Special Event and Film Permits
A Special Events permit is required to hold a variety of special events in the City of Vaughan, such as athletic events (community runs or races), outdoor exhibitions, filming (including student filming), parades, processions, festivals, and street parties/social events.
Events that do not require a permit
Note that farmer's market, events at places of worship and political rallies do not require a Special Events Permit, however must be compliant with other City By-laws, such as with respect to Noise, Parking, etc...
Before you apply for a special event permit
- Facilities: If your event will be at a City-owned facility, please book the facility through Recreation Services prior to applying for a Special Event permit.
- Fireworks: If you would like to have fireworks at your special event, please obtain a Fireworks permit.
- Petting zoos, food vendors and personal services (such as hair dressing or tattooing): If you would like to have a petting zoo, food vendor or personal service at your event, York Region requires that you complete their applicable forms, which are also required to be submitted with your City of Vaughan application.
Options to apply
1. On the Licensing Portal:
2. In person or by mail to: By-Law and Compliance, Licensing & Permit Services, Vaughan City Hall, Level 100, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1.
3. Via the drop-boxes located at the entrances of Vaughan City Hall. Via the drop-boxes located at the entrances of Vaughan City Hall.
4. By e-mail to: bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca, along with scanned copies of required documentation.
Please ensure the application or e-mail indicates a contact phone number for staff to collect payment.
If submitting your application by mail or via the drop-box, please enclose payment in the form of a cheque made payable to the City of Vaughan. If submitting your application via e-mail, please ensure the application or accompanying message indicate a contact name and phone number for our staff to collect payment.
Special events in the City of Vaughan are regulated by By-law 045-2018, as amended.
Application
You can apply online on the Licensing Portal, or in-person, by mail, drop-box or email using the application form below.
Special Event and Film Permit Application (PDF)
Site Plan requirements
The Special Event application requires that you prepare a site plan, which should include a sketch of your venue’s layout, any road closures, and all permanent and temporary structures, including any tents and stages. such as the sample shown here:

Refreshment vehicles not licensed in Vaughan require an invitation
If you are inviting refreshment vehicles to operate at your event that are not licensed in the City of Vaughan, provide them with this invitation. Once your Special Event permit is approved, these refreshment vehicles can use this invitation to apply for a Refreshment Vehicle Event Permit, which is needed to operate at your event. See the Refreshment Vehicle page for more information.
Fees
Item | 2023 | 2024 |
---|---|---|
Special event permit – up to 250 people | $68 | $73 |
Special event permit – up to 500 people | $138 | $148 |
Special event permit – up to 1,000 people | $273 | $292 |
Special event permit – more than 1,000 people | $542 | $579 |
Filming event permit | $381 | $407 |
Contact Information
Email:
- Book a City Facility: reccsd@vaughan.ca
- Special Event Permit: bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca
Location:
Vaughan City Hall
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Telephone: 905-832-2281
TTY: 1-866-543-0545
North American toll-free: 1-844-832-2112
Service Vaughan hours:
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Outside of these times, you will be connected to our After Hours Service.
Additional Resources
City Web Pages
External websites
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Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario: Liquor licences and permits
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Province of Ontario: Hot air balloons | Planning Accessible Events
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Regional Municipality of York: Special Events, Farmer's Markets and Wild Game Dinners
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York Regional Police: Paid Duty Officers
By-laws
Forms and Documents
Policies and Guides