Pop Up + Interim
Pop Up and Interim Spaces
Note: City bylaws and programs change over time and this information may become out of date. It is your responsibility to reconfirm this information.
Do you have an event that lasts longer than 4 days and shorter than 6 months (on consecutive or non-consecutive days)? You may be interested in a pop-up or interim space.
Recent changes to city by-laws mean that it’s even easier for artists and arts organizations to get approvals for pop-ups and interim events. There’s never been a better time to plan your short term event.
What’s the difference?
There is some overlap so think carefully about which definition applies to you.
- A pop-up is a short term event that can be held for a maximum of 4 days in a row, up to 50 total days in a year. This could be a weekly Farmers Market, or a long weekend street festival, for instance.
- An interim event is a Repeating event that can last up to 6 months on consecutive or non-consecutive days.
What kind of space can be a pop-up or interim space?
Pop-ups are allowed on the ground floor of existing buildings or within an enclosed shopping mall if the land use is listed.
How do I get my pop-up or interim event up and running?
Step 1: Find your perfect fit
The City’s Land Use By-Law is very specific regarding pop-ups and interim events, so make sure your activity falls into one of these categories. If you need more information on the definitions of each of these uses, read more here.
Approved pop-up uses include:
A
- Amusement Arcade
- Artist’s Studio
- Auction Market – Other Goods
B
- Billiard Parlour
C
- Cinema
- Computer Games Facility
- Conference and Event Facility
- Counselling Service
F
- Fitness Centre
- Food Kiosk
I
- Indoor Recreation Facility
- Information and Service Provider
- Instruction Facility
L
- Library
M
- Market (see special note below)
- Medical Clinic
- Museum
O
- Office
P
- Performing Arts Centre
- Pet Care Service
- Print Centre
R
- Restaurant [7 different types, refer to Land Use Bylaw]
- Retail and Consumer Service
S
- Specialty Food Store
V
- Specialty Food Store
Miscellaneous
- Or an “educational, recreational, sporting, social, and worship activity that includes, but is not limited to a wedding, circus, birthday, trade show, and ceremony.”
Approved interim uses include:
A
- Artist's Studio
C
- Catering Service – Minor
F
- Food Kiosk
- Fitness Centre
I
- Indoor Recreation Facility
- Information and Service Provider
M
- Market
O
- Office
P
- Print Centre
R
- Restaurant [7 different types, refer to Land Use Bylaw]
- Retail and Consumer Service
S
- Specialty Food Store
T
- Take-Out Food Service
Step 2: Know your Land Use information
You’ll need to have the Land Use information for any space you want to occupy. Please check out Land Use section for details on how to find / use this info.
Step 3: Check out the Email Templates linked below and on our Resources page for the best way to reach out to the owner of the space you’re looking at.
Step 4: Book a pre-application meeting with the City of Calgary’s Planning and Development team. They will help you to ensure you have everything you need in place.
Step 5: Once your space is confirmed, you’re ready to start event planning.
Do you have your bases covered?
Additional licensing requirements
Depending on the land use designation, and the parameters of your event, you may require additional licences. Follow this link to make sure you have all your ducks in a row.
Email Template for pop-ups
Try one of these premade templates when inquiring about using space for your proposed pop-up event.
