Host a Special Event

If a community group, organization or individual wishes to host an event or festival, they must submit appropriate documents to the City of St. John's.

Events or festivals include:

block parties
concerts
festivals
road races
parades

Apply for a special event

All outdoor events require a special event application. Review the Special Event Policy and Procedures Manual and the outdoor event inclusion and accessibility checklist before applying.

Understanding the process

The special event approval process helps to ensure that all City departments and external agencies required to provide services are aware of and prepared for potential conditions arising from the event, i.e. traffic control.

The Special Event Regulatory Committee (SERC) receives and reviews all applications. SERC will advise you on all the policies and procedures you must follow to receive approval. You must be in compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation and regulations.

SERC forwards recommendations to Council on your event. If they approve, your event will be approved.

City officials or the SERC may, at any time, revoke approval for reasons of non-compliance with regulations or in the interest of public safety.

Inclusion and Accessibility

The City of St. John's supports inclusive and accessible events. The outdoor event inclusion and accessibility checklist is our guideline to assist in your event planning and delivery. For additional information or to provide feedback contact the City's Inclusion staff at inclusion@stjohns.ca or 709-576-4450.

Weddings

Weddings do not require a special events application. Please note that there is no area reserved in the public parks system for wedding pictures or to host a wedding ceremony. The City discourages these activities because of all of the possible outside distractions that could occur.

Special Event Regulatory Committee

This committee is comprised of representatives from various City departments as well as external government and volunteer agencies, including:

Council Representative
Corporate Risk and Recovery, City of St. John's
Events and Services, City of St. John's
Parking Services, City of St. John's
Parks and Open Spaces, City of St. John's
Planning and Development, City of St. John's
Roads and Traffic, City of St. John's
St. John's Regional Fire Department, City of St. John's