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Organize a special event

Vancouver has two special events offices:

  • The Park Board Special Events Office - for events held in a park and on the seawall.
  • The City Special Events Office (FASE) - for events held on streets, sidewalks, and public plazas. 

Events bring people together to have fun, to mark important events, or to work towards a higher purpose.

The focus of event approvals is to make sure that events are safe, and don’t negatively affect the community. We want you to have a fun, safe, memorable event.

What's happeningApplications are now open for Vancouver’s first Special Event Advisory Task Force

We are looking for people with a broad range of experience and expertise hosting everything from small grassroots community events to large-scale, complex events.

The purpose of the task force is to:

  • Identify challenges and opportunities in the current events permitting processes
  • Examine how to reduce the amount of time it takes for the City to issue event permits
  • Examine application complexity and identify opportunities for simplification
  • Consider separate permitting streams for smaller and larger events
  • Explore how to reduce barriers for music and arts related events
  • Consider an event policy that spans both public and private property

Apply now

For more information, review the terms of reference (273 KB)

We are committed to recruiting individuals who represent Vancouver’s diverse events landscape and are actively seeking applications from community and industry professionals. xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and other Indigenous People, Urban Indigenous People, Black and People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ people including all genders and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will provide accommodations upon request.

Email specialevents@vancouver.ca with access needs or questions related to the application process.

Organize an event on a street, sidewalk, or plaza

Review the steps and permits required to getting approval for a special event on a street, sidewalk, or plaza in Vancouver.

Organize an event in a park

Review the steps and permits required to getting approval for a special event in a Vancouver park or beach.

Park wedding ceremony permit

To hold an outdoor wedding ceremony in our designated Vancouver park sites, you'll need a permit. Learn what's included in the permit and apply.

Block parties

Find information on throwing block parties in Vancouver.

Event permits private property

Get a temporary event licence and permit; including permits for buskers, weddings, dances, and more.

Greening your event

Make your event more sustainable with our Green Events Planning Guide.

Contact us

Let us know if you have any enquiries or concerns.

Complete our online form