Special Event Permits
With over 120,000 people coming into Downtown Calgary every day, Stephen Avenue Walk is at the heart of the action. We host over 200 events a year, and are opening our Avenue to host your special event. From weddings to parades, street hockey to centennial celebrations, please review our refreshed policies and contact us with your Special Event opportunity.
We recognize there are several different types of events that make Downtown Calgary ‘special’. In order to assist you in planning your special event on Stephen Avenue Walk or Barclay Parade, we have broken down the various factors that make up an event in order to efficiently and cost effectively provide you with the necessary approvals, permits and logistical requirements. Click on the link most appropriate to your event to apply or email us at for more information.
SE: Special Events:
Celebratory or gathering of people; allowing general public access with interactive, participatory or specialized programming. Promotes a special cause, public need, product and/or service or initiative. Non-ticketed, free to attend, without restrictions on public access.
PSA: Non Profit/PSA:
Activation is 100% in support of a registered charity group or organization and speaks only to the charity. Fundraisers are acceptable, as well as PSA messaging that follows “family friendly” guidelines.
VSE: Promotion / Event Vehicle:
Single use vehicle event activation must occur over a fixed period of time and will occur on S.A.W or Barclay Parade. Must be booked at least 10 business days in advance, and follow all guidelines of event activation and abide by the Special Event Guidelines. Activations dates are valid annually, pending on location availability and approval.
FES: Festivals/Parade/Procession:
A periodic commemoration, anniversary, or celebration. Festivals, of many types, serve to meet specific needs, as well as to provide entertainment. These times of celebration offer a sense of belonging for religious, social, or geographical groups.
BIG: The Big Idea: Event in a Box, $2000 Sponsorship value.
A one –off, one- time event activation that is new in concept, has innovation, diverse participation and fosters a sense of urban community in Downtown Calgary on Stephen Avenue Mall or Barclay Parade. When your application is accepted for participation, we aim to facilitate the necessary permits, approvals, marketing campaigns and collaborations to make it happen.
Sponsorship may include*: 2 x Gate banner x 1-2 weeks, secured location, FF&E 1x (10ftx10ft) tent/ 1x 5ft table, 1x linen), S.A.W and Vehicle Access PERMITS, City Coordination, Marketing Support via Downtown Calgary, use of S.A.W stage for 2 hrs/day/event allocation, use of sound system, S.A.W staff support.
All Special Event Sponsorship application fee: $29 (GST included) Payment is required to process your request. Once approved, this amount will be deducted from your permit fee. Payment can be made by credit card, cheque and delivered or mailed to the address below. Please make cheques payable to Downtown Calgary – Special Events.
CMS: CDA Ratepayers Activations
Corporate companies or Event/Advertising/Marketing companies on behalf of a corporate client looking to provide a pre-planned and approved guerilla style marketing campaign, activations, product or service demonstration, and or additional element to a pre-established corporate event taking place in an adjacent property.
CA10: Activate a 10pack: allows up to 10 one day activations to occur on S.A.W or Barclay Parade. Must be booked at least 48 hours in advance, and follow all guidelines of event activation and abide by the Special Event Guidelines. Activations dates are valid from January 1st 2012- January 1st 2013. Restrictions of up to two (2) activations can occur during Premium time (July 1th – July 15th). Must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance.
CS6: Seasonal Activation: allows up to 6 one day activations to occur on S.A.W or Barclay Parade. Must be booked at least 72 hours in advance, and follow all guidelines of event activation and abide by the Special Event Guidelines. Activations dates are valid from May 1st 2012- August 30 2012. Restrictions of up to one (1) activation can occur during Premium time (July 1th – July 15th). Must be booked at least 6 weeks in advance.
SOP: Special Occasions:
An event or happening of a private or personal manner; such as a wedding, personal photography shoot (family portrait, engagement, wedding), social club meeting, etc
Category Code Flat (M-F) *booked (S/S) July 1-15 Special Event/Promo SEP $400.00 $2,100.00 $300.00 $ 750.00 Vehicle SE/Promo VSE $250.00 $1,200.00 $150.00 $ 750.00 Festival/Parade FES $ 300.00 Non Profit/PSA PSA $150.00 $100.00 Special Occasion SOP $ 50.00 CDA RatePayer CMS $150.00 $100.00 $ 500.00 CA10 $1800.00 (x2) CS6 $1,200.00 (x1) Big Idea BIG $ 29.00
Special Event
Special Events
1 Day
6 x
Weekend
Premium Day
| Add Ons | ||||
| check if required | Deposit | |||
| Power | Add VAP | Stage | Sound | Cleaning |
| $20/pole | $25.00 | $150/90mins | $150/90mins | $250.00 |
