City of Burnaby Special Events

Get involved in special events

City of Burnaby produced events take place throughout the year in various locations across our city. These unique, diverse, and free events are an important piece of our goal of being a world-class city committed to creating and sustaining the best quality of life for our entire community.

Burnaby consistently delivers accessible, safe and diverse special events that: 

  • reflect the community’s cultural aspirations
  • contribute to vibrant parks, streets, neighbourhoods
  • create memorable experiences for residents and visitors

Call for performers and community groups

We're seeking performers and community groups to participate in our special events!

We’re inviting local artisans and makers to be part of our family friendly signature events and festivals. Help us build diverse, inclusive markets that reflect the talent and creativity of our local community. 

Who we're looking for:

Artisans and Makers

  • Ceramics, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, printmaking
  • Specialty foods and natural wellness products
  • Other unique, high quality, handcrafted goods

What you can expect:

  • Support including program promotion, artist/vendor fee and contract, and set up and take down support

Burnaby Blooms Artisan Market–Application update

Thank you to everyone who applied to participate in the Burnaby Blooms Artisan Market. All application notifications have now been sent, and all accepted vendors have confirmed their participation. We appreciate the time, effort, and creativity shown by every applicant. If you did not receive an acceptance email and have not yet applied to our other markets, we encourage you to apply again for future opportunities. Thank you for your interest and continued support.

Artisan Markets:

Bring your craft to thousands of families, friends, neighbours and visitors throughout the year!

Before applying, please review the Artisan Market guidelines

Artisan Application Form

We are seeking a diverse range of performing talent from emerging and mid-career artists and artist teams/collectives to bring excitement and energy to our family-friendly signature special events and festivals throughout the year. We welcome artists who enjoy the opportunity to interact with thousands of families, friends, neighbours and visitors from various communities! 

Types of performances may include:

  • music
  • performance arts
  • dance
  • magic
  • combination of disciplines

Compensation will be provided based on time/duration of engagement, artistic merit, group size, market rates and industry standards and other factors. We provide comprehensive support to artists, including program promotion, artist fee and contract, as well as access to power, set up and tear down for event as appropriate.

Performer Application Form

We invite diverse community groups, including non-profit organizations, ad hoc groups, cultural organizations, charities and businesses, to bring excitement and energy to family-friendly signature special events and festivals. You'll have the opportunity to engage with thousands of families, friends, neighbours and visitors from various communities!

Activation ideas include:

  • Interactive activities that invite families to participate together such as games, sports, crafts, photo booths, or costumes.
  • Interactive outreach, demonstrations, distinctive display materials, and booth installations.
  • Engaging ways to share knowledge, arts and culture.

General information: 

  • Internet, WiFi, power and lighting will not be provided as a standard offering.
  • Activations must be open for the entire event duration and have staff present at all times.
  • Unauthorized sales of goods and distribution of food and beverages are strictly prohibited.
  • Any use of sound devices (such as microphones or speakers) must be communicated in advance for approval.
  • Selected groups will be allocated a standard 10’x10’ space. If you require a larger arrangement, please provide more information in the application form.

Community Groups Application Form

Please note: A nominal registration fee may apply to participate with some exceptions. Registered not-for-profit organizations or charities are exempt from the registration fee. Further details regarding the fee structure will be provided upon acceptance, and participants will be informed of any applicable charges.

From July 14 to August 27, the City of Burnaby is inviting registered non-profit organizations, collectives and individuals to activate vibrant, welcoming community spaces at Confederation Park with free, engaging public programming. Successful applicants may receive a one-time funding opportunity of $1,000 to $5,000 to host small-scale activities on select dates, helping transform the park spaces into a lively park that supports health, wellness, social inclusion, and community connection.

Programming will take place on Tuesdays to Thursdays at Confederation Park, offering opportunities to showcase creative, inclusive activities that reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. Applications are open until May 31, 2026

Who we're looking for:

  • Registered non-profit organizations, collectives and individual art practitioners.

What you can expect:

  • Support including program promotion and funding.

General information:

  • Internet, WiFi, power and lighting will not be provided as a standard offering.
  • Activations must be open for the entire duration and have staff present at all times.
  • Unauthorized sales of goods and distribution of food and beverages are strictly prohibited.
  • The use of sound amplification devices, including microphones and speakers, is not permitted during the activation.
  • Selected groups will be allocated a standard 10’x10’ space. If you require a larger arrangement, please provide more information in the application form.

The Community Partner Program applications will be open from Wednesday, April 1 to Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Deadline for submissions: Sunday, May 31, 2026. 

Before applying, please review the Community Partner Guidelines

Community Partner Application Form

Learn more about Summer Stages

Submissions are accepted year-round. We are currently accepting submissions for 2026 events. Applications received before March 15, 2026 will be prioritized for 2026 programming. We will reach out to applicants who have been shortlisted. However, all applications received will be retained for future consideration.

Preference will be given to: 

  • Burnaby based artists, organizations or local community groups who are in good standing with the city.
  • Activation that enriches the city’s event diversity to represent a wide range of cultures, activities and services.
  • Engaging and interactive family friendly activities.

Please see individual deadlines for Performer application and Community Groups application.

Have questions? 

Email: [email protected]

Check out our special events

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