Event Planning and Permits
The City of Vancouver is proud to host a variety of community and neighborhood events. Permits are required for any event activity that occurs on private or public property and affects the ordinary use of public streets, rights-of-ways, or sidewalks. This includes but is not limited to fairs, festivals, concerts, performances, parades, athletic events, and fundraising events.
To promote the success of special events, ensure the safety of event participants and spectators, and minimize public inconvenience caused by the event, a Special Event Permit may be required.
Special Event Application Process
Event Interest Form
Event Interest Forms are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Annual event applicants are granted right of first refusal to hold the same event on the same weekend, at the same venue. Once the Event Interest form is submitted, the Special Events Office will review and notify event organizers of approval and next steps in the permitting process. To host an event in 2025, please submit an event interest form by Dec. 31, 2024. Submissions will not be accepted after Dec. 31.
Special Event Permit Application
Event organizers with approved interest forms will be emailed the application link.
- Events taking place January 1-April 30, 2025 – applications are due 60 days prior to the event date.
- Events taking place May 1-September 30, 2025 – applications are due March 1, 2025.
- Events taking place October 1-December 31, 2025 – applications are due August 1, 2025.
Attend an Event Review Meeting
After your completed application has been accepted, the Special Events Office will contact you to schedule an event review meeting. At this meeting you will give a brief presentation about your event and answer questions from the Event Review Team. You are required to adjust your event to align with recommendations from the Special Events Office or Event Review Team.
Secure Required Permits and Additional Documents:
The Event Review Team will help identify any other required permits or documents based on the scope of your event. You will also be provided with contact information and timelines to comply with those requirements.
Sign a Special Event Permit Agreement
Once all fees have been paid and all required permits and documents have been received, verified and approved, you will receive a Special Events Permit to sign electronically. A copy of this permit must be available onsite, the day of your event.
Park Rental Rates
About Large Events and Expressive Speech
Can events be hosted at Vancouver Waterfront Park?
The Vancouver Waterfront Park is open for the public to enjoy. The section east of the Grant Street Pier is available as an event venue on a limited basis. Event Interest Forms are currently be accepted for events and for expressive speech events year-round.
Can events be hosted at Esther Short Park?
Event Interest Forms are currently being accepted for events and for expressive speech activities occurring year-round.
What is expressive speech activity?
Expressive speech is a protected class of activities for the sole purpose of which is to exercise the right of free speech. No fee or donation may be charged or required as a condition of participation in or attendance at such an activity. Expressive activity does not include fairs, festivals, concerts, performances, parades, athletic events, fundraising events or events for entertainment.
Organizers of such activities are required to submit an Event Interest Form to prevent conflicts of use of public spaces associated with the activity. Additional requirements may apply to activities that cause any public health and/or safety concerns. Expressive speech events must comply with City of Vancouver park rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alcohol allowed in City of Vancouver parks?
Alcohol consumption or possession is not allowed at most parks, unless it is specified in a Park Use Permit. Some events, when properly staffed and permitted through the Liquor Control Board, may be allowed to serve alcohol within a park.
Is music allowed in City of Vancouver parks?
Amplified music is allowed on a case-to-case basis, with an approved Park Use Permit. Non-amplified (acoustic) music may be allowed without a permit.
Are inflatable bounce houses and dunk tanks allowed in City of Vancouver parks?
Inflatable bounce houses are allowed with an approved Park Use Permit. Dunk tanks are not allowed.
Do I need proof of insurance to have a bounce house at my event?
Yes. You will need to have the company you are renting the equipment from provide you with a Certificate of Liability Insurance, listing the City of Vancouver as “Additional Insured”.
Do other types of activities require proof of insurance?
Yes. Athletic events, events with vendors or where an admission fee is charged, and any events with dogs, are all examples of events that require proof of insurance. This is discussed more in depth during the Park Use Permit application process.
Can I have a wedding at a City of Vancouver park?
Weddings are permitted on a case-by-case basis and require a Park Use Permit. Our parks are best suited for smaller, intimate and more casual wedding ceremonies. Please note that portions of the park remain open to the public during this time.
Park Use Permits
Some events may require a Park Use Permit, which allows use of special items and equipment in the park, describes approved special services and outlines any park staff assistance that may be needed to make your event safe and successful.