Events & Festivals

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If you're organizing a festival or an event on City property or a public roadway, we're here to help. The City of Cambridge has dedicated special event staff that will assist you throughout your event planning process. Our special event staff can answer your questions about food vendors, lighting, fireworks, security, tents, and alcohol at your event. 

Special Event Application Process

1. If you have any questions or are a new event organizer you can email special events or call 519-623-1340 ext 4332.  
2. Please complete the Special Event Application prior to making any plans. Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by an event staff and they will be in touch with you to discuss your event. 
3. If your event is taking place in a park, a member of the City's booking team will be in touch with you. Due to availability, your preferred location may not be available or suitable for your event.  
4. A list of requirements/permissions/permits will be provided to you by special event staff.  Once requirements/permissions/permits are obtained, copies must be sent to the special event staff.
5. Once copies of all event requirements/permissions/permits are submitted to and reviewed by the special event staff, you will receive a letter of approval and can proceed with your event. 
6. All requirements must be completed a minimum of two weeks prior to your event. Incomplete requirements will result in modifications to your event. 

If you have questions about your event, how to run an event, or you require additional resources please   email our special event staff or call 519-623-1340 ext 4332.

Special Event Manual
The Special Event Manual is being revised for the 2026 season. We look forward to providing this guide soon.

Many parks can be booked for your special event. Search for a park to find out information including location and features.

Please include on your Special Event Application your preferred park location. Please note the event location will be confirmed by booking staff. Due to availability, your preferred location may not be available or suitable for your event. 

To inquire about park availability, please email booking staff or call (519) 623-1340 and ask to speak to a booking staff person. Events should not be advertised prior to booking a park. 

Event applications received are subject to availability of space and are considered on a case by case basis based on availability at the time of application.

The City of Cambridge Special Event Advisory Team (SEAT) helps ensure events on City property are safe and enjoyable for the public. The SEAT reviews Special Event Applications and ensures event organizers have the information they need for City approval of an event. This committee consists of City of Cambridge special event staff, other City of Cambridge departments and other agencies in Cambridge (example: Waterloo Regional Police, Public Health). 

Please fill out the Special Event Application at least two months prior to your event (some events may require more of a lead time) or get in contact with our special event staff if you have any questions prior to making plans. You can email our special event staff or call 519-623-1340 ext 4332 prior to making any plans.  

Once your application is submitted it will be reviewed by an event staff and they will be in touch with you to discuss your event.