Prior to an event being permitted, the Special Events Team reviews the event application in detail to ensure it meets our special event requirements and follows City bylaws before granting approval. Interested in applying for an outdoor special event in Abbotsford? Please contact events@abbotsford.ca to speak with our Special Events Team.
All outdoor community events are subject to the:
Your event requires a Special Event Permit if it falls under the Outdoor Special Event, Filming and Activities Bylaw No. 2513-2016. It will require a permit if it is:
Applications should be submitted at least 90 days prior to your event to allow you to receive approval for any applicable permits:
The City of Abbotsford awards in-kind grants to non-profit groups who can demonstrate that their community event can provide significant economic benefits and/or community pride to Abbotsford. Events must be held in the City of Abbotsford and have attendance of over 1,000 people. Groups must apply each year and grants must be used to offset direct City costs including facility rentals, field rentals, and equipment. Apply online here for a Special Events Grant Application.
Note: organizations may receive a maximum In-Kind Grant of $4,000 per calendar year.
Before your Special Event Permit can be issued, all necessary documents and information must be submitted and the application fee must be paid. Permits are as followed and are based on your total event attendance:
Payments are accepted in-person at Abbotsford City Hall by cash, cheque, credit card, or debt.
Cheques are payable to the “City of Abbotsford” and may also be mailed to:
Attention: Community and Special Events - 3rd Floor
Abbotsford City Hall
32315 South Fraser Way
Abbotsford, BC
V2T 1W7
Community events are an essential component of our City and help to foster a vibrant economy through community involvement and economic benefit.
We value your feedback and ask that you please complete our post-event wrap sheet and submit it to the Special Events Team.
All public Non-Farm Use events on agricultural land must go through a permitting process:
The information provided below outlines the Agricultural Land Commission’s conditions for public Non-Farm Use events for up to 150 people:
The City of Abbotsford is committed to the safety and success of all events in the community; large or small. For further information on events and the application process, please email our Special Events Team or call 604-853-2281.
Are you planning an un-ticketed event with 2,000+ at Rotary Stadium at Abbotsford Exhibition Park? To support event operators and public safety at events, City-contracted services will be scheduled and coordinated, at cost, on your behalf. These services include janitorial, security, traffic control and portable washrooms. All administration fees will be waived while we onboard this new service support. Contact events@abbotsford.ca to discuss this support.
Where an event includes the use/encroachment of City Property, including streets, sidewalks, and other public space, as per Street and Traffic Bylaw No. 3066-2021, a Highway Use Permit must be obtained from the Engineering Department.
If you are planning on hosting a run/walk in a park, please complete a Park Booking Request Form.
Where an event includes preparing or serving food to the participants or general public, a Temporary Food Permit must be obtained from the Fraser Health Authority.
All mobile food vendors must obtain a City of Abbotsford Business Licence in order to operate at an event. Apply for a New Business Licence.
If you are planning to serve or sell alcohol at your outdoor event you will need the following:
Residents wishing to discharge fireworks in the City boundaries require a fireworks permit. Permits will only be issued to certified Technicians who meet the requirements outlined in the City of Abbotsford Fireworks Bylaw No. 1439-2005.
The Special Events team must receive written approval from Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service to have open flame and/or propane pits at an event. For more information email Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service or call 604-853-3566.
