Coral Gables businesses and residents have until Tuesday, Sept. 8, to apply for a free permit to convert an on-street parking space into a temporary public plaza.

The city is accepting applications for Park(ing) Day 2026, set for Friday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can reserve spaces on streets throughout the city and fill them with potted plants, tables, chairs, games, art displays or sod over tarp. The city noted in its official guidelines that it is accepting a limited number of applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Park(ing) Day is an international event that began in San Francisco in 2005, when a design studio converted a single metered space into a mini park with grass, a tree and a bench. Coral Gables held its own edition in September 2025, with participating locations offering giveaways, board games and light refreshments. This year's global theme is "Prototype Tomorrow."

Spaces must be located at least two spots from the end of any block, and sidewalks cannot be used as extensions of the installation. A standard 90-degree space is 19 feet; parallel spaces are 22 feet. Set-up begins at 8 a.m., and everything must be cleared by 4:30 p.m.

The City of Coral Gables announced the application window on Aug. 24. Applications go to the city's Sustainability team at [email protected], and full instructions are posted at coralgables.com/parkingdayapplication.

Other allowed items include freestanding umbrellas adjacent to the curb, rugs, blankets, arts-and-crafts stations and informational signage. The Coral Gables Parking Department will bag or barricade approved spaces ahead of the event.