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How to Rent Quincy Square for Your Event

Quincy Square in Downtown Bremerton with text overlay reading "Resource Guide How To Rent Quincy Square".

This Full Resource Guide walks you through how to host an event in Quincy Square—from understanding who manages the space to navigating the approval process and planning requirements. It’s designed for businesses, community organizations, nonprofits, and event producers looking to activate Quincy Square. It outlines the two possible approval pathways and what to expect at each stage.

About Quincy Square: Roles & Responsibilities

Who owns Quincy Square? Quincy Square was built by the City of Bremerton and is managed by the Downtown Bremerton Association (DBA) through an annual contract and partnership with the City.


What is the DBA’s role? The DBA acts as the steward, program manager, and marketing lead of Quincy Square. The DBA is responsible for ensuring the space remains active, welcoming, and well-programmed through both active and passive programming. For external events, the DBA:

  • Reviews and filters all event applications

  • Determines the appropriate event pathway based on a set criteria (Special or Exempt)

  • Guides event organizers through required steps

  • Ensures events meet logistical, safety, and site-use requirements

  • Coordinates marketing placement within Quincy Square channels


What is NOT the DBA’s role?

The DBA does not act as the event producer, permit approver, or on-site operator for external events. Specifically, the DBA:

  • Does not obtain City permits on behalf of organizers

  • Does not carry insurance for third-party events

  • Does not provide event staffing, security, or equipment

  • Does not manage vendors contracted directly by the event organizer

Event organizers are responsible for complying with all City requirements and executing their event on the day-of.

Types of Events

From gatherings large and small to opportunities for music concerts, beer gardens, open-air markets, and fitness classes.

  • 3-Hour Events | Short Gatherings can include fitness classes, busking jam sessions 

  • 10-Hour Events | Full Day events can include festivals, markets, celebrations 

Your First Step in the Process Starts Here:

All events begin with Step 1: Submitting an Event Application through the Quincy Square website. Once received, the DBA team will review your application and determine whether your event qualifies as a Special Event or an Exempt Event based on a set criteria.


Event Definitions

Special Event | An event that requires a City of Bremerton Special Event Permit due to factors such as size, infrastructure needs, street or right-of-way impacts, alcohol service, amplified sound, tents, or other logistical considerations. If any of the following is yes, your event could be designated as a Special Event requiring permits:

  • My event includes amplified sound before 10 am or after 9pm

  • My event includes use of the band stand

  • My event includes use of power outlets

  • My event includes open flame, cooking food on-site, and/or food truck(s)

  • My event’s anticipated attendance is over 50 people

  • My event will include selling merchandise


Exempt Event | A smaller-scale, low-impact event that does not require a City Special Event Permit and can be approved directly by the DBA. If any of the following is yes, your event could be designated as an Exempt Event:

  • My event includes selling pre-packaged food items only

  • My event is for no more than 50 people

  • My event is only 1-2 hours


Applications may be disapproved due to scheduling conflicts, scale exceeding the physical capacity of Quincy Square, or logistical concerns.

Special Event Process

Events Requiring a City Permit


If designated a Special Event, the DBA will:

  • Provide an editable site map. Detailed maps are required for all special events.

  • Direct you to the City of Bremerton permitting portal, where you complete the Special Event Permit Application.


Step 2: Complete the City of Bremerton’s Special Event Permit Application

Step 2a: Pay Application Fee

  • $106 application fee payable to the Department of Community Development

  • Application & Fee Payment is due at least 90 days prior to the event date with strong recommendation to submit 120 days before the event.


Step 3: Event Coordination & Logistics | Once your permit is submitted, the DBA Event Coordinator will provide:

  • Upon Request: Event planning checklist & preferred vendor list (e.g., port-a-potties, security, sound equipment)

  • Logistical support through guidance and answering your questions to ensure your event stays within the limits of the Special Event requirements. Note: The DBA role does not include event organization of your event. 

Exempt Event Process

Smaller-Scale Events Approved by the DBA


Step 2: DBA Review & Approval | Once approved, the DBA Event Coordinator will provide:

  • Vendor and tent layout map

  • Event planning checklist

  • Preferred vendor list (as needed)

Step 2a: Application Fee ($106.00)

  • You'll be invoiced by the Downtown Bremerton Association for the rental after we conduct a consultation about your event and confirm the details, ensuring that the event is exempt.

  • Application & Payment is due at least 90 days before the event date.

Marketing & Promotion

Primary marketing and promotion responsibilities remain with the event organizer, with support from the DBA where applicable. All event marketing assets are collected during the application process, and additional information or materials may be requested to support promotion.

  • Approved events will be added to the Quincy Square Event Calendar

  • Quincy Square social platforms will share organizer-provided content

  • Branding assets (logos, flyers, posters, etc.) are collected during the application process

  • Additional information or materials may be requested to support promotion across social channels.

  • Social sharing is supported but not guaranteed.


As part of the DBA’s commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive programming in Quincy Square, our marketing support may prioritize community-based, cultural, nonprofit, and emerging events that contribute to the vibrancy and accessibility of the space.


Ready to get started?


Quincy Square Rentals Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is it to rent Quincy Square for my event?

In order to create a low barrier to entry for activating the space, the only required cost to rent Quincy Square is the application fee, which is $106.00. Additional Add-On features may be available in our rental packages. 

How many days prior to my event does the Special Event Permit Application need to be submitted?

Special Event Permit applications should be submitted a minimum of 90 days prior to your event date. An earlier submission is strongly recommended.

How do I determine if my event is an Exempt Event or a Special Event?

The easiest way to determine this is to submit a Host an Event Application through the Quincy Square website. The DBA’s Event Coordinator will review your application based on set criteria and follow up via email with the determination and next steps.

How long does the Host an Event Application take to be reviewed by the DBA?

Application review timelines vary depending on event complexity and scheduling considerations. Review timeframes are typically 1-2 weeks from submission.

Will the DBA provide required event infrastructure (restrooms, security, trash bins, etc.)?

No. The DBA does not organize or schedule event infrastructure. This responsibility falls on the event organizer. However, the DBA can provide a preferred vendor list, event planning checklist, and guidance on where and how infrastructure may be set up within Quincy Square.

Is power available at Quincy Square?

Yes. Limited power access may be available depending on your event type and layout. Power needs must be identified during the planning process and may require additional equipment or permits.

Are there sound or amplified music limits?

Yes. All amplified sound must comply with the City of Bremerton noise regulations. Sound details should be included in your application. If your event includes amplified sound before 10 am or after 9 pm, a Special Event permit is required.

Can alcohol be served at events?

Yes, alcohol service may be permitted for Special Events with the appropriate City approvals, permits, and insurance. Alcohol is not allowed at Exempt Events.

What kind of insurance coverage does my event need?

If your event requires insurance to be submitted as part of your event approval, you must provide a Certificate of Insurance showing Commercial General Liability coverage with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate with the Downtown Bremerton Association listed as Additionally Insured on the policy for the duration of the event.

What happens if there is bad weather?

Quincy Square is an outdoor space. Event organizers are responsible for weather planning, including cancellation or modification plans. Weather contingencies should be communicated to attendees in advance.

Will my event be marketed and/or promoted by the DBA?

Primary marketing and promotion responsibilities remain with the event organizer. The DBA will add approved events to the Quincy Square Event Calendar and may share organizer-provided content through Quincy Square marketing channels, subject to capacity and scheduling. Our marketing support prioritizes community-based, cultural, nonprofit, and emerging events that contribute to the vibrancy and accessibility of the space.

Who to Contact

  • Quincy Square Event Application Status | For updates on your Quincy Square Host an Event Application or Exempt Event status contact the DBA’s Event Coordinator at events@downtownbremerton.org 

  • City of Bremerton Special Event Permit Questions | For questions related to City permitting requirements, insurance, or your Special Event Permit application, contact: City of Bremerton, Justin Rowland at justin.rowland@ci.bremerton.wa.us 

  • Special Event Permit Application Status | To view the status of your City of Bremerton Special Event Permit, log into your portal account: https://ci-bremerton-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Account/LogIn 


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