Planning a festival or event with The City of Calgary
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 following requirements must be met:
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The organizer must be a registered legal entity in good standing; as a not-for-profit, charitable organization, business improvement area or commercial organization.
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The organizer must have a City of Calgary myID account.
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The Festival and Event Manual must be fully reviewed.
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The Festival and Event Policy must be fully read.
Changes to electrical contractor service
As of June 2025, the City no longer coordinates electrical contractors for festivals and events held on City land.
Event organizers must arrange their electrical contractor, who must meet the conditions outlined in electricity/power requirements.
City-qualified contractors include Sunbelt, Tamarack and Goodfellas Inc. 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.
Park and pathway site maps
- 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
- 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
Ready to apply?
Book your festival or event
Use our online application system 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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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.