Plan an Event Frequently Asked Questions

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Application Process
Activities
Legal Requirements
Civic Services
Funding and Sponsorship
Food, Drink and Merchandise
Tents and Temporary Structures
Traffic, Parking and Transit

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Submit the appropriate application form based on your location of choice.

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Application Process

Do I need a permit for small gatherings?

Gatherings with less than 100 people and with limited infrastructure do not require a permit from the City. This includes:

Items that can be carried by hand. For example: camping chairs, folding chairs, benches, small battery-operated public address (PA) system.
Temporary structures 10 ft. x 10 ft. or smaller, such as a pop-up tent or small archway (tents must be weighted, no staking).

Your event may be impacted by other events or people enjoying the park. If a private space is required, consider booking a gazebo, picnic site or indoor facility.

How do I book an event on City of Edmonton property?

The process to book an event on City of Edmonton property varies, depending on the location of your event. Visit the Festivals and Events Planning page and scroll to the Application Form Selection Tool to find the correct form and fill out an application. After you have submitted your application, a City liaison will contact you and guide you through the next steps.

How do I get permission for filming or photography?

Filming on City of Edmonton property may require a permit. Learn if you are required to request a permit and find applicable forms by visiting the Filming and Photography page.

How do I get permission to host a block party?

Visit the Keep Neighbouring website and scroll to find information about block parties, including applicable forms and permits.

What happens after I submit my Civic Events Application to the City?

After submitting the application, you will receive an automated email acknowledging the application has been received. The assigned City Liaison will review your submission and contact you to discuss your application. Civic Events applications for the current year will be responded to within two to four weeks of the application date. Event applications for the following year will be responded to late in the fall of the current year. Priority for date and location is given to annual and/or recurring events. If your application is approved, the City Liaison will provide a Booking Confirmation, outlining the conditions of use, planning guidelines and requirements. The City Liaison will then work with you to arrange for the applicable civic services (road closures, permit applications, special event policing, etc.). Once you have provided all required documentation and information, an event license will be issued.

This is my first time producing an event. Where do I start?

If you are new to planning an event on City property, review the Civic Events Application Process to learn what is required, then scroll to the Application Form Selection Tool to find the appropriate application form.
The Province of Alberta has also produced an event tool called "Setting the Stage - A Community-Based Festival & Event Planning Manual" for festival and event producers. The manual provides tools, templates and resources to help committees navigate through the event planning, production and evaluation processes. This is a great resource for all event organizers.

What do I need if I am planning an event in a private facility?

Event organizers are required to obtain all applicable permits for the event activities and adhere to all applicable laws, bylaws, and regulations.
If you are planning an event at a private facility or venue, contact the venue to organize your event. If the event extends to an outdoor space that impacts City property (ie. roads, sidewalks or parks), visit the Festivals and Events Planning page and scroll to the Application Form Selection Tool to find the correct form and fill out an application.

What do I need if I am planning an event at a City facility?

To plan a private event at an indoor City facility, see the list of venues available for rentals & bookings and follow the booking request process outlined.
Events at private or City facilities are required to obtain all applicable permits for the event activities and adhere to all applicable laws, bylaws, and regulations. To plan a private event at an indoor City facility, see the list of venues available for rentals & bookings and follow the booking request process outlined. If you are planning an event at a private facility or venue, contact the venue to organize your event.
If the event extends to an outdoor space that impacts City property (ie. roads, sidewalks or parks), a Civic Events Application will need to be submitted.

What is required to hold an event on the North Saskatchewan River?

The docks on City property are available for spontaneous use. However, should your event require use of River Valley Parkland or any City land immediately adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River for access or egress, a Civic Events Application for use of the space is required.
See the following links for information about the North Saskatchewan River:

Activities

May I have my wedding in a park?

Yes. Weddings may be held in City parks, however, City parks are public spaces and cannot be closed to the public for private events. Your wedding may be impacted by weather, other park events, or people enjoying the park. See Weddings at Parks and Green Spaces for more information.

May I have fire-related activities at my event?

Festivals and events that wish to program fire related activities on City property (including open flame fires, fireworks and fire show performers) must receive permission from the City of Edmonton. Be sure to include plans for having fire activities as part of your event details. The City Liaison assigned to your event will guide you through the applicable requirements.

May I hold a raffle, 50/50, auction or lottery at my event?

Yes, however you must first obtain a licence from Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC).

May I have confetti, rice, or balloons at my event?

In order to reduce the environmental impacts of events hosted on City property, the release of balloons, rice, confetti, artificial flower blossoms, glitter, birdseed and grass seed is strictly prohibited.
Balloons must be secured in place. All balloons (or remnants of balloons) must be removed from the parkland space and properly disposed of at the end of your event.

May I have an amusement ride at my event?

Yes. Amusement rides may be included at an event provided that they adhere to the Amusement Ride Parkland Regulations. Include plans for an amusement ride as part of your event details when submitting the event application form.

May I have inflatables at my event?

Yes. Events may have inflatables provided that they are secured in place appropriately and are supervised according to the details provided on the inflatable structure. If your event requires a permit, ensure any inflatable structures are identified in the event site plan.

May I have animals at my event?

Event locations involving the participation or presence of animals are limited, as per Public Spaces Bylaw 20700. Restrictions include:

Animals are not allowed in or around any playground, picnic site, gazebo, bandshell, sport field or facility.
Animals are not allowed in any venue or public space where there is food being prepared and served.

Visit the Plan an Event Environmental Public Health page of the Alberta Health Services (AHS) website for more information about the presence of animals at an event.

How do I organize a protest, rally, march or demonstration?

Citizens have the right to conduct a lawful protest, rally, march or demonstration in Canada. While the City encourages organizers to complete a Civic Events Application, they are not required to do so. After a Civic Events Application is filled out, a City Liaison will contact the organizer to provide guidance and advise on their responsibilities and City expectations.
When a protest/rally/march/demonstration is conducted within the City of Edmonton municipal boundaries, protest organizers are required to adhere to the following guidelines:

The event is expected to a peaceful, lawful gathering that does not promote hatred, violence and/or racism.
Visual aids used must be family friendly and not display any images or messages that might be found offensive to the public, including the burning of effigies or flags.
Wording in speeches, music and chants must be respectful, non-discriminatory and family friendly. Any conduct that is contradictory to these expectations could result in the event organizer being asked to conclude their activities immediately.

Legal Requirements

Do I need event insurance?

Yes. All events held on public property must provide a minimum of $2 Million liability insurance coverage with the City of Edmonton listed as an “Additional Insured”. For specific activities, such as fireworks, a minimum of $5 million liability coverage must be provided. The following mailing address for the City as the “Additional Insured” is to be used on the Certification of Insurance:

City of Edmonton
9th Floor, Chancery Hall
3 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton AB T5J 2C3

What should I include in my Event Emergency Response Plan?

An Event Emergency Response Plan should identify risk mitigation and emergency response to ensure the safety and well-being of participants, staff, volunteers, and property. The event is required to develop a plan that is proportional to the scope and scale of the event.
An event Emergency Response Plan assists with:

Identifying potential risks
Identifying measures to be put in place for the safety and well-being of the public and event attendees
Reducing the risk of loss of life and property damage

The Event Emergency Response Plan template and corresponding Planning Guide can be used to build an appropriate plan.

What happens if damage happens to City property at my event?

Any damage that has been created as a result of the event will be repaired by the City with the cost covered by the event. The most common damage caused by outdoor events is damage to turf (grass). In order to reduce potential damage to parkland, you may be required to complete an event Turf Management Plan.

What bylaws and regulations should I be aware of and follow?

Festivals and events are responsible for ensuring that they adhere to all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal laws and regulations, such as:

City Bylaws
EPS Extra Duty Detail Business Rules
Alberta Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) regulations
Occupational Health and Safety legislation
Alberta Health Services (AHS) regulations
Community Standards Bylaw 14600 (outdoor fires, noise control, property maintenance, signs, garbage storage)
Traffic Bylaw 5590
Public Spaces Bylaw 20700
Protection of Privacy Act
Electronic Dance Music Bylaw 19166

Please note that this is not a complete list. Other regulations and legislation may apply to your event. If you have questions about any bylaws or regulations please contact your assigned Festivals & Events Liaison.

Civic Services

What civic services are available to support my event?

Civic services are available to support your event, as required. Once a Civic Events Application has been submitted, a City Liaison will work with you to identify the specific civic service(s) that your event may require, the availability of the service and the cost estimate for that service.

Examples of civic services include the following:

Extra Duty Details Police Officers
Permits (noise, building, electrical, gas, plumbing, business development, open flame fire, fireworks or fire performer)
Road closures, detours and traffic accommodation plans
Transit route detours or coordinating shuttles
Custodial and park servicing
Access to utilities, such as electrical, water, or drainage)

Is there a cost associated with civic services?

Yes. The cost of civic services is based on the incremental costs for labour and/or materials provided by the City. Your assigned City Liaison will work with the various civic services to coordinate the required support and to provide a cost estimate prior to the event.

Do I need to apply for any licences or permits?

You will need a license or permit if your event:

Is operating on City property (for example: parks, roads, sidewalks, facilities).
Will have tents or other temporary structures (for example: stages, temporary buildings, scaffolding, bleachers, etc) onsite.
Plans to have alcohol or cannabis on site.
Will include fire related activities (for example: fireworks, fire pits, fire sculptures, fire performers, etc).
Would like to request a Noise Permit waiver for consideration.
Is an Electronic Dance Music (EDM) event with an anticipated attendance of 1,500 persons or more.

For events on City property, once a Civic Events Application is submitted, a designated City Liaison will advise on which permits will be required, and will guide you through the appropriate processes. Learn more in the Civic Events and Festivals: Guide for Requirements.
If your event is at a licensed venue, you may not need to apply for a license or permit. Contact the venue to ensure they have the proper licenses and permits in place for your event.

How do I increase awareness about my cause or community event?

Community groups are invited to recognize their cause, celebrate and build community spirit in Edmonton. Options include:

Submitting a request to Light the Bridge for consideration.
Requesting a special proclamation, letter, certificate, or a unique message from the Mayor.
Submitting a Bridge Banner Program Application for consideration.

Funding and Sponsorship

How can I get City funding for my event?

The City of Edmonton offers grants and funding opportunities to advance economic growth, improve city vibrancy, and help organizations in our community thrive.
Additionally, the Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) manages City funding for arts and festival activities within city limits. To explore available grants and check your organization's eligibility, please visit the Edmonton Arts Council (EAC) Funding webpage.

Food, Drink and Merchandise

How can my mobile food vending business take part in an event on City property?

Mobile food vendors must be approved in order to be eligible to participate in events and festivals taking place on City property. Approved vendors are identified on the Approved Mobile Food Vendor List for Events and Festivals. Learn more about how to become an approved mobile food vendor at events and festivals by visiting the Mobile Food Vending page.
If you are an approved mobile food vendor, we recommend that you connect with event organizers directly for potential partnership opportunities. To find potential events of interest, visit the City of Edmonton event calendar.

Can I serve or sell food or non-alcoholic beverages at my event?

Yes. Food and non-alcoholic beverages, whether sold or for free, may be served at any event provided that this service is approved by Alberta Health Services (AHS). AHS requires a minimum of 30 days notice to process the application. The event organizer is responsible for utilizing vendors listed on the Approved Mobile Food Vendor list and for contacting AHS directly.

Can I serve or sell alcohol at my event?

Alcohol service and sales is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC). Private events are not eligible to serve alcohol on City of Edmonton property. Alcohol consumption is only permitted at designated picnic sites and the event must not exceed the capacity of the site.
Public special events will need to apply for a Liquor License from AGLC a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the event. Visit the AGLC website for more information. If hosting your event on City property, the City Liaison will provide the necessary land owner acknowledgement and coordinate acknowledgements from Fire Prevention and Edmonton Police Service. Approvals will not be granted for public events with a sole purpose of alcohol sales or consumption.

Can I allow cannabis consumption at my event?

Cannabis consumption is regulated by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC). The City of Edmonton may provide permission for festivals and events to have a Cannabis and/or Tobacco Consumption Area within a licensed site. If you would like to explore this option, please talk to your Festival and Events Liaison. An additional application is required.

Tents and Temporary Structures

Can I set up tents or temporary structures at my event?

Yes. Depending on the size of your tent or temporary structure and how long it will be in place, a permit may be required. This will be confirmed by a City Liaison, once they review your event plan and site map. For more information, see the Development and Building Permits for Special Events page and the Civic Events and Festivals - Building Permit Guide.

Can I put stakes in the ground during my event?

Prior to using any in-ground anchoring for tents or other structures that require pegs or stakes longer than 6 inches, the event organizer must notify their assigned City Liaison and arrange for the area to be checked for underground public utilities.
Ground spikes are not permitted in William Hawrelak Park, Rundle Park, Sir Winston Churchill Square or any asphalt surfaces. These spaces require tents to be weighted with concrete blocks, sandbags, or water weights.

Can I have access to electricity in a park or public square?

Some parks and public spaces have access to electrical services, at an additional fee. The assigned City Liaison will advise on the availability of electrical resources based on the chosen site.

Traffic, Parking and Transit

How do I organize a parade, walk or run?

If you are planning a major event, march, run, or parade you may need a road closure and a Roadway License. Please see the Road Events section for more details.

Can I have a horse-drawn carriage ride at my event?

Yes. Horse-drawn wagon/carriage rides are permitted on public streets and on roads that travel through parkland. Operators must have a valid business license with the City of Edmonton and follow Traffic Bylaw 5590 - Slow Moving Vehicles. This is also applicable if your event is on private property but the horse-drawn wagon/carriage ride is on public roadways. No additional permits or licenses are required. Bun bags are required and the operator must ensure cleaning activities are conducted following the horse-drawn carriage ride.
If your event is on City property, please include plans for a horse-drawn wagon/carriage ride as part of your event details when you complete the Civic Events Application.

What parking is available for my event?

Parking may be limited, especially in high traffic areas such as downtown and in some river valley parks.
Some considerations may include: parking availability, Edmonton Transit Service routes and proximity to LRT Stations, EPark zones, nearby parkades, residential parking availability, accessible parking and loading zones. Discuss any concerns about parking with your assigned City Liaison.

How do I know if an Edmonton Transit Service bus route will be impacted by my event?

If your event is close to an Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) bus stop, it is recommended that you check the specific ETS bus route schedule to determine if the route(s) will be impacted by event activities (for example, roadway closures, increased ridership, etc.). If there are any significant impacts to bus routes, a City Liaison will work with ETS to determine any detours necessary.

Can I rent an Edmonton Transit Service bus for my event?

Yes. Edmonton Transit Service’s (ETS) convenient charter service is available for a fee. Depending on the scope and size of the event, ETS charter services can be arranged to shuttle attendees/participants to and from the event. This support can be arranged with your assigned City Liaison.

Contact Us

Civic Events and Festivals Section

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Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Email	Before contacting us: Please visit Festivals and Events Planning. Civic Events and Festivals only assist with events taking place on public spaces like Roads, Plazas/Squares, in River Valley Parks or Borden Park. For any additional questions, please reach out to civic.events@edmonton.ca

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311

Before contacting us: Please visit Festivals and Events Planning.
Civic Events and Festivals only assist with events taking place on public spaces like Roads, Plazas/Squares, in River Valley Parks or Borden Park.

For any additional questions, please reach out to civic.events@edmonton.ca