City of Calgary

Festivals and Events Subsidy Program (FESP)

Calgary, Alberta

Current recurring program; new-event applications are accepted on the 90-day lead-time basis and returning-event applications on or before November 15.

Event Opportunity Form must be submitted at least 90 days before the event; the funding index lists November 15 for returning events.

Eligible applicants
Registered not-for-profit organizations, charitable organizations, and Business Improvement Areas in good standing with the City of Calgary that organize local festivals or events.
Funding amount or limit
Returning events receive a fixed 90% subsidy for City services; new events receive a fixed 50% subsidy for City services; all recipients receive a fixed 50% subsidy for City-contracted services. The 2026 program pool is $3.2 million.
Jurisdiction
Calgary, Alberta
Last verified
2026-08-01

Eligible activities

  • Local festivals, parades, community, sports, recreation, cultural, and music events; the subsidy applies to approved City services such as permits, inspections, road closures, pay-duty services, and event infrastructure.

Verification note

The current City detail page resolves the discovery gap: the support is a subsidy against City-service costs rather than a general project grant.

Official sources

MusicList summarizes official public material and does not accept applications. Confirm current eligibility, dates, and terms with the operator.

Suggest a correction with an official source