When is a permit required?
You will need an event permit if your event is in a City of Melbourne public place and one or more of these conditions apply:
- You plan to erect infrastructure, such as a marquee, or bring in cooking equipment in excess of two barbecues. (Note: chairs, tables and up to four market umbrellas are not considered infrastructure).
- The event will likely attract 50 attendees or more.
- You require vehicle access to drop off equipment.
- Your event requires a reservation.
- You are charging participants a fee to access the event site.
Before you apply, please read the terms and conditions:
Apply for a permit
Apply online for an event permit
Permit information and resources
If you wish to book a park location for your event, you’ll need to select a specific lawn area when submitting your application. To review spaces available and determine the specific lawn you wish to book, view our interactive mapOpens in new tab.
Each location has particular requirements that determine the type of event suitable for the space.
Permit applications may require significant advance notice so that we can process your application and assist you to deliver a safe and successful event. The notice period needed is outlined below.
If your event is ticketed, the site is fenced (restricting public access) or your event occupies the site for more than 14 days, additional lead times will apply. Please email us at events@melbourne.vic.gov.au for further information.
We reserve the right to decline an application if insufficient notice or information is provided.
Notice required for event permit applications
| Event type | Description | Notice required |
|---|---|---|
| Private – low impact | Events with:
Examples include family gatherings, corporate challenges, birthdays and other simple private events. | 10 working days to 1 month (10 working days minimum) |
| Low risk | Events with:
Examples include small festivals or charity events. | 6 weeks to 3 months |
| Medium risk | Events with:
| 3 to 6 months |
| High risk | Events with:
| 6 to 12 months |
We may withdraw an application at any stage if the applicant is unable to satisfy requirements.
All event permit applicants should refer to the Event Planning Guide, which outlines your responsibilities as an event permit holder. It details all permit requirements and includes information on other statutory permits that you may need.
Other event planning resources:
- Planning safe and inclusive events: checklist to help you plan an event that is safe and inclusive for women
- Sustainable event guide: tips and tools to help you reduce the environmental impact of your event.
- Event planner (Business Victoria)Opens in new tab: a guided tool on organising events in Victoria, including information on each step of the process and permits or approvals you may need.
Fee information for all event types
- Fees are effective from 1 July 2024.
- Use the interactive mapOpens in new tab or contact the Event Operations team to determine the classification of the site you wish to book.
- Consecutive bump-in and bump-out days are calculated at 25 per cent of the site fee.
- For public events, a surcharge is applied based on the event duration.
- Further calculations are applied based on the type of infrastructure.
- Community or not-for-profit registered organisations may be eligible for a full fee waiver.
- Additional fees may apply during the permitting process.
All public event permit applications will incur an application fee, a site fee plus an authority to sell fee (if applicable).
| Application fee | $66 to $2948 (based on number of attendees) |
|---|---|
| Authority to sell fee | $274 to $2747 (based on number of attendees) |
| Large sites | Premium: $6017 Unique: $4519 Standard: $3004 |
| Medium sites | Premium: $4676 Unique: $3503 Standard: $2344 |
| Small sites | Premium: $1666 Unique: $1253 Standard: $835 |
| Footpath occupation | $104 |
| Full or partial road closure | Major road: $1060 Minor road: $530 |
Public low impact events are determined by a combination of small attendee numbers, minimal infrastructure and short duration. This could include small community gatherings and small public runs or walks.
All public low impact event permit applications will incur an application fee, a site fee plus an authority to sell fee (if applicable).
If an application is assessed and deemed not to be public low impact, the standard public event fees listed above would apply.
| Application fee | $66 to $166 (depending on number of attendees) |
|---|---|
| Authority to sell fee | $265 to $2654 (based on number of attendees) |
| Fees applying to site types | Premium site: $619 Unique site: $554 Standard site: $503 |
These include events such as corporate functions, end of year parties and family days.
All private events will incur an application fee plus a site fee.
| Application fee | $66 to $166 (depending on number of attendees) |
|---|---|
| Fees applying to site types | Premium site: $619 Unique site: $554 Standard site: $503 |
Your event permit application will be reviewed and assessed by the City of Melbourne Event Operations team. You will be notified in writing if your booking can proceed.
You will be invoiced as follows:
- An invoice for the application fee (non-refundable) will be sent to you with your booking acknowledgement and requirements email. This must be paid in full within 14 days of the invoice date, to secure your booking.
- An invoice for the site fee and authority to sell fee (if applicable) will be sent to you approximately one month before your event. This must be paid before your final permit is issued.
Please note:
- Until your event plan is finalised and meets requirements, fees are subject to change.
- Payment must be received in full prior to a permit being issued.
- If your application is submitted less than four weeks prior to your event date, the application and site fees will be invoiced at the same time. Payment must be received in full prior to receiving your permit.
To pay your invoice online, you'll need the reference number available on your invoice.
As an event permit holder, you are responsible for costs incurred through reinstating public space back to its original/best possible condition after your event has occurred. This includes damage incurred by third parties, suppliers and contracted service providers.
Download the reinstatement fact sheet for examples of how to prevent damage and the possible costs involved in reinstating public places.
If you’re a major event planning to book an event space in our city, we hold an expression of interest round each year to capture events beyond 12 months ahead. The EOI for major events from 2025 to 2028 is now closed. The next EOI process will be open in 2025 for major events from 2026 to 2029.
If you have any questions about the EOI process, please contact us at eventsmelbourne@melbourne.vic.gov.au. You can apply via the general event application permitOpens in new tab if your event is within 12 months.
Contact Event Operations
Phone
