UW Facilities manages the following outdoor venue spaces shown below on the Main Seattle campus which may be used for approved events and activities. Reservations for these areas are made through the online Mazévo portal.
All requests must follow processes established by the Use of University Facilities Committee (UUF), along with applicable University of Washington policies and state regulations. Preapproval is required before hosting any event in these spaces. Large events in Red Square or the Quad require additional review and approvals, so reservations must be submitted at least four months in advance.
We are here to assist you in planning your event. Please contact uwoutsidevenues@uw.edu or the Office of Special Programs if you have any questions. To find more information about space reservations see the links below.
Note: UW Facilities manages only the specific outdoor venue spaces listed below. To inquire about using other outdoor spaces such as the HUB lawn, sports facilities or parking lots, please contact the relevant venue operator.
North campus venues
Grieg Garden
Central campus venues
Drumheller Fountain
Lower Rainier Vista
Sylvan Grove
Upper Rainier Vista
1. Dream it
- What kind of event do you want to have?
- What is the purpose of the event?
- Where will your event be held?
- What date(s) and time(s) are you requesting? (Include setup and teardown)
2. Build it
- Confirm space availability
- Plan logistics: event flow, volunteers, crowd control
- Create a diagram of the intended layout
- Identify event supplies and required work orders
- Determine equipment needs
- Plan load-out
3. Book it
- Submit a space reservation request using Mazevo
- Submit a UUF application (Most outdoor events require this in addition to the space reservation.)
4. Permit & forms
Check whether your event requires any of the following:
- Food and alcohol permit (if applicable)
- Fire permit (if applicable)
- Fundraising permit (if applicable)
5. Run it and wrap it up
- Coordinate day-of event setup and load-in
- Complete cleanup and load-out
- Ensure the space is returned to its original condition before the event
(Any damage or restoration costs will be billed to the responsible party.)
Red Square is a public space at the Seattle UW campus and has been the site for a wide variety of events, gatherings and demonstrations. Reservations and Use of University Facilities (UUF) requests for UW affiliated activity on Red Square is managed by UW Facilities.
Commercial activities
Per WAC 478-136-030 (4): University facilities may not be used for private or commercial purposes such as sales, advertising or promotional activities unless such activities serve an educational purpose, as determined by the appropriate chair of the committee on the use of university facilities.
Contacts
For general questions about usage and submitting a UUF request, contact Facilities Care Team at (206) 685-1900 or careteam@uw.edu. For availability and assistance with approval from surrounding buildings, contact UW Facilities Program and Event Coordinator at uwoutsidevenues@uw.edu.
Glitter, confetti, sidewalk chalk or other decorations
The use of non-biodegradable glitter, confetti, mylar cutouts or sprinkle-type decorations is strictly prohibited in all event spaces. These materials are difficult to clean and pose environmental and facility maintenance concerns. Violations will result in additional cleaning fees charged to the sponsoring organization.
Pets
Animals are permitted on UW campus providing owners adhere to Washington leash laws at all times.
Rates
Rates for use of Red Square are on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, any work order requests needed prior to or following the event will be billed to the hosting organization, UW Department or individual. Please see UW Facilities rates for guidance of these charges.
Setups and permits
Applicants are responsible for organizing the event layout or setup as needed. Equipment or other resources are available for use from the Student Organization Resource center (for Registered Student Organizations) or an outside vendor). Food or fire permits may be required for the event or activity. Information on these permits can be found on the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) page.
Tabling / fundraisers
Providing activity is only a single table set-up with no sound equipment or food services requiring a permit, Registered Student Organizations (RSO) groups are permitted to table just in front of Kane Hall without completing a reservation or UUF. Fundraising permits may be obtained through the HUB Office.
UW affiliated events (fairs, receptions, student run activities, annual events)
Events and activities can be planned in Red Square providing they follow the UW mission and Washington Administrative Code. All outdoor events or activities must complete a use of space reservation and a Use of University Facilities (UUF) request. Because the Red Square is centered in the center of multiple buildings, additional approvals may be needed to assess if there will be any conflict with activities or noise levels in the surrounding buildings.
Concerts
Free concerts may be permitted in Red Square, which requires a space reservation and UUF. It’s recommended that the reservation process be started at a minimum of three (3) months prior to the date of event.
Vehicles on Red Square
UW Facilities and UWPD have instated a policy for several liability and safety reasons that non-university vehicles will not be permitted to drive and park on Red Square for spectator-related type events such as car shows or to facilitate tabling events. Mobile units are allowed following approval from EH&S or UW Dining and all required permits obtained prior to day of event.
5K and other races across campus
5k marathons are permitted on UW Campus. UW Facilities can provide pre-approved 5k routes and guidance for routes requiring special accommodation. Organizations planning 5k’s are to adhere to the following guidelines for routes:
- Participants must stay on sidewalks or designated walking paths and are encouraged to wear visible bib or other reflective clothing.
- Race routes should avoid running directly through foot traffic on Red Square.
- UWPD reviews for larger routes or those what cross intersections outside UW Campus prior to the day of event.
- Volunteer flaggers are encouraged for larger groups to direct participants across intersections on campus to avoid traffic congestion.
The Quadrangle “Quad” is a public space at the Seattle UW campus featuring gothic architecture, brick pathways and green lawns. Reservations and Use of University Facilities (UUF) requests for UW affiliated activity on the Quad is managed by UW Facilities.
Commercial activities
Per WAC 478-136-030 (4): University facilities may not be used for private or commercial purposes such as sales, advertising or promotional activities unless such activities serve an educational purpose, as determined by the appropriate chair of the committee on the use of university facilities.
Contacts
For general questions about usage and submitting a UUF request, contact Facilities Care Team at (206) 685-1900 or careteam@uw.edu. For availability and assistance with approval from surrounding buildings, contact UW Facilities Program and Event Coordinator at uwoutsidevenues@uw.edu.
Glitter, confetti, sidewalk chalk or other decorations
The use of non-biodegradable glitter, confetti, mylar cutouts or sprinkle-type decorations is strictly prohibited in all event spaces. These materials are difficult to clean and pose environmental and facility maintenance concerns. Violations will result in additional cleaning fees charged to the sponsoring organization.
Pets
Animals are permitted on UW campus providing owners adhere to Washington leash laws at all times.
Rates
Rates for use of the Quad are on a case-by-case basis. Rates for use of Red Square are on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, any work order requests needed prior to or following the event will be billed to the hosting organization, UW Department or individual. Please see UW Facilities rates for guidance of these charges.
Setups and permits
Set up should be along the brick paths and not under any tree canopy. No structures or tables may be placed near tree roots. Reservations are encouraged to ensure availability and that no other events are occurring that day.
Applicants are responsible for organizing the event layout or setup as needed. Equipment or other resources are available for use via the Student Organization Resource center (for Registered Student organizations) or an outside vendor) as well as any food or fire permits required for the event or activity. Information on these permits can be found on the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) page.
Tabling / fundraisers
Providing activity is only a single table set-up with no sound equipment or food services requiring a permit, Registered Student Organizations (RSO) groups are permitted to table just in front of Kane Hall without completing a reservation or UUF. Fundraising permits may be obtained through the HUB Office.
UW affiliated events (fairs, receptions, student run activities, annual events)
Events can be planned in The Quad providing they follow the UW mission and Washington Administrative Code All outdoor events or activities must complete a use of space reservation which includes a use of University Facilities request. Care of the surrounding Cherry trees must be taken into account. Because the Quad is centered in the center of multiple buildings, additional approvals may be needed to assess if there will be any conflict with activities or noise levels in the surrounding buildings.
Concerts
Free concerts may be permitted in the Quad, which requires a space reservation and UUF. It’s recommended that the reservation process be started at a minimum of three (3) months prior to the date of event.
Vehicles in the Quad
No vehicles are allowed in the Quad other than UW work vehicles.
5K and other races across campus
5k marathons are permitted on UW Campus. UW Facilities can provide pre-approved 5k routes and guidance for routes requiring special accommodation. Organizations planning 5k’s are to adhere to the following guidelines for routes:
- Participants must stay on sidewalks or designated walking paths and are encouraged to wear visible bib or other reflective clothing.
- Race routes should avoid running directly through foot traffic on Red Square.
- UWPD reviews for larger routes or those what cross intersections outside UW Campus prior to the day of event.
- Volunteer flaggers are encouraged for larger groups to direct participants across intersections on campus to avoid traffic congestion.
Rates for use of UW campus outdoor spaces are on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, any work required prior to or following the event will be billed to the sponsoring organization. See UW Facilities rates for guidance of these charges. Please reach out to the venue operator for pricing and more information.