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                    Event venues and support

                    Large room set up with tables and chairs in a library
                    The City of Melbourne offers several support programs to help you stage your event successfully, and a variety of venues are available to suit all event types.

                    We have programs for sponsorship, partnerships and in-kind support to different types of organisations staging business events, festivals and other activities.

                    We offer a range of venues catering for public and private events of different sizes, from function rooms, halls, multi-purpose rooms and gallery spaces, to our public spaces, parks and gardens.

                    Funding and support programs

                    Conferences, conventions, exhibitions and other business events

                    If the event you are staging is a business event such as a conference, convention or exhibition within the City of Melbourne boundaries, you can take advantage of our business event sponsorship.

                    Businesses may apply for funding to assist with event costs or for in-kind sponsorship, such as satchels for delegates, maps and brochures, welcome receptions or a speech by a councillor or the Lord Mayor. For full details of what is available and how to apply, see Business events sponsorship.

                    Festivals and events

                    We offer two rounds of event support through the event partnership program each year.

                    Sponsorship consists of either cash or in-kind or both for the use of City of Melbourne public space.


                    Not-for-profit organisations

                    Not-for-profit organisations may be eligible for the Community Use of Town Hall Scheme (CUTHS), which covers the cost of room hire and venue support staff for the Melbourne Town Hall or the Meat Market in North Melbourne.

                    For more information, see Community use of town halls.

                    Not-for-profit organisations may also be eligible for the event partnership program; however, organisations can only submit one application for support from the City of Melbourne per event.


                    Venues and facilities

                    Functions, meetings and exhibitions

                    The City of Melbourne has a wide variety of rooms and spaces available to hire for functions, meetings, conferences, training, exhibitions, performances and other activities.

                    For details of all spaces, their facilities and how to book, see Hubs and bookable spaces.

                    See also Galleries, spaces and exhibitions for information on exhibition spaces, galleries and studios for lease, rent or hire.

                    Outdoor events in public spaces

                    A huge variety of events can be held in Melbourne's public parks and gardens, including:

                    • festival or campaign launches
                    • outside broadcasts (radio or television)
                    • art installations
                    • fun runs
                    • live music and theatre events
                    • cycling and other sports events.

                    All events in public spaces will require an event permit.

                    Conventions and trade shows

                    Melbourne has world-class facilities for conferences and conventions, including the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre.

                    ​Free listing for your event

                    If you are holding a public event in the City of Melbourne, you may qualify for a free listing on the What's On website.

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