Hoping to plan a large festival or event in Burlington? You have come to the right spot! Before submitting your event application, we recommend you contact us with any questions and refer to our Event Planning Resource Guide to become familiar with the various requirements for successful event hosting.
Hoping to plan a smaller community gathering under 250 people? Check out Love My Neighbourhood located on our Community Supports Page.
Are you looking to book a private party (i.e. birthday party) or picnic site? Find more information about booking your space at our facility and park rental page.
Planning your event
An approved contract is needed to host a festival or event on City property. This page will help you learn how to submit an event application, gather application requirements and find planning resources.
An approved event contract is needed to host a festival or event on City property in the City of Burlington. Learn how to submit an event application, gather application requirements and find planning resources.
Event application
We will review your application and contact you with the requirements related to your event, which could include:
- Agency approvals from the Halton Regional Police Services (HRPS), Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and other agencies
- Building permit if your event has structures such as tents or stages
- Event layout, site plan and route map
- Applicable licences
- Parking arrangements
- Proof of a of minimum $2 million in commercial general liability insurance
- Traffic control plan
Once we receive all the event requirements, we will confirm your event approval and issue you an event contract.
Application deadline– Sept. 15, 2023
The application deadline for all events requesting use of a city facility, park or road taking place from May 2024 to April 2025. Staff will process and allocate these event requests and provide updates in the fall.
Application deposit
An application deposit will be required once your event is conditionally approved. There is a $140 deposit for commercial events and a $100 deposit for non-profit or charity events, plus HST. We will deduct the deposit amount from your event cost if you event proceeds. We will refund your deposit if we don't approve your event application. Deposits are non-refundable if you cancel your event application.
Event cancellations and Event changes
If you need to cancel your event, please contact us at least 30 days in advance if possible so we can free up the time-slot for something else.
We may not be able to accommodate event date changes once we have conditionally approved your event. If you want to add, change or cancel specific parts of your event, you must do so in writing to your Staff Liaison at least 60 days before your event. This gives us enough time to process any additional approvals.