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Special Event Permits

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Host an event in the City of Woodstock

Special events bring people together in shared experiences. They allow us to connect with others and feel part of a community, contributing to the vitality of the city. 

Planning an event or festival on public property requires information from and collaboration with several city divisions. Resources are available to assist event organizers during the planning process.

What is considered a special event?

  • A special event is any organized activity held outdoors on city property (e.g., parks, trails, roads, sidewalks, etc.) with a large number of people in attendance. Special events include runs and walkathons, parades, festivals, outdoor concerts and picnics.
  • If you wish to book an event that is considered a Special Event, please complete the below application or contact Special Events staff at 519-539-2382 x 4104 or by email.

Hosting a small outdoor gathering, picnic, etc.?

  • If you wish to book an event that does not fit within the description of a special event, please complete the below application or contact the Parks Department at 519 539 1291 x 4110 or by email

Special Event Request Application


Questions? We can help! Contact Special Events staff at 519-539-1291 x 4104 or by email.

Public Spaces Available for Special Events and Outdoor Gatherings

Below is a list of locations suitable for various types of events. If the location you were thinking of is not on the list below, please contact our events team to discuss at 519-539-1291 x 4110 or by email

Southside Park

Southside Park is the largest park within Woodstock at nearly 65 acres. It's located at 192 Old Wellington St. South. 

Bookable spaces include:
Entire Park
Bandshell Pavilion (near playground)
Boathouse Pavilion (near water)
Gazebo

Cowan Fields

Cowan Fields is located at 1495 Devonshire Ave. This nearly 25 acre park is home to three class A baseball diamonds, a play structure and splash pad. 

Bookable spaces include:
Pavilion
Open Space

Museum Square

Located in the heart of Downtown at 472 Dundas St., Museum Square is Woodstock's Civic Square and hosts many community events. 

Bookable spaces include:
Open Space

Pittock

Part of the Pittock Conservation Area, there is green space available on both the north and south shore of the reservoir. 

Bookable spaces include:
North Shore

South Shore (Roth Park)
Victoria Park

Located at 413 Buller St., Victoria Park is one of Woodstock's oldest parks with lots of green space and surrounded by mature trees. This 5 acre park is also home to the Cenotaph. 

Bookable spaces include:
Entire Park

Rental Fees

 Park Space Rentals
  • Park Area (under 100 people) Full Day: $45.20 
  • Fitness Class (under 30 people) 1 Hour: $12.00
  • Pavilion or Gazebo (under 100 people)
    • 4 hour block (preferably 9am-1pm or 3pm-7pm): $56.50
    • Full Day: $113.00   

All fees include HST

Large Park Events (over 100 people)

  • Park Space (includes pavilion where applicable): $350.30 
  • Beverage Garden (per additional 10 sq. ft. larger than 3,200 sq. ft. holds up to 100 ppl, example: 40'x80') min charge per event: $452.00
  • Beverage Garden (per additional 10 sq. ft. larger than 3,200 sq. ft.) per event: $90.40
  • Garbage Collection/Event Assistance (includes labour & vehicle) per hour: $67.80
  • Excess Garbage Removal (tipping fee) per 8 yard bin: $135.60
  • Labour Rate (includes vehicle) per hour: $67.80

All fees include HST

Board of Works

  • Road Closure for Events (per closure): $250.00
    • Additional fees will be added at the P.W. supervisors' discretion for damage or missing materials

Fee is HST exempt

Other Resources

We've included some additional information below you may find helpful when planning your event.

Advertise your Event
If your event is open to the public, you can promote it for free on the City of Woodstock Events Calendar! You may also be interested in advertising in our What's on Woodstock magazine. 
Special Event Road Closures

A special event road closure permit is required for anyone wanting to hold a small parade/procession, street block party, a race/walk/bike-a-thon, demonstration or any similar event that requires a lane or road closure or may interfere with the normal flow of traffic on any city road.  The special event request application includes details if a road closure is needed for your event.

Special Event Food Regulations 
Anyone offering food to the public at a special event is should review the requirements enforced by Southwestern Public Health. Vendor notification forms, requirements and regulations can be found on Southwestern Public Health's website. 

Contact Us

© 2017 City of Woodstock P.O. Box 1539, 500 Dundas Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 0A7

 

Phone: 519-539-1291
Email: General Information

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