Book and plan your event
Festivals and Events Planning a festival or event with The City
How can we help
We provide planning assistance such as obtaining permits and funding for your event if you are a private, non-profit, partner organization or group.
Before you apply
- The festival or event organizer must
- be a registered legal entity in good standing as a not-for-profit, charitable or commercial organization, or business improvement area
- have a City of Calgary myID account.
- The festival or event must be more than 90 days away.
- The festival and event manual has been reviewed.
- The Festival and Event Policy has been reviewed.
Event planning resources
City of Calgary resources
- Building Permit for Special Events
- Community Notification Guide
- Cooking Booths
- Event funding and subsidies
- Event Marketing Guide
- Food and Vendor requirements
- Invitations to Mayor
- Noise Permit
- Responsibilities of event organizers and vendors in regards to Calgary Fire
- Signage Bylaw
- Straw or Hay Bales Policy
- Street Use Permit
External resources
Park and pathway site maps
Site maps for our most popular event locations:
- North Glenmore Pathway map
- North Glenmore Park site plan
- North Glenmore Park Map
- North Glenmore Park (East) Map
- North Glenmore Park (West) Map
- South Glenmore Park (West) Map
- Olympic Plaza & Municipal Building site plan
- Olympic Plaza site plan
- Pathways and Bikeways Map
- Pathway Event Booking Segment Codes
- Prairie Winds Park Map
- Prince's Island Park site plan
- Pumphouse Park site plan
- Millennium Park site map
- Stanley Park site map
- Lot 6 site plan and operating guidelines
Changes to electrical contractor service
As of June 28, 2025, the City will no longer coordinate electrical contractors for festivals and events held on Parks land.
Events before June 28, 2025
Eligible events on Parks land will continue to receive contracted electrical services through the City, with a 50% subsidy from the Festival and Event Subsidy Program (FESP).
Events after June 28, 2025
Eligible events on Parks land will receive funding for up to 50% of their contracted electrical services. Event organizers must arrange their electrical contractor, who must meet the conditions outlined in the Festival and Event manual under "Electricity/Power Requirements."
City-qualified contractors include Sunbelt and Tamarack. If you plan on using a different contractor, please contact your Event Liaison to see if they qualify.
Electrical services provided by Parks and Open Spaces staff will remain eligible for standard Festival and Event Subsidy Program (FESP) support.
Ready to apply?
Book your festival or event
Our new online event application system was launched to streamline the process.
If you are planning to host a new event on City managed land that will involve any of the following:
- serving alcohol
- fireworks or other types of pyrotechnic displays
- setting up 1 or more tents or stages with a combined area greater than 600 sq. ft.
- utilizing roadways or sidewalks.
Book a greenspace
If your event requires booking a greenspace within a park and does not include:
- fireworks, open flame or other pyrotechnics
- tents, stages and/or other structures exceed a combined 600 square feet
- alcohol sales or service.
Renewing your festival or event
Annual festivals and events are given priority when booking City land and receiving event support.
If you host an annual event, please submit your Event Opportunity Form before November 15 to indicate your intent for the following year.
Only the same dates, times, and locations for your event will be considered for renewal. If we have not received your Event Opportunity Form by November 15, your desired venue and date may no longer be available once intake for new events begins.
Festival & Events newsletter
Stay informed with updates on our services, City policies, process and permit changes, event subsidies, important deadlines, and professional development opportunities
Other resources
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This guide is designed to help you with the application and approval process and to identify areas that may impact the planning and execution success of your event.
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Learn about liquor licenses and food vendor requirements.
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Learn about microgrants and subsidies that may be available for your event.
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Guidelines for festival and event organizers on communicating their events to the community to ensure a positive event experience for all.