Organising events and activations

Our public places such as parks, gardens, reserves and hard spaces are some of the best in the world and attract millions of visitors each year. 

Many activations can be held in Melbourne's public places, including: 

• events (community activations, fun runs, festivals and live music) 
• weddings
• promotions and sampling
• filming and photography
• media launches including outside broadcasts (radio or television) 
• art installations 
• distribution of handbills 
• fundraising
• busking and street entertainment. 

All activations require an approved plan and permit from City of Melbourne. 

If you are planning a public assembly, demonstration or rally, you don’t need our permission but please inform us of your activity, so that we can plan for any impacts to public places and notify affected stakeholders.

City of Melbourne has a wide variety of venues, rooms and spaces available to hire, suitable for functions, meetings, conferences, training, performances and other activities.

We also have a range of exhibition spaces, galleries and studios for lease, rent or hire. 

For large-scale conferences, conventions and trade shows, the city has world-class facilities including the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

City of Melbourne offers several funding, sponsorship and support programs to help businesses and other organisations successfully stage an activation. This includes the Event Partnership Program (EPP) and  Business Event Sponsorship Program. 

If your event is within the City of Melbourne municipal boundaries, you may quality for a free listing External link on the What's On Melbourne website External link. We also offer opportunities to have your event promoted through other What’s On Melbourne marketing channels throughout the year.