Major Events EOI - 2027 to 2030

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 with 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:

• Friday 1 May 2026: Applications for Expressions of Interest open at 9.00am 2026 (AEST).
• Sunday 31 May 2026: Applications for Expressions of Interest close at 11.59pm 2026 (AEST).
• August 2026: Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their application.

Event timeframes

This EOI process allows you to apply for events up to three (3) years in advance covering the period:

1 July 2027 to 30 June 2030.

Please note:

• Approval may be granted for the first year only.
• Approval for subsequent years is NOT guaranteed and will be dependent on the successful delivery and assessment of the previous years. 

Applicants who have applied previously:

• If you have applied in previous EOI rounds, please read the form carefully.
• The applications includes a question asking whether you have already submitted an EOI for specific financial year(s).
• Example: If you previously applied for 2026-27 and 2027-28, you should only select 2028-29 as the newly added year. 

Ineligible - If the event is private, for example, the general public cannot attend the event or it's held before the 1 July 2027, please continue to apply via the Event Permit Application Form 

Funding information.

This EOI is not funding related.

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. 

Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions are not a funding application.

The EOI process is used to identify event locations and dates for major events only.

If you are seeking financial support, funding for events must be applied for separately through the Grants and sponsorships | City of Melbourne.

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 2027?

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?