make a reservation request. We highly encourage you to set up and activate your account up prior to November 2.
  • It is recommended you review the Rules and Regulations prior to making your request.
  • Upon making your request, you will pay a nonrefundable $210 deposit.
  • Successfully completing the payment for the $210 deposit will hold the date for you temporarily until it is confirmed via email. The online system does not accept deposits from more than one person for the same date and facility.
  • Important: Do not pay multiple deposits for multiple dates unless you plan to utilize all dates, as deposits are nonrefundable and cannot be consolidated or transferred to a singular date later on.
  • A confirmation email with your preliminary permit and next steps will be emailed by Wednesday, November 4. Your patience is appreciated, as we receive a very high volume of reservations this week.

Where can I find more information?

  • Visit the Event Facilities page to review rental fees and what may be included in the rental.
  • Open House Tours are available at the event facility, and you can register online HERE.
  • You may contact the Parks Permit Office at 720-913-0700 or at park.permits@denvergov.org with additional questions.

Please email or call to make an in-person appointment at the Parks Permit Office. The office will be open on Tuesday, November 3 to make an in-person reservation for an event facility. In-person appointments will not be available on Monday, November 2. 

Amenities & Features

Amenities

  • Changing room
  • Staging kitchen (refrigerator, sink and counter space)
  • On-site event facilitator

Space Availability

To view a calendar of availability and make a reservation request, click the “Get Started” button on this page (must be signed in to view availability)

Capacity: 150

Square Footage: 3,145

Rental dates available: April 15 – October 15

Rental times:

  •  Monday – Saturday: Any consecutive 9 hours, 7:00am – 11:00pm
  • Thursdays: Unavailable for events
  • Sunday: 2:00pm – 11:000pm ONLY
  • 9 hour rental maximum during operating hours (7:00am – 11:00pm)
  • All rental times must include setup, cleanup, and any rehearsal

IMPORTANT: If the majority of your Public Event is taking place outside in the park (example: festival or race/walk), and you’d like to add the event facility on…do not use the online portal for your reservation request. You must apply via the 2027 Park Permit application. See THIS PAGE for more information. 

 

Rental Fees

9 hour rental block:

  • Weekdays (Mon.-Thurs.): $600
  • Weekends (Fri.-Sun.) & holidays: $1,000

Registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization may be offered a 50% discount on rental fees for activities benefitting the organization (activities booked on behalf of individuals and other nonprofit categories are excluded).

Nine-hour rental block must include time for your setup, event, cleanup, plus all deliveries and pickups. 


Use of Adjacent Grass Area:

After reserving the facility, you may request use of the adjacent grass area.

  • Please review the specific boundary outlines HERE(PDF, 3MB)  
  • All setup must stay within the designated boundaries
Grass Area Fee:
  • $260 – if no alcohol is present outdoors
  • $440 – if alcohol will be present outdoors

Admission-Based Events:

If attendees are required to pay admission, increased fees apply, and a portion of ticket sales is due to the city post-event. Find policy and requirement information HERE

Permit Requirements

The following requirements must be met no later than 21 calendar days prior to your event date. More information will be emailed after making a reservation request.

  1. All fees paid in full

    View online payment instructions

  2. Proof of insurance coverage

    Insurance Requirements and Sample Certificate of Insurance(PDF, 734KB)
    Instructions for GatherGuard Insurance(PDF, 291KB)

  3. Walkthrough: Permit holder must complete an in-person walkthrough with an Event Facilitator (information below)

  4. Alcohol: Alcohol may be served. Any alcohol being served requires a certified bartender who is not a guest of the event.
    Alcohol Policy(PDF, 182KB)
    Alcohol Sale/Service Permit Requirements(PDF, 167KB)
    If selling alcohol: Liquor Liability is required and a Special Event Liquor Permit must be acquired from Licensing and Consumer Protection.

Alcohol Policy

Beer, wine, champagne and hard alcohol may be served/sold.

  • If serving or selling alcohol:  Liquor Liability or Host Liquor Liability is required with your insurance coverage.
  • If selling alcohol:  a Special Event Liquor License must be acquired from Licensing and Consumer protection.
  • A licensed bartender who is not a guest of the event is required for the service of any alcohol.

View full alcohol policy(PDF, 182KB)

Alcohol Sales/Service Requirements(PDF, 167KB)

Open House Tours and Walkthroughs

Event Facility Tours:

Tours are open house style, and you may arrive at any point within the listed timeframe. Groups are welcome to attend but only one person should register. Schedule online using this hyperlink: Book A Tour (be sure to select the correct facility).

Event Facility Walkthroughs:

A walkthrough is a final logistics meeting for those who already booked an Event Facility. This meeting is a requirement to obtain your approved permit. Vendors, family, and friends are welcome to attend. Only one walkthrough is allowed per event, and we suggest attending 30-45 days before the event. Schedule online using this hyperlink: Book a Walkthrough

Tour and walkthrough appointments are posted by the 25th of the current month for the following month. Dates listed online may be out of chronological order.

Location

701 S. Franklin Street, Denver 80209  View Map

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