2023 Northwest Folklife Festival Vendor Applications

Each year the Northwest Folklife Festival features over 200 local PNW merchants offering the best in food, crafts, import items and services such as facepainting and caricatures.  Applications typically open in the late Fall and run through the early months of the festival year.  Booth fees range depending on merchant category, and Northwest Folklife uses a flat booth fee plus commission for onsite sales, in an effort to keep booth prices reasonable and only collect commissions if vendors have a successful weekend.  Our team believes that our vendors are as much a part of our festival as the performers, and there is no better way to experience Folklife than to taste a family recipe or bring home a one of a kind piece of art.  

One common question we receive is the difference between our Craft and Uncommon Market categories.  Craft vendors sell items they make themself, while Uncommon Market vendors typically sell handmade items made by someone else.  Many of our Uncommon Market vendors sell imported goods - showcasing handmade wares produced all over the world.  Vendors with questions about which category they should apply to can reach out to merchants@nwfolklife.org.  

Our vendor applications typically follow the schedule below:

Food Vendor Applications: Open in October, close in December (please note that this year's applications were delayed but applications are now available and will close February 1st, 2023)  Apply here

Craft Vendor Application: Open in November, close in January (please note that this year's applications were delayed but applications are now available and will close February 10, 2023)  Apply here

Uncommon Market Vendor Applications: Open in December, close in February.  Applications are now available and will close February 10, 2023.  Apply here

Sidewalk Vendor Applications: Open in January/February, close in March.  Applications are now available and will close February 10, 2023.  Apply here


Nonprofit Vendor Applications: Are you a not for profit or community organization who would like to have an informational booth at the festival to distribute information and connect with attendees?  We have a limited number of spaces available for community partners, apply here by April 1, 2023

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement *Updated December 2022*

We are requiring proof of vaccination for all participants of the 2023 Northwest Folklife festival including staff, volunteers, artists, and vendors. Specific requirements for audience members will be communicated using the most current state, county, city, and/or Seattle Center campus guidelines available, closer to the festival.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept negative covid tests in lieu of vaccination for any artists or vendors who will be onsite at the Northwest Folklife Festival. All Northwest Folklife staff, contractors and volunteers are subject to Executive Order 2021-08, and we have received guidance from Seattle Center and the City that festival performers, vendors, and volunteers fall under the umbrella of “contractors and volunteers.”

If the situation changes before the festival in regards to the Executive Order, Northwest Folklife will open up vendor spaces to all applicants regardless of vaccination status.  

Questions about the Northwest Folklife Vendor Program?  Please contact merchants@nwfolklife.org