Special Events - business guide
Before you apply
Do you need to register your business?
We encourage all businesses operating in Calgary to register their business with The City of Calgary.
All businesses operating from a location in Calgary are required to obtain location approval for their business, even if a licence is not required. Location approval helps ensure that the space you are operating has been approved for your business and is safe for all occupants.
If your business requires a business licence, registration will occur at the same time as applying for your licence. If you wish to register your business with the City of Calgary, please apply online.
Do you need a business licence?
Businsses that provide event services may require a licence, review your business activities to help determine if a licence is required.
MyID business account
If you have a myID business account, you can get a digital copy of your business licence through email.
To learn more and to sign-up, visit myID business account.
Event businesses that do need a licence | Entertainment businesses that do need a licence | Entertainment and event businesses that do not need a licence |
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Events where products and services are being sold. | Amusement arcades | Individual vendors at approved trade shows or markets, except for business that sell alcohol and tobacco products. |
Farmer’s markets | Concert facilities | Seminars where samples, demonstrations, products or services are not provided |
Trade shows | Escape rooms | City-approved community festivals or events |
Carnivals and circuses | Cinemas and movie theaters | Events at a community hall |
Fairs | Entertainment establishments |
Generally, private or social events (ie, not a business) held on private property, however an AGLC event licence may be required to sell or provide liquor services at a private event. |
Haunted houses | Adult mini theater |
For tents to support staff and talent at temporary filming locations, see Tents for details on what permits are required. |
Festivals | Conference and event facilities |
For tent/outdoor events on the same property as the existing licenced business, the existing licence automatically extends to an event taking place on the same property as the licensed business. A new license would be required for activities that require a licence and are located on a different property. |
Extended Dance Events | Amusement parks | - |
Outdoor music or dance festivals | - | - |
Psychic practitioners | - | - |
For more in-depth information about these different types of licences, see the licenceable entertainment and events section below.
If you don’t know if your business requires a business licence, contact the Planning Services Centre for assistance.
What are your business activities?
Your business activities will determine what's required to open your business:
- if you need a business licence
- what licence types you need
- what permits you may need
Examples of different licence types you may need:
Example | Licence types |
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If you plan to host a farmer’s market on a regular basis. |
A Market licence is required |
If you plan on renting a stall, table or space at an approved farmer’s market. |
A contractor licence is required. |
If your business will provide entertainment to the public, including live entertainment, patron dancing, games rooms, a bowling alley, billiard/pool hall or drive-in theatre. |
An Entertainment Establishment licence is required. |
If your business will event services including event planning, rentals, such as tent, seating, tables, decorations, etc. | No licence is required. |
If your business will include the set-up and/or take-down of tents or canopies. |
A contractor licence is required. |
If your business will sell products for events, including tents, seating, tables, decorations, etc. |
A Retail Dealer – Premises licence is required. |
These licence types will be generated as part of your application when you apply. You do not need to apply for them separately.
If your business fits into more than one licence type, you do not need to get multiple approvals. For example, you only need one Fire inspection even if it is required by all of your different licence types.

How much does a Business Licence Cost?
When setting up a new licence, applicable fees apply. Fees are based on the type of licence you need and whether your business is home-based or commercial-based. Business licence fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Fees are subject to change the next calendar year.
Commercial based business
Business licence | New licence | Police | Fire | Planning | Total |
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Alcohol Beverage Sales | $172 | - | $107 | $41 | $320 |
Amusement Arcade | $172 | - | $107 | $41 | $320 |
Carnival or Circus | $172 | - | $107 | $41 | $320 |
Cinema | $172 | - | $208 | $41 | $421 |
Concert (per day) | $1179 | - | $66 | $41 | $1286 |
Concert Facility | $236 | $65 + $55 for each additional | $208 | $41 | $550 |
Entertainment Establishment | $172 | - | $107 | $41 | $320 |
Extended Dance Event (per event) | $327 | $65 + $55 for each additional | $208 | $41 | $641 |
Food Service - Premises | $172 | - | $107 | $41 | $320 |
Market | $172 | - | $107 | $41 | $320 |
Psychic Practitioner | $172 | $65 + $55 for each additional | $41 | $278 | |
Trade Show | $172 | - | $208 | $41 | $421 |
How do you pay for your licence?
You need to pay for your licence when you submit your application. If you are applying online, you can pay using apply.calgary.ca.
What permits do you need?
Understanding what approvals will be required will help ensure you will be able to open your business with ease and on time. Your business may require Planning Approval, Building Safety Approval, or both in order to be approved to operate from your selected location.
These approvals are based on:
- the location of the business,
- the proposed business activities
- how the space was used before your business
- If your business will be operating from a temporary location, such as a tent or outdoor space, or from a commercial or industrial location.
To learn more about what permits you may need, see the location approval section.
How long will it take to process your application?
To avoid delays, ensure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information.
TIP
Do not sign your lease agreements until you have checked your location approval. We recommend applying for your location approval and building safety approvals before applying for your licence.
Commercial based location timelines
Temporary tent location timelines
Tier Classification | Building Permit required | Development Permit required | Timeline |
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Tier 1 | No | No | n/a |
Tier 1 | No | Yes | 10 – 12 weeks |
Tier 2 | Yes | No | Approximately 1-2 business days if no DP is required, or DP has been approved. |
Tier 2 | Yes | Yes | 10 – 12 weeks for DP approval + Approximately 1-2 business days if no DP is required, or DP has been approved. |
Tier 3 | Yes | No |
Typically, between 21 and 49 days*. *Varies based on complexity and completeness of the application. |
Tier 3 | Yes | Yes |
10 – 12 weeks for DP approval + Typically, between 21 and 49 days*. *Varies based on complexity and completeness of the application. |
What is the name of your business?
A business name, or trade name, is used to represent your business to the public. You may wish to register your trade name with the province. Read more in Opening a business in Calgary: Register your Trade Name.
Who will own the business?
- Sole proprietor – one person owns the business
- Partnership – agreement between two or more people or companies
- Corporation – a legal entity that is separate from its owners, the shareholders
Where is your event located?
Before you set-up for your event, make sure you know if a permit will be required by reviewing the Tents & Canopies page.
If you will be operating a business you will need to provide a location that is approved for their specific business activities. Review the location approval section to make sure your business activities are allowed at your chosen location.
If you’re running your business from more than one location, you need a separate business licence for each location. Each location may require a different combination of permits to satisfy your location approval requirement.
Interdepartmental events team
- Is on city-owned land, including a City park or road
- Needs permits/assistance from two or more departments (such as Parks and Planning & Development Services)
- Is complex or expects mass public attendance
Then, the Interdepartmental Events Team will help coordinate the approvals needed for your event. The Interdepartmental Events Team uses a one-stop approach for festivals and events on City land to help festival and event organizers obtain necessary approvals. It is made up of representatives from over 20 City departments and organizations to help co-ordinate large events. Smaller events, such as weddings or private celebrations, typically do not require the team’s involvement.
Contact the Interdepartmental Events Team at eventservices@calgary.ca.
Entertainment and event business licence types
Location approval
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Your business will be operating from an owned or leased commercial or industrial space in Calgary.
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Your business will be operating from a temporary tent or outdoor venue.
Commercial based location
Your business will be run from a commercial or industrial location in Calgary.

Planning and Building Safety approvals
Look up your land use district on the listed use matrix to determine if your proposed business activities are listed in your district.
How will you occupy the space?
Once you’ve confirmed your business activities are a listed use in a Land Use District, you need to determine how you will be occupying the space, to see which permits you might need to satisfy your Location Approval.
Contact the Planning Services Centre if you are not sure what approvals your business will require from your chosen location.
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There was a different business using this space and now your business will be taking over, OR you are a new tenant, but you will be sharing the space with an existing tenant
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You are the first tenant going into a unit in a new building.
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You are an existing tenant. You have pre-existing approval for this space, but are making changes to operations
What different types of permits might be required?
Apply
Prepare your application
Once you know how and where your business will operate, you’re ready to apply.
For a smooth application, make sure you know the following information:
- Business Activities
- Location of Business
- Fee payment at the time of application*
- Ownership
- Name of Business
- Contact information for the business and owner
- If you are applying online, a myID account
Tips for a smooth application process
Before you apply
Before you apply
- Put together a cost and timeline estimate.
- Confirm the requirements needed to operate from your selected location:
- Is your type of business allowed to operate from your chosen location (is the Use listed in your Land Use District)
- What type of Permits do you need as part of your Location Approval? See location approval.
- Do you need to apply for a development permit or tenancy change as part of your Location Approval?
- Does the space require any upgrades to comply with Building and Fire Codes?
- Are you doing construction yourself or hiring a contractor?
- Do you need to apply for a building permit as part of your Land Use Approval?
- Do you need approval from the property owner before making changes to the space?
- Hire the appropriate contractors for the project.
- Are your contractors licensed
- Can your contractors pull the right trade permits to work on your business?
After you apply
Need help? A business experience representative can help you determine what approvals you will need. Contact The Planning Services Centre.
Apply for your licence and required permits
To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account.
Apply in person
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.
After you apply
What approvals do you need?
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email summarizing your application. It will include your Business Identification number (BID) and your next steps. If you do not get this email, check your junk email folder and then contact the Planning Services Center if you still did not receive it.
Once you apply for your business licence, you must complete your outstanding approvals before the business licence is issued.
The approvals you will need for your licence are:
You will be contacted by a file manager to review your application and provide you with next steps.
Required
Licence Categories | Description | Location approval | Show ID | Police check | Fire | Health | AGLC |
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Alcohol Beverage Sales | Required to sell alcoholic beverages to the public. |
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Amusement Arcade | Required to provide entertainment to the public in the form of where four or more amusement, sport or arcade machines are provided. |
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Carnival or Circus | Required to provide a collection of side shows, mechanical rides, trained animal acts, games of chance or other forms of entertainment to the public. |
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Cinema | Required to show motion pictures to the public within a building, but do not include an Adult Mini-Theatre. |
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Concert |
Required for any outdoor music or dance festival, musical performance, or similar musical activity where:
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Concert Facility | Is required for any venue within the City of Calgary that can stage a concert. |
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Entertainment Establishment | Required if your establishment routinely advertises live entertainment such as music or comedy, dancing, games room, a bowling alley, billiard/pool hall or drive-in theatre |
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Extended Dance Event (per event) |
Required for people to listen and dance to electronic and synthesized music (commonly referred to as a rave). A business licence is required if:
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Food Service - Premises | Required to operate a food premise or prepare and serve food to the public, includes pre-packaged foods. |
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Market | Required to provide stalls, tables or spaces for rent to merchants to display and sell goods to the public. |
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Psychic Practitioner | Required for any person providing card reading, fortune telling, graphology, palmistry, phrenology, numerology or other similar services to the public. |
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Trade Show | Required to organize a short term commercial exhibition of 10 or more participants, whose purpose is to exhibit samples, demonstrate products or services, or sell products or services to the public. |
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How to get your Approvals?
After you have obtained all your approvals, your Business Licence can be issued to you.
Check the status of your application
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).
To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.
If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre.

Get a copy of your licence
As part of The City’s efforts to accelerate the business license approvals process, customers with a myID business account can receive a digital copy of their business licence via email. This is available to customers applying for a new business licence or renewing an existing licence. To learn more about the benefits of a myID business account and to sign-up today, please visit myID business account.
When does your licence expire?
Business licenses expire one year from the issuance date. You’ll get a notice in the mail 45 days before your licence expires to notify you of the expiry date. To renew your licence, see licence renewals.
Renewing your business licence
Your business licence needs to be renewed every year to remain active. We will mail you an invoice 45 days prior to payment being due. How you choose to pay for your renewal will affect when we receive the fee, so please allow sufficient processing time.
Payment options
Online renewal
To renew your licence online, sign into your myID business account and manage your business at apply.calgary.ca.
If you do not have a myID business account, you will have to create one first.
Make changes to your business
Business licences are specific to the owner when the business was applied and are non-transferable from one person or entity to another.
You can make some changes to your business, including:
- Moving your Business
- Change your mailing address
- Changing your Trade Name
- Updating your Ownership (sole proprietor or partnership to corporation) * conditions apply
See manage your business for more information.
Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Assessment
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is established by businesses in an area to jointly raise and administer funds for various projects and promotional activities within the zone throughout the year. Businesses located in a BIA will receive a BIA tax bill. This levy is collected by The City of Calgary on behalf of the BIA.
Planning Services Centre
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MT)
Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat
Call:
403-268-5311
In person:
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca