Special Event Permits | City of Victoria

Victoria is a vibrant city which hosts a range of events, from world-class competitions and festivals to block parties and weddings.

You are required to submit a permit application if you plan to host an event in a City-owned public space.

Please review the following information to confirm the requirements for your event. If you have any questions about the application process, please email our Arts, Culture and Events Team.

Apply for a Special Event Permit

Special events include any celebration, festival or gathering in a public municipal space.

Complete the Special Event Permit (SEP) Application [PDF/1.3MB].
Please note General Liability Insurance in the amount of $5 million is required for all events. The certificate of insurance must list The City of Victoria as an interested party and must be submitted to the Arts Culture & Events staff for review before a permit will be issued.
If necessary, complete the Festival Equipment Loan Form [PDF/341KB].
If necessary, submit a Temporary Entertainment (Electrical) Permit application through MyCity.

Please note that applications require a minimum of four to six weeks notice. A minimum of eight weeks notice is required for events that require a road closure or multi-day park closure.

The following information is not required for your application, but may be useful when planning your event:

Additional Permits

Noise Bylaw Exemption

If your event includes amplified sound, you will need to submit a Noise Bylaw Exemption Application. A Noise Bylaw Exemption may also be applied for events on private property that are not open to the public. Written notification must be provided to all businesses and residents likely to be affected by your amplified sound. Notification must include phone numbers for contacts before, during and following the event. The City may require approval of the content of the letter and written proof of its delivery.

Please review the follow documents for more Noise Bylaw information and to apply for an exemption:

Cameron Bandshell Permits

Events at the Cameron Bandshell and within Beacon Hill Park are subject to the Beacon Hill Park policy and have a separate application form. Based on these guidelines, limited events are eligible to be hosted here. Please ensure you fully understand the guidelines before planning your event.

Block Party Permits

Many of Victoria's neighbourhoods enjoy hosting a block party to celebrate a special occasion or milestone. To ensure there is appropriate coordination and planning, we require that anyone planning a block party on City streets, sidewalks or other public space has a permit. Block Party Applications require four weeks advance notice.

The information below will assist you in completing the Block Party Permit Application. Upon approval of your application, a permit to hold your block party will be issued free of charge.

Wedding Permits

City parks provide a beautiful setting for a wedding. Some popular wedding locations include Laurel Point Park, Stone Bridge, the Rose Garden and the Wagon Wheel in Beacon Hill Park and Stadacona Park.

A Wedding Permit Application must be submitted to the Parks division at least six weeks prior to your requested date. The applicant must obtain and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, naming the City of Victoria as an insured indemnified party. If you do not have insurance, it can be purchased through the City at the time of permit application.

Park Permits

Find an Outdoor Venue

There are several outdoor locations in Victoria that can be used for concert, band or choir performances.

The Cameron Bandshell, also known as The Stage in the Park, is an outdoor performance venue located in the middle of the City's beautiful Beacon Hill Park. The venue can be booked by any non-profit organization.

Centennial Square is a dynamic public square for people of all ages to gather. Centennial Square is available for bookings, but no sound equipment or site services (power and water) are provided.

The Arts, Culture and Events Team can help you decide which location might be best for your event.