Event business ideas you can run from your own premises
32 ideas
These 32 event ideas centre on having a space of your own, whether you rent, lease or already own it. They suit people who like hosting, have a building or land to put to work, or are ready to commit to a fixed location.
Floral design studio with a small unit
Rent a small studio or unit to design event flowers, meet clients and take walk-in and online orders.
- C$8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small-town Christmas market organiser
Run a one-day or weekend festive market in a hall, church or arena, with local makers paying for stalls.
- C$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Outdoor multi-weekend Christmas market
Run a festive outdoor market over several weekends with stalls, food vendors, lights and live music.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
One-day local outdoor festival
Run a themed one-day festival in a park or town square, funded by tickets, vendor fees and local sponsors.
- C$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Tent, table and chair event hire
Hire out tents, tables, chairs and staging for weddings and events from a small rented warehouse unit.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Intimate city wedding and elopement venue
Lease a small loft, hall or garden space and rent it out for small weddings and receptions.
- C$10k-45k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Event tent and furniture hire business
Supply larger tents, flooring, tables and chairs for weddings, festivals and corporate events from a rented storage unit.
- C$30k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Tourist ticket desk for attractions and tours
Run a small walk-in desk selling tickets for local attractions, tours and shows to visitors.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Inflatable and party rental business
Run a larger fleet from a small rented unit, serving fairs, schools and corporate events as well as family parties.
- C$12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Balloon and party decoration shop
Open a small shop selling helium balloons, party decorations and custom balloon orders to walk-in customers.
- C$25k-80k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Banquet hall with in-house catering
Lease a large room and host weddings, dinners and community celebrations with food included.
- C$50k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small event hall for hire, bring your own caterer
Rent out a modest hall for celebrations and let clients choose approved caterers, keeping your costs lower.
- C$15k-75k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Indoor RC car track and play area
Rent a small unit, build a model car track and charge for entry, car hire and party bookings.
- C$12k-50k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Indoor night market in a hired venue
Host winter-friendly evening markets in a hall, warehouse or brewery space, with local vendors and live music.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Small hire space for parties and meetings
Lease a modest room or unit and rent it by the hour or day for parties, workshops, showers and small events.
- C$10k-40k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Barn or farm wedding venue
Turn a barn, garden or farm property you own or manage into a seasonal venue for weddings and gatherings.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Stage lighting shop and hire warehouse
Run a small unit that sells and hires stage lighting and installs it for theatres, churches and event companies.
- C$25k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Wedding dress hire boutique
Open a small shop where brides browse, try on and hire gowns and accessories, with a wider range and walk-in trade.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Marquee and event tent hire business
Run a full marquee hire business from a small unit, serving weddings, festivals and corporate events with a crew.
- C$20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Pop-up haunted house in a rented space
Turn an empty unit or warehouse into a walk-through scare attraction for the Halloween season.
- C$25k-80k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Haunted trail on a farm or private land
Partner with a landowner to run a scary walk through woods or fields, with actors and simple scenery.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Indoor play centre with parties and drop-in
Open a small indoor play space for toddlers and kids, earning from drop-in fees, birthday parties and classes.
- C$50k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighbourhood soft play centre
Open a small indoor play space where local families drop in or book parties, especially useful through long winters.
- C$60k-250k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Dedicated comedy club venue
Open a small club with its own stage and bar, running shows most weekends.
- C$60k-300k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Options range from a small hire space for parties and meetings or a kids' party room rental to a barn or farm wedding venue or a banquet hall with in-house catering. Before choosing, look at the property side: zoning, occupancy limits, fire and safety requirements, parking, noise rules and insurance. If you plan to serve alcohol or food, check which provincial and municipal licences apply. Work out your monthly rent or mortgage against realistic booking levels, including quiet weekdays and off-season months.
More ideas
- Pop-up piano bar nights
- Custom stall and display builder with workshop
- Custom exhibition stand workshop
- Costume rental shop
- Exhibition stand and stage builder with a rented unit
- Small kids' party room rental
- Formal wear hire shop for suits and gowns
- Small retro arcade in a rented unit
Questions
What should I check before using a space for events in Canada?
Check zoning and permitted use with your municipality, the maximum occupancy, fire safety and accessibility requirements, parking, and noise bylaws. Also confirm what your lease or mortgage allows, and ask an insurer about liability cover for guests.
Do I need a licence to serve food or alcohol at my venue?
It depends on your province and municipality. Serving alcohol usually involves a provincial liquor licence or special occasion permits, and preparing food may need health inspection approval. Contact your local public health unit and liquor regulator to confirm what applies.
How can I keep costs manageable with a venue of my own?
Start with a smaller space or a simple model, such as a hall for hire where clients bring their own caterer. Compare fixed costs like rent, utilities and insurance with realistic bookings, and think about weekday uses to fill quieter periods.