Resources
City of London Resources
Special events
A special event is a one-time, annual or infrequently occurring event on City property. Special events should support local arts and culture, create economic opportunities in London, and raise the city’s profile.
Special events policy
The Special Events Policy outlines the expectations and responsibilities for third party event operators planning and running events in publicly owned outdoor spaces. Examples of special events include multi-day music festivals, one-day cultural celebrations, fundraising walks and runs, and large neighborhood gatherings. Council approved updates to the policy in December 2024, and the new 2025 Special Events Policy can be reviewed below.
Updated Sound Policy for Special Events in 2025 include:
4.15 Sound at Special Events
(a) Amplified Sound and Non-amplified Sound for Special Events will be limited to the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with the exception of Special Events taking place on Fridays and Saturdays in Victoria Park, Harris Park and Dundas Place, which will be limited to the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., allowing for a fifteen-minute grace period.
(b) In the event of exceptional circumstances, the Deputy City Manager, or designate, is authorized to extend the hours of amplified sound for Special Events to a maximum extension of 45 minutes.
(c) Amplified Sound is permitted at Special Events on New Year’s Eve until 12:00 a.m.
(d) Sound levels during Amplified Sound Special Events will average no more than 90 dBA LAeq 15 min. as measured [distance from/at any] Point of Reception.
(e) All Special Events with anticipated audiences greater than 1,000 people per day will develop and provide a Sound Design Plan, in a format that is acceptable to the City, 10 business days prior to their event.
(f) When required, Event Operators will provide a digital sound file from the event’s sound engineer to confirm the decibel average for the event.
(g) City of London staff may monitor and document decibel levels with a decibel sound meter at Points of Reception regularly during events with Amplified Sound.
(h) All Event Operators having Amplified Sound will be required to post a $2,000 security deposit. Noise violations during the Special Event (as determined solely by the City), will result in the deposit being forfeited.
(i) At the Deputy City Manager’s discretion, the Event Operator may be required to monitor the sound levels resulting from the event and inform surrounding neighbours about their upcoming Special Event.
Administrative procedures manual
The manual provides essential guidance on how policies are put into action, specifically designed for event operators and City of London staff. This resource is a comprehensive toolkit for planning, organizing, and executing special events with confidence.
Inside, you will find all the necessary tools and information to guide you through the entire event planning process. This includes a detailed timeline of the approval process, outlining key deadlines and what is due when.
From navigating approvals to coordinating with local authorities, this guide ensures you have everything you need to successfully manage your event. Event coordinators are available to assist you through this process. For support, please contact specialevents@london.ca
Administrative procedures manual
Guide for special events
Interested in hosting an event in London? The City of London is here to help you find the perfect location for your event, assist with the navigation of policies and procedures associated with hosting an event on City property and connect you with our community partners.
The types of events the City can provide support with include:
- Major events
- A largescale festival, concert or fundraiser/charity run.
- Marches, parades and walks or runs
- A one-off or recurring march, parade, walk or run that does not use City of London property as the start or finish of the event.
- Bandshell rentals
- A bandshell is an open-air venue perfect for small- or medium-scale concerts and performances. With bandshell rentals available at Harris Park, Springbank Gardens and Victoria Park, enjoy fresh-air and park views at your next outdoor event.
- Neighbourhood park events
- These events are intended for neighbourhood groups and resident-led projects located in a local park. Neighbourhood parks are the perfect location for your next neighbourhood barbeque, outdoor movie night, free carnival or fair, art show and small-scale concert or performance. Please visit our supports for neighbourhood events page for more information on neighbourhood park events.
- Neighbourhood street closure events
- A neighbourhood street closure event, where residents on a street plan an event for their street and neighbours. Neighbourhood street closures are the perfect location for your next neighbourhood barbeque, bike rally, free carnival or fair, art show and small-scale concert or performance. This does not include public street events where attendees from across London are invited to attend. Please visit our supports for neighbourhood events page for more information on neighbourhood street events.
- Dundas Place and Market Lane rentals
- Dundas Place has a variety of rental options for large events and smaller activities or programming, including pop-up markets and activations, concerts and performances, festivals, bike rallies and outdoor movie nights. To learn more, please visit the Dundas Place web page.
We are happy to connect you with relevant community partners, including Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), Technical Safety Authority (TSSA), Middlesex-London Health Unit, City of London Building Division, London Police Services, London Fire Services, Alcohol & Gaming Commission, SOCAN, Smoke Free Ontario, London Arts Council, Dundas Place Manger, London Music Officer, Tourism London.
Please email SpecialEvents@london.ca or call 519-661-2489, extension 2379 to begin planning your event.
Special Event Locations
Victoria Park, Harris Park, Springbank Gardens Complex, Springbank Park, Greenway Park, Gibbons Park, Budweiser Gardens Parking Lot.
Booking and application processes
Booking process for City parkland
Booking process for parade, march, walk and road race
Booking process for street closure (from point A to point B)
Booking process for neighbourhood street closure (from point A to point B)
City amenities for special events
Showmobile
Showmobile is a mobile stage system that can be set up almost anywhere! With the push of a button the canopy and stage open automatically. The canopy can be closed with the stage in set-up position to secure equipment between performances.
- 42 foot long by 13 foot wide (ceiling angled front to back with the front being approx. 8 ½ feet with back being 6 ½ feet high),
- includes generator, a basic PA system (no CD player, but there is a 15 amp outlet),
- 1 microphone with stand,
- Plywood flooring (fibreglass coated non-slip texture).
Fees
For more information on current fees to rent the Showmobile, please contact specialevents@london.ca
* For out of town towing, please call Ross Towing at 519-685-1212, as they have been contracted to deliver and bill out-of-town deliveries.
Booking procedure
Complete and return the Special Events Request Form. If approved, a contract will be generated with a condition that the contract be signed and fees paid in full prior to your event (note: administration fee is non-refundable for cancelled contract).
Hydration Stations
The Thirstation is a portable water station that can be used at community events during the summer months. Contact water@london.ca for more information or click here.
For Information on special events, please contact specialevents@london.ca