Hosting a Community Event

Hosting a special event in Maple Ridge is an opportunity to celebrate our cultural identity, community spirit and unique sense of place. By creating a new community event or sharing your ideas and creativity with an existing festival or special event, you are building and celebrating our community spirit and culture.
Updated Based on Current Guidelines on July 7 2021

3 Ways to stay connected and learn more:

• Stay current with local cultural event news by subscribing to our Cultural Newsletter.
• Get involved with other events to learn, collaborate and volunteer.
• Discuss your event ideas with City staff - we would be happy to connect you to resources including the special event planning toolkit and other community event leaders. Phone: 604 467-7325 or email us.

Step 1: Review Guidelines
Once you're ready to begin, check that your event matches the following criteria:

• Located in a public space such as parks, roads, and plazas.
• Inclusive in the design, promotion and delivery of the event.
• Free or low cost.
• Takes place once a year or infrequently
• Complies with Public health Order Guidelines. See provincial website for details.

Step 2: Contact Us and Submit an Application

• Contact City staff to help confirm your eligibility and assist with your application, site map, safety and planning by calling 604-467-7325 or email to set up a meeting.
• Complete the online Special Event Application including any supporting documents.
• Applications are submitted at least 90 days before your event to allow you to complete planning and receive approval for any applicable permits.

Step 3: Application Feedback

• City staff will send an acknowledgement email upon receipt of your application.
• We will provide feedback in a timely manner and communicate with you throughout the process.
• Continue developing the event plan and read the Resources Guide (PDF).

Step 4: Preliminary Approval
Once preliminary approval is provided, move forward with your event plans which may include finalizing contracts, completing any appropriate permits and promoting your event.

Step 5: Festival Grant Program
The City provides a modest festival grant program to eligible groups and festivals held in Maple Ridge with both in-kind and cash contributions for small, medium and large festivals that are new or recurring. Review the updated 2021 Guidelines,  Festival Grant Application and Grassroots Grants Application. 

Step 6: Celebrate!
Stay connected and share your story with us are you get closer to event day. We want to help promote and celebrate your contributions to our community.