Major Event - EOI 2026 to 2029

To be eligible for the Major Events - Expression of interest (EOI), your event must be open to the public, and meet one or more of the below:

• ​Major events with an attendance of 10,000 people or more.
• Events involving complex road closures. (e.g. multiple road closures or closing main roads with multiple detours). 
• Events causing minor road closures but impacting public transport​.
• More than 20 items of infrastructure (e.g. marquees, portable toilets, inflatables, stages, food vans).
• Large infrastructure builds requiring cranes and/or multiple vehicles for set up and pack down​.

The event must take place within the City of Melbourne municipality and in a space managed by the City of Melbourne rather than a privately managed spaces. Visit City of Melbourne Map

Key dates for EOI application:

• Thursday 1 May 2025: Applications for Expressions of Interest open at 9.00am 2025 (AEST).
• Saturday 31 May 2025: Applications for Expressions of Interest close at 11.59pm 2025 (AEST).
• August 2025: Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application.

This process enables you to apply for events up to three (3) years in advance from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029. However, it's important to note that while you may be successful for the first financial year, dates for the following years are not guaranteed. It will be dependent on the success of the previous year. 

If you have applied in previous years, please read the application form carefully. It includes a question asking whether you have submitted a form for specific financial years. If you have already applied for previous years and received an outcome, only select the financial year that is newly required. For example, if you previously applied for 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, you should only select 2028–2029, as it is the newly added financial year.

Ineligible - If the event is private, for example the general public cannot attend the event or held before the 1 July 2026, please continue to apply via the Event Permit Application Form

The Major Events EOI is focused solely on managing public open space in the City of Melbourne and is separate from funding requests. Although the application includes a question about funding, it does not relate to the funding process. The relevant Funding team will contact applicants seeking funding and assist with any funding related matters. Eligibility for the EOI is based on the event meeting one or more of the specified criteria for what qualifies as a major event.

The assessment for the EOI applications will take into consideration the following:

Sponsored Event: Has the event received sponsorship or a grant from the City of Melbourne or is intending to apply in 2026?

Suitability of Event: Is the event suited for the chosen space, or can it be held at another City of Melbourne public open space? Does the event align with City of Melbourne’s goals and priorities? Does the event promote visitation to the City of Melbourne in low or shoulder seasons?

Community/Cultural Benefits: Does the event provide something new or innovative to the community? Does it incorporate cutting-edge technology, feature strong cultural programming, or offer a free programming component? Does the event facilitate connections with local businesses or the community?

Stimulus: Are attendees likely to engage with businesses before or after the event? Will local businesses have the opportunity to participate in the event? Will the event benefit one or more City of Melbourne precincts?

Event Engagement: Does the event capture the interest of a broad audience? Has the event previously been held within the City of Melbourne? Will the event attract visitors to the City of Melbourne? Is the event accessible, affordable, inclusive, safe and engaging?