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                    Event permits

                    People sitting on grass near a large tree.
                    If you are organising a public or a private event in any of City of Melbourne’s public spaces, you may need an event permit. Permits ensure public safety and amenity in public spaces and assist in the sustainable management of our parks and gardens.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You will need an event permit if 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.​

                    For a comprehensive guide to planning events in Melbourne's public open space, review our Event Planning Guide.

                    If you are planning a public assembly, demonstration or rally, we would like to hear about your activity.

                    Unsure what other approvals you require? Access Business Victoria's guided planning tool for up-to-date resources and information.​​​​​

                    Major Events - Expression of Interest ​

                    The City of Melbourne is currently seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from event organisers looking to hold a major event in Melbourne from 1 July 2025. ​

                    November and December is a busy time for our parks. Each year, we receive a high volume of applications for end of year functions.

                    Due to the demand on our parks and gardens over this period, no bookings are permitted between 18 and 31 December 2023. If your end of year function requires a permit you must ensure it is scheduled to occur outside of these dates.

                    Applications for end of year functions will be accepted until midnight on 3 December 2023. Applications received after this date will not be processed.

                    Major events criteria

                    Events must be open to the public and trigger one or more of the below:
                    • ​Major events with an attendance of 10,000 people or more
                    • Events involving complex road closures
                    • Events causing minor road closures but impacting public transport​
                    • More than 20 items of infrastructure (e.g. marquees, portable toilets, inflatables, stages, food vans)
                    • Large infrastructure builds requiring cranes and/or multiple vehicles for set up and pack down​

                    Key dates

                    • ​EOI applications will open on Wednesday 1 May 2024.  
                    • EOI applications will close on Friday 31 May 2024. 
                    • EOI will only be accepted online via Smarty Grants. More information to come closer to 1 May 2024.

                    ​Major events held prior to 1 July 2025 should apply via the City of Melbourne event permit application. Visit the event permit page​ for more information on notice period required for an event. 

                    Contact us 

                    To discuss any queries regarding the eligibility of your event, or the EOI application process, please contact us via email 

                    events@melbourne.vic.gov.au ​

                    Bookable event locations

                    When submitting an application you need to select a specific lawn area within the park or garden of your choice. Locate a lawn number or any other type of public open space by using the interactive map. Each location has specific requirements that determine the type of event that can be held.

                    Notice required for an event

                    Complex events require significant notice, required to process your application and assist you to deliver a safe and successful event.

                    If your event is ticketed, the event site is fenced (restricting public access) or occupies the site for more than 14 days additional lead times will apply. Please contact us for further information.


                    ​Event type​Event parameters
                    ​Application notice
                    Private – low impact

                    Events with:

                    • 50 to 200 people
                    • one day event
                    • no road closures or multiple park usage
                    • no more than two 3m x 3m or one 6m x 3m marquees
                    • no more than one food van
                    • no portable toilets or trailers
                    • no food or alcohol sales
                    • up to four market umbrellas, two gas BBQs , tables and chairs.

                    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:

                    • 50 to 1000 people
                    • food vendors or licensed areas
                    • up to five items of infrastructure: marquees, portable toilets, inflatables, stages, food vans
                    • minor road closures (minimum 2 months' notice required).

                    Examples include small festivals or charity events.

                    ​6 weeks to 3 months
                    ​Medium risk

                    Events with:

                    • attendance of 1000 to 10,000 people
                    • food vendors or licensed areas
                    • minor road closures and public transport disruptions
                    • up to 10 items of infrastructure: marquees, portable toilets, inflatables, stages, food vans.
                    ​3 to 6 months
                    ​High risk

                    Events with:

                    • attendance of over 10,000 people
                    • complex road closures
                    • multiple event sites and days
                    • large infrastructure builds.
                    ​6 to 12 months


                    See our Event Planning Guide for a step by step guide to help plan your event.

                    City of Melbourne reserves the right to decline an application if insufficient notice or information is provided.

                    Permit requirements

                    General permit requirements

                    Where a permit is required, an event plan must be submitted for review. Requirements will depend on the needs of the site, size and scale of your event. City of Melbourne may withdraw an application at any stage if the applicant is unable to satisfy requirements. To assist in developing an event plan, please refer to our Event Planning Guide.

                    The time it takes to process and approve your event will depend on the complexity and your ability to submit plans that meet requirements. 

                    The following information may be required as part of an event plan:

                    • event details/description
                    • running sheet (including bump-in / bump-out and event timings)
                    • contact list
                    • public liability insurance
                    • stakeholder notification plan
                    • signage
                    • site plan
                    • noise management plan
                    • infrastructure and facilities list
                    • list of vendors (DOC 37 KB)​
                    • pedestrian and crowd management plan 
                    • risk management matrix / plan
                    • emergency management plan
                    • waste management plan
                    • alcohol management plan
                    • traffic management plan
                    • vehicle management plan
                    • tree protection plan
                    • animal management plan.

                    Temporary structures

                    For most non-prescribed structures installed on site, City of Melbourne requires an inspection report from a registered building inspector or surveyor, civil engineer, V1 or V2 erector of temporary structures. 

                    An inspection must take place prior to the event commencing and the report must be submitted to the Event Operations team within 24 hours. All structures installed on site must be included in an overall event infrastructure list.

                    Non-prescribed temporary structures that will require an inspection report include:

                    • inflatable arches 
                    • inflatable amusements (for example, jumping castle) 
                    • altered shipping containers
                    • scaffolds 
                    • truss
                    • signage installations  
                    • any other large structure. 

                    Note: this is not an exhaustive list, your event operations team member will advise you of any temporary structure requirements during the event approval process. 

                    Any prescribed structures with an occupancy permit issued by the Victorian Building Authority must submit a temporary siting approval application

                    Permit fees and payments

                    Public event fees

                    Public event fees apply for large-scale events including ticketed, non-ticketed and road-based events.

                    All public event permit applications will incur an application fee, a site fee plus an authority to sell fee (if applicable).

                    Application fee ​

                    $64 to $2848 (based on number of attendees)

                    Authority to sell fee 

                    $265 to $2654 (based on number of attendees)​

                    Large sites

                    • Premium: $5814
                    • Unique: $4366
                    • Standard: $2902

                    Medium sites

                    • Premium: $4518
                    • Unique: $3385
                    • Standard: $2265

                    Small sites

                    • Premium: $1610
                    • Unique: $1211
                    • Standard: $807

                    Footpath occupation

                    • $100

                    Full or partial road closure

                    • Major road: $1024
                    • Minor road: $512​

                    Notes:

                    • Fees are effective from 1 July 2023.
                    • Speak with 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.
                    • 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. ​​

                    Public low impact event fees

                    Public low impact events are determined by a combination of small attendee numbers, minimal infrastructure and short duration. For example, this could include small community gatherings, art installations with an event component and launches. 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

                    $64

                    Authority to sell fee

                    $265 to $2654 (based on number of attendees)

                    Fees applying to site types

                    • Premium site: $598
                    • Unique site: $535
                    • Standard site: $486

                    Footpath occupation

                    • $100

                    Full or partial road closure

                    • Major road: $1024
                    • Minor road: $512​

                    Notes:

                    • Fees are effective from 1 July 2023.
                    • Speak with 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.
                    • 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. ​

                    Private event fees

                    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

                    $64 to $160 (depending on number of attendees)

                    Fees applying to site types

                    • Premium site: $598
                    • Unique site: $535
                    • Standard site: $486

                    Notes

                    • Fees are effective from 1 July 2023.
                    • Use the interactive map 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.
                    • 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. 

                    Confirmation of booking and payment

                    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 has been approved. 

                    Payment for bookings can only be made after the event permit application has been approved. You will be invoiced for your booking as follows:

                    1. An invoice for the application fee which is non-refundable. This will be sent to you with your booking acknowledgement email and must be paid in full within 14 days of the invoice date, to secure your booking.
                    2. An invoice for the site fee and authority to sell fee (if applicable). This will be sent to you closer to the date approximately one month prior to your event date, which will need to be paid in full prior to your final permit being issued. 
                    3. Until your event plan is finalised and meets requirements, final fees may change.
                    4. Payment must be received in full prior to the 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.

                    Payments can be made by credit card, cheque or online. To pay your invoice online, you will need to provide the reference number available on your invoice.

                    Pay your event invoice online

                    Reinstatement

                    Event organisers/permit holders are responsible for costs incurred through reinstating public space back to its original/best possible condition a​fter an 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:

                    Terms and conditions

                    Please read the permit terms and conditions before submitting your application:

                    Other permits and approvals you may require

                    Other permits and approvals may be required for your event.

                    Unsure what other approvals you require? Access Business Victoria's guided planning tool for up-to-date resources and information.

                    Please ensure you are aware of time frames required to obtain any additional approvals.

                    • Temporary siting approvals
                      If you are planning to erect a temporary structure for a function within the City of Melbourne, you need to be aware of your responsibilities under the Building Act 1993, building regulations and relevant City of Melbourne policies.
                    • Places of public entertainment (POPE)
                      If you are organising a public entertainment event, you may need to obtain an occupancy permit for a place of public entertainment (POPE).
                    • Temporary and mobile food premises 
                      If you are providing any food or beverages (sale or service) to the general public, you must liaise directly with Health Services prior to the event, to ensure all temporary food stall vendors become registered and meet all requirements of the Food Act 1984
                    • Reserved parking permits
                      The reserved parking scheme allows events to book parking bays within the City of Melbourne for their exclusive use.
                    • Street art
                      You require written permission from the building owner for the wall that the work is being done on. A planning permit from City of Melbourne may also be required for a property in a heritage control area.
                    • Public Transport Victoria (PTV) 
                      If you are organising an event which is likely to have an impact on public transport services, then you are required under Victorian legislation to notify Public Transport Victoria (PTV).
                    • Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC)
                      If you are serving alcohol, VGCCC processes and determines temporary limited and major event licences for Melbourne and Victorian events.
                    • Victoria Police 
                      A highway event permit must be obtained by anyone wishing to conduct a foot or bike race (including triathlons and marathons) on a Victorian road.
                    • Parks Victoria 
                      If you are planning to activate the Yarra River or any spaces managed by Parks Victoria please apply for a filming or event permit​
                    • VicRoads 
                      To hold an event on a road in Victoria, you will need to get permission from VicRoads.
                    • WorkSafe
                      For inspection and approvals of fireworks. 
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                    Event permit locations
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                    Contact us

                    Contact name
                    Experience Melbourne – Event Operations Team
                    Telephone number
                    03 9658 965803 9658 9658
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