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

Artisan Markets:

Burnaby Blooms: Sunday, May 3, 2026, 11 am–4 pm
Application deadline: February 20, 2026 by 4 pm
National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD): Saturday, June 20, 2026, 1–5 pm
Application deadline: April 17, 2026 by 4 pm *Indigenous artisans only
Burnaby Blues + Roots: Saturday, August 8, 2026, 3:30–9 pm
Application deadline: May 29, 2026 by 4 pm
Burnaby Car Free Day: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 12pm–5 pm
Application deadline: June 19, 2026 by 4 pm

Before applying, please review the Artisan Market guidelines.

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

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.

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.