Special Event and Park Permits

You need a permit if you are planning to hold an event in a City park or First Capital Place (Springer Market Square, Memorial Hall in City Hall, or Confederation Park).

Depending on your event, you will need either a Special Event Permit or a one-time use Park Permit. We will determine which permit is required based on the information you provide in your application.

All events must also have insurance.

Before filling out the application form, please consider the following questions:

  • Will food be served or sold to the public?
  • Will alcohol be served or sold?
  • Will amplified sound be used (e.g., music, speakers, megaphones)?
  • Will there be tents or canopies?
  • Will there be a stage and/or risers (installed or constructed)?
  • Will amusement rides, games, or inflatables be offered (e.g., bouncy castles, climbing walls)?
  • Does the event include a lottery, draw, or raffle?
  • Does the event include fireworks?
  • Will the event require one or more generators?

Events in Springer Market Square 

With its outdoor space capacity of 3,000 people and proximity to Kingston City Hall and Confederation Park, Springer Market Square is an ideal location for festivals, concerts and more.

  • 25,000+ square feet of hardscaped public square
  • Fully accessible for mobility devices
  • Adjacent accessible public washrooms on the lower level of Kingston City Hall, offering step-free access and automatic doors
  • Amphitheatre for smaller performances, classes, and events
  • Built-in 15 amp, 120 volt electrical receptacles to support event production. Additional electrical infrastructure is also available for large-scale productions.
  • LED lighting fixtures permanently installed on five light standards can fill the square with virtually any colour. Learn how to Light Up City Hall
  • Bistro tables and additional seasonal seating areas

Note: The outdoor rink is not available for private events or bookings. 

  • Stageline mobile stage SL100 - 20 x 24 ft  
  • Stageline mobile stage SL75 - 20 x 16 ft 
  • Small bleachers - 40 person capacity (approximate) - Size 15 ft long by 7 ft wide  
  • Large bleachers - 180 person capacity (approximate) - Size 30 ft long by 17.4 ft wide by 10.9 ft high 

Email specialeventsoffice@cityofkingston.ca for information about the two mobile stages available for rent.

Apply for a special event or park permit

Sign up/log in to MyKingston to complete your application online and ensure we can fulfill your request effectively. Require an alternate format? You can Contact Us.

Apply Now

To book another City facility like a pool or indoor recreation space, visit our Rentals page.

Timelines

We recommend applying early in your event planning process.

Planning large scale events can be complex, requiring permission from various City departments, as well as Public Health, provincial or federal regulators. The City’s Special Event Policy identifies parks, timelines and usage suitable for these events.

For large and mega events (500-5000+ attendees per day) we recommend applying 12-18 months before your event. For smaller events and gatherings like picnics, photo shoots and field trips (less than 500 attendees per day), please apply at least 90 days prior to your event or park booking.

Event fees

The following are key fees and charges related to special events. For the full list check the Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Fees do not include HST. Taxes will be added at the time of payment. Other permits and fees may apply depending on the nature of your event (road closure permit, parking permit, etc.).

  • Half day rental - maximum of 5 hours.
  • Full day rental - maximum of 10 hours.
  • Special event park rental - attendance less than 500
  • Large scale event park rental - attendance 500-5,000/day
  • Mega event park rental - attendance +5,000/day

Rental Type

Duration

Cost

Special event park rental

Half day

$455.09

Special event park rental

Full day

$650.13

Large scale event park rental

Half day

$632.39

Large scale event park rental

Full day

$886.59

Mega event park rental

Full day

$1,144.82

Set-up/tear town

Daily

$295.53

Commercial surcharge on all rates

Hourly

20%

Item

Duration

Cost

Mobile stage - SL100

Daily

$7,845.13

Mobile stage - SL75

Daily

$1,649.56

Stage monitoring

Hourly

$84.96

Deck extension or sound wing deck

Hourly

$151.24

 

Film permits

Film permits are separate from Special Event Permits and are managed by the Film & Media Office within Tourism Kingston. Permit applications can be found on the Visit Kingston website.

Contact

Special Events Office
216 Ontario St.
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
specialeventsoffice
@cityofkingston.ca 
Phone: 613-546-4291 ext. 1728/1801

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.