Festivals and Events Subsidy Program

Festivals and Events Subsidy Program

Since 2010, Calgarians and visitors have enjoyed thousands of arts, culture, sports and recreation events funded through The City’s Festivals and Events Subsidy Program. 

About the subsidy program

The Festivals and Events Subsidy Program is for registered not-for-profits, charitable organizations and Business Improvement Areas that support a variety of local festivals and events including street festivals, parades, community, sports and recreation events.

This program is meant to enhance our communities and strengthen our local economy. In 2024, a total of $3.3 million will be made available through the Festivals and Events Subsidy Program.

Updates to the subsidy program

The City has updated its Festivals and Events Subsidy Program to provide transparent, accessible and equitable funding for qualified local festivals and events. In addition, these updates will help ensure the financial sustainability of this program so The City can continue to support existing and future events.

The following updates will take place in 2024:

  • There is no longer a requirement to complete a detailed subsidy application. Moving forward, subsidies for festivals and events will be awarded to organizers who qualify based on information gathered through the existing Event Opportunity Form.
  •  Returning program recipients will receive a fixed 90 per cent subsidy for all City services, such as permits, inspections, road closures and event infrastructure, based on final event expenses. 
  • New program recipients will continue to receive a fixed 50 per cent subsidy for all City services. New festivals and events are subsidized at a lower rate in their first year as they demonstrate long term financial and operational viability.
  • All program recipients will receive a fixed 50 per cent subsidy for all City contracted services, such as temporary electrical services and trucking services.
  • Beginning in 2025, there will be minor annual adjustments to The City’s fixed subsidy support percentage to allow for shifts in demand and budget.
View the updated Festival and Events Subsidy Program Process

How to qualify

To qualify for funding, festival and event organizers must:

  • be a not-for-profit, charitable organization, or a Business Improvement Area,
  • be in good standing with The City of Calgary,
  • and submit their Event Opportunity Form before the deadline.

Event organizers must submit their Event Opportunity Form 90 days before their event.

Festivals and Events Subsidy Guidelines

For full program and qualification details please review the Festivals and Events Subsidy Guidelines.

Festival and Events Subsidy Program Process

Use the process map to learn about the steps in the subsidy program from start to finish. 

Download Subsidy Program Process Map

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Contact us

Email: eventservices@calgary.ca

Mailing address:
Event Services #63
P.O. Box 2100 Station M
Calgary, AB, T2P 2M5
Hours of operation:

Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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