Park Use and Special Event Permit Policy and Application 201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati CA 94931(707)792-4600
Name of Applicant or Organization: Dann Walters
Name of Contact: Dann Walte as ID # (if Non-Profit:
3932 Hessel Rd Sebastopol CA 95472
Address:
Street City State Zip Code
(707)396 9694 [email protected]
Phone Number: Email Address:
8/23/2026 8:00/10:00 150
Date of Event: Arrival/Completion Time: Estimated Attendees:
Music Festival
Type of Special Event:
PARK REQUESTED:
Kotate Park Sunflower Park
La Plaza Park
Draper Park Falletti Park Santero Park
Putnam Park Veterans Park
Civic Center (Cator) Park
Putnam Field Block Party
Cator Field
Other
Alcoholic Beverages Sold: Yes No Food served: No
es Sold
Alcohol not permitted in parks without City Council approval & an ABC license Park Closure Requested: Yes No
Street Closure Requested: Yes No
NA Electricity Needed
Yes No
Animals: (La Plaza Park Only):
Inflatable Jump House: Yes No Film Production: (if yes, see pg. 10) Yes No As an applicant for a City of Cotati Park Use and Special Event permit, facilities, I hereby agree to assume all risks for loss, damage, liability, injury, cost or any expense that may arise during or be caused in any way by use or occupancy of any area or facility of the City of Cotati. I further agree that in consideration of being permitted to use said facility, I will hold the City of Cotati, its officials and employees free and harmless from any loss, liabilities, damages, and/or injuries to persons and property occurring during applicant's use or public liability insurance as stated in "Park Use and Special Event Permit Policy" with the City of Cotati named as additional insured to be submitted no later than one month prior to the rental date. I have read the rules and regulations of rental carefully and agree to them as written. I understand that applications not submitted thirty (30) days prior to event may not be able to be processed.
Dann Wilto 7/6/2026
Applicant Signature: Date:
Date of Application: Date Insurance Received:
Additional Comments/Conditions:
Park Use Fee: Deposit Fee: Deposit Returned:
101-24-60702-000000 101-00-35002-000000
Street Closure Fee: Restroom Cleaning Fee:
101-23-64022-000000 101-24-80188-CLEANS
Group Classification: Cotati Resident Non - Resident ABC License Received Please describe your event in more detail.
I have hosted a small music festival in San Rafael, California for the past two years (2024 and 2025). The event was previously held at Ounces Outdoors, a small beer garden located at the Northgate Mall. Unfortunately, the venue lost its lease in December 2025 and was forced to close.
I am now seeking a permanent location for the festival—ideally for 2026 and many years to come.
The festival is a multi-act event featuring live musical performances spanning a variety of genres suitable for all ages. It also includes local artists and vendors showcasing handmade artwork, pottery, and free face painting. The event is family and pet-friendly, and all musicians generously donate their time and talent. Many of them are longtime friends, some l've known for over 20 years, with performers coming from both within California and out of state.
My preferred festival hours are 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though I am flexible with the schedule. Approximately 20 musical acts perform throughout the day, each with an assigned time slot.
To help offset event expenses, I plan to sell food and beverages, including alcohol, as well as festival merchandise. Last year's event at Ounces Outdoors drew a crowd of about 150 attendees.
I have been performing music around California for many years, and my family is actively involved in organizing and assisting with the festival.
DannFest began in 2024, when I was offered a three-hour gig at Ounces Outdoors. After receiving more interest than expected from fellow musicians, far more than could fit into a three-hour performance, I asked the venue if they would be open to hosting a full day of music. They agreed, and the festival was born.
DF - 2026 - proposed schedule - 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Time Band Stand Side Stage
11:00 County Crows
11:30 Alice and Peter
12:30 Space in Between
1:00 Big Back Yard
1:30 Space in Between
2:00 Julia
2:30 - 4 - (2 song) sets Dann's Clan,
Barb, Randy, Mr. Mack
3:00 Reid
3:30 Adam and Lisa
4:00 Nathan and Yosifah
4:30 Rose and Emily
5:00 Wild Mustard and the Bs
5:30 Placemakers
6:00 DF crew
6:30 Ramblers
7:00 Emily Lois
7:30 Staggerwing
r Driving School
La Plaza Park Events: Indicate layout of event
on this map.
La Plaza
sS, Inc Map not to scale
Plaza
La Old Redwood Hwy
Playground
Restrooms
pooj
Public
Laplaza Park
Parking
Bandstand
Ave
La Plaza- Menu
stage side W Sierra Ave
VENDORS
La Plaza
W Sierra Ave
plaza
DI-
Dear Mayor Sylvia Lemus, Vice Mayor Susan Harvey, Councilmember Ben Ford, Councilmember John T.
Savage, and Councilmember Laura Sparks,
I am writing to tormally request approval from the City of Cotati to host the 2026 DannFest Music Festival at La Plaza Park, and to explore the possibility of establishing this location as the festival's long-term home.
DannFest is a free, community-focused, multi-act music festival that took place in San Rafael in 2024 and 2025. The event was previously held at Ounces Outdoors at the Northgate Mall until the venue closed at the end of 2025. With its closure, I am seeking a new permanent location for DannFest—one that supports community arts, live performance, and local culture. La Plaza Park offers an ideal setting due to its central location, strong visibility, and history of hosting beloved public events.
The festival features approximately 20 musical performances representing a variety of genres appropriate for all ages. Local artists and small vendors also participate, offering handmade artwork, pottery, and other goods. DannFest is designed to be both family-friendly and pet-friendly, and all musicians generously volunteer their time and talent. Many performers are longtime friends and collaborators of mine, some spanning more than 20 years.
I am proposing the following event parameters for consideration:
• Location: La Plaza Park, Cotati, CA
• Preferred Event Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (flexible based on city regulations and availability) • Estimated Attendance: Approximately 150 attendees, based on prior years • Event Features: Live music, local artist/vendor booths, food sales, and beverage service including alcohol (under appropriate permits)
• Operations: Organized and managed by myself with assistance from family volunteers; all performances scheduled throughout the day
• Compliance: I will adhere to all City of Cotati requirements regarding insurance, noise levels, alcohol licensing, security, waste management, accessibility, and any additional guidelines for events held at La Plaza Park
DannFest began unexpectedly in 2024 when a three-hour performance grew into a full-day celebration due to the overwhelming interest of local musicians. Since then, the festival has remained a positive, low-impact event centered around community connection, live music, and local arts.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with the City Council and city staff to ensure that DannFest aligns with Cotati's policies, community goals, and expectations for public events. Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Dann Walters
Cell: (707) 396-9694, Address: 3932 Hessel Rd, Sebastopol CA, 95472, email:[email protected] Website: DannFest.com