APPLICATIONS DUE: JULY 14th, 2025
  The 50th Annual CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. The festival boasts juried visual artists from near and far, great entertainment, lots of food and fun, and educational activities for kids. Located in Downtown Durham's vibrant city center district, CenterFest performers, artists and visitors will enjoy a setting filled with restaurants, shops and studios: a perfect space for an event that will bring 40,000+ visitors over the weekend. CenterFest 2025 will include several performance stages showcasing music, dance, street performers, and community groups. We are looking for a diverse array of performance groups and entertainers.
CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 20 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)
Sunday, September 21 - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)


DURHAM GOVERNMENT SERVICES APPLICATION GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS:
 

• Durham Government Services applicants who are invited to participate in CenterFest will be assigned a separate (single) 10x10 booth space (NOT under shared tent; tent, table, and chairs available for additional fee)
• Limited spaces available
• Placement will be decided by the CenterFest Committee.
•  Items permitted for sale in booths located within the festival include rummage items and specialty items (hats, stickers, etc.).
• Food/beverage sales, including home-baked items, are NOT permited.  Food/beverage items may not be given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for beverages.
• CenterFest souvenir items may not be sold or given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for souvenir items, face painting, and T-shirts. 
• Arts and Crafts sales are also prohibited.
• Information about Durham Government Services department may be freely  distributed to festival participants but only from within your actual  booth space. Distribution of information outside of your booth space or in any festival thoroughfare is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply will result in the participant being  asked to leave the festival.
• If you bring a department mascot, the mascot may roam freely within the vicinity of the booth to engage festival participants.
• Organizations must participate on both days of the festival. If booth is abandoned, it will be shut down.
• Sound level of music, if applicable and which must be approved by the CenterFest Committee, must be contained to booth area.
• All units must be of sound construction and must not obstruct others. You and your volunteers are responsible for securing your space overnight.
• All sales and activity prices are subject to review and must be approved in advance of the Festival. A contract will be sent to all accepted government services and will include which items and pricing were approved by the Committee.

FEES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  Government Services booth fees do NOT include tents, tables or chairs. They are available to rent at an additional cost. Please plan to bring your own if you are not renting through DAC. Tents are set on asphalt. Be sure to bring appropriate weights to anchor each leg. 

• Applications are due no later than July 14th to be considered for CenterFest 2025.The application fee must be paid online for your application to be considered, which you will be redirected to AFTER you submit your application. 
• Groups will be notified by July 28th of their application status and then will be sent another payment link to pay all other fees. 
• Groups must pay all fees by August 11th once accepted to reserve their spot.
• All cancellations for participation must be received in writing by August 19th for a full refund of booth fees.
  
  Fees
        $30.00 - Processing Fee (all applicants must submit the processing fee. The fee is non-refundable)
        $105.00 - Durham Non-Profit Booth Space (NOT in shared booth space tent; table/chairs/tent are not included)
        $25.00 - Table and two chairs
        $100.00 - Electrical hook up
        $400.00 - 10 x 10' tent rental (delivered & assemble)
  
  
  SECURITY:
   
• All vehicles MUST be removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
• Uniformed security, CenterFest staff and volunteers will be on site during festival hours. Limited security will be available on Saturday night. However, you are strongly encouraged to remove valuable property and lock down vending areas. Durham Arts Council assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any signage, product, display equipment or property.
   

RAINOUT PROCEDURE:
  CenterFest is a “rain or shine” event; no rain dates! Participants should be prepared to continue in the case of light rain. In the case of heavy rain, the CenterFest Committee will consider electrical hazards, logistical requirements, concessionaires’ needs, and the requirements of performing artists in making any decision about suspension or cancellation of any part or all of the Festival. No refunds will be made due to inclement weather or a participant’s decision to leave before the end.
 

*Please scroll all the way down the page to create a Submittable account and complete the Food Vendor Application*
 

Deadline: July 14th, 2025

In its 50th year, CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. Located in Durham's lively Downtown district, the event is a favorite among visual artists, performing artists, and visitors. DAC's expanded marketing campaign, with support from the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Durham Inc., and fantastic media sponsors will continue to build regional response to this exciting event. Annual attendance at the festival averages 40,000 guests. CenterFest is Sunshine Artist's #1 Fine Arts Festival in North Carolina and is ranked #22 nationally.

CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 20 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)
Sunday, September 21- 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)

2-DAY FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION REQUIRED: All fees must be paid in advance in order to be considered for participation in CenterFest 2025

Application Fee- $30 (non-refundable)

CATEGORY A vendors, full-menu operations, TFE:  30’ x 14’ or smaller:   Space Fee $1250

CATEGORY B vendors, full-menu or more limited menu; TFE or Food Truck/Trailer:  22’ x 12’ or smaller:  Space Fee $575  (2-days) (most standard food trucks)

CATEGORY C vendors, sell a few items/limited menu and use tents or pushcarts that are 10’ x10’ or smaller:  Space Fee $400

CLEANING DEPOSIT: $60

ELECTRIC:  $100 PER HOOK UP/SPACE (Food Trucks are required to utilize onsite electricity. Generators are not allowed.)

Selections will be made based on:

Appearance– Provide a photograph of your setup with your application regardless of any prior affiliation with CenterFest. Applications without an accompanying photograph will NOT be considered.

Menu– Our goal is to offer the public the widest variety of food choices by avoiding duplication as much as possible among accepted vendors. We seek a balance of festival staples and unique food options.

Past Compliance– The compliance to previous rules and standards by former vendors at Durham Arts Council events is heavily considered when selecting vendors for this festival. However, past participation does not guarantee acceptance. All vendors are given consideration, and new vendors should not hesitate to apply.

In addition to the cost of the booth space, we also require a $60 refundable deposit for food vendors as well as a COI for each vendor. The deposit must be paid online. If vendor is not accepted to participate at the event, CenterFest will refund the deposit within 10 days of notification. Deposit payments must be paid online in the application link. This deposit ensures that vendors follow all rules and regulations regarding cleanliness and overall maintenance of downtown streets. Please send these items with your application by July 14th, 2025. Applications submitted without an operation image, deposit payment and COI will not be allowed to participate. Late applications will not be accepted except at discretion of show management.
 

Vendor Registration:
        As of 2014 North Carolina has a mandatory registration for all festival vendors. All vendors must supply DAC with their NC vendor registration and have a copy on hand at their booth. Registration is free. You can find more information at: http://www.dornc.com/electronic/registration/index.html 

 Quick & Tasty Details:

• You will receive notification by July 15, 2025, of acceptance or decline (followed by a refund of booth fee & setup deposit).
• Great placement of performance areas in relation to food vendor areas
• Timely technical support for electrical and water related issues
• Offer the widest variety of food choices by avoiding duplication among accepted vendors.
• Ice available to vendors for purchase on site.
• Attractive seating areas close to food vendors.

Regulations:
 

• All food vendors, restaurants, individuals, and non-profit groups may apply as food vendors.
• Food vendors may set up booths between 8 - 11 pm on Friday, 9/19 and Saturday, 9/20 between 6 - 8 am. By 9 am Saturday, all vehicles must be off-site.
• All menu items and prices are subject to review by the Food Vendor Committee. Changes in menu items will require prior approval from the committee and cannot be made the day of the festival. 
• As required by law, all vendors will be subject to inspection by the Durham County Health Dept. and will be issued a permit for their temporary food establishment. No food can be prepared for at your temporary food establishment before your booth has been inspected and issued a permit. The only exception is vendors with a current mobile food truck permit. 
• Water under pressure will be provided to your booth. You will need to provide a dish washing sink, a receptacle for the removal of waste water, and a minimum of 20 feet to the water system.
• Durham Arts Council has contracted with an outside vending firm to supply all lemonade, lemon-based drinks, and tea drinks. Food Vendors at CenterFest MAY NOT SELL bottled or canned beverages, water, tea, lemonade, lemon-based smoothies or any other lemon frozen products. Applications for vendors selling mainly coffees, lattes, etc. and little or no food will be considered. Applications for vendors selling alcohol will not be considered.
• ATMS will be available on festival site.
• Food may only be sold from the assigned vending booth spot.
• Vendors must abide by all applicable regulations, fire rules and sanitation laws.
• Vendors are encouraged to make their booth space attractive and inviting.
• Vendor may apply for more than one space; please utilize separate applications. If your booth/trailer size exceeds the booth space size, you must apply for the next sized booth or your application will not be processed. 
• Vendors must contain all equipment, supplies and storage within their space. Nothing may be hung on trees. Booths must be of sound construction, free-standing and must not obstruct others. No campers, RVs or trailers are allowed on site except during loading and unloading. 
• Food Trucks are required to utilize onsite electricity. Generators are not allowed.
• Fire extinguishers are required (at least one per booth). The Fire Marshall will inspect all booths.
• Ice will be available for sale / delivery at $5 per bag.
• Once accepted, you will be required to provide proof of current liability coverage of no less than $1,000,000.00; Durham Arts Council, and the City of Durham must be added as additional insureds for September 20-21, 2025.

 For questions regarding food vending regulations contact Durham Co Health Dept. at 919-560-7800.


Refunds:
       All fees are deposited upon receipt. If you are not selected to participate in CenterFest 2025, we will return booth fees in full. If you are selected but decide not to participate, you must notify the CenterFest office in writing no later than August 25, 2025. There will be no refunds past this date. The Security/Setup deposit will be refunded by mail following the Festival if your site is left in satisfactory condition as determined by the CenterFest Food Vendor Committee. Failure to properly clean or obstruction of festival site by vehicles will result in forfeiture of your $60.00 cleaning deposit. Proper disposal of waste is required. The area will be inspected by the city prior to, during, and after the event.

Security:
 

• Booths/Food Trucks MUST be set-up and tow vehicles removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
• Uniformed security, CenterFest staff and volunteers will be on site during festival hours. Limited security will be available on Saturday night. However, you are strongly encouraged to remove valuable property and lock down vending areas. Durham Arts Council assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any signage, product, display equipment or property.

 
Rainout Procedure:
       CenterFest is a “rain or shine” event; no rain dates! Participants should be prepared to continue in the case of light rain. In the case of heavy rain, the CenterFest Committee will consider electrical hazards, logistical requirements, concessionaires’ needs, and the requirements of performing artists in making any decision about suspension or cancellation of any part or all of the Festival. No refunds will be made due to inclement weather or a participant’s decision to leave before the end.

We look forward to receiving your application and having your business join the wide range of food offerings at Durham Arts Council's CenterFest! For additional information, please contact the CenterFest office at 919-560-2719 or email: cscott@durhamarts.org

APPLICATIONS DUE: JULY 14th, 2025
      The 50th Annual CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. The festival boasts juried visual artists from near and far, great entertainment, lots of food and fun, and educational activities for kids. Located in Downtown Durham's vibrant city center district, CenterFest performers, artists and visitors will enjoy a setting filled with restaurants, shops and studios: a perfect space for an event that will bring 40,000+ visitors over the weekend. CenterFest 2025 will include several performance stages showcasing music, dance, street performers, and community groups.
CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 20 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)  
Sunday, September 21 - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)


NONPROFIT APPLICATION GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS:
 

• A limited number of booth spaces will be available to nonprofits.
• Applicants must be 501 (c) 3 not for profit organizations and must submit their tax-ID # and upload IRS Determination Letter on the application. This will be used and verified as proof of non-profit status from the IRS Department of Treasury.
• Nonprofit applicants who are invited to participate in CenterFest will be assigned a (single) 10x10' booth space (tent, table, and chairs available for additional fee)
• Placement will be decided by the CenterFest Committee.
• Items permitted for sale in booths located within the festival include rummage items and specialty items (hats, stickers, etc.).
• Food/beverage sales, including home-baked items, are NOT permitted.  Food/beverage items may not be given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for beverages.
• CenterFest souvenir items may not be sold or given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for souvenir items, face painting, and T-shirts.
• Arts and Crafts sales are also prohibited.
• Information about your nonprofit may be freely distributed to festival participants but only from within your actual booth space. Distribution of information outside of your booth space or in any festival thoroughfare is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply will result in the participant being asked to leave the festival.
• Organizations must participate on both days of the festival. If booth is abandoned, it will be shut down.
• Sound level of music, if applicable and which must be approved by the CenterFest Committee, must be contained to booth area.
• All tent/display units must be of sound construction and must not obstruct others. You and your volunteers are responsible for securing your space overnight. All equipment and supplies must be contained within the dimensions of the space. Nothing may be hung on trees or affixed to building structures in such a way as to damage the surfaces.
• All sales and activity prices are subject to review and must be approved in advance of the festival. 

If more applications are received than spaces are available, preference will be given to applicants which:

• Have the arts as an integral part of the organization's mission.
• Offer an amenity to festival-goers. (Interactive activities to attract an audience)
• FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES CANNOT BE THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF THE BOOTH

 

FEES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
     Nonprofit Booth fees do NOT include tents, tables or chairs. They are available to rent at an additional cost. Please plan to bring your own if you are not renting through DAC. Tents are set on asphalt. Be sure to bring appropriate weights to anchor each leg. 

• Applications are due no later than July 14th to be considered for CenterFest 2025.The application fee must be paid online for your application to be considered, which you will be redirected to AFTER you submit your application. 
• Groups will be notified by July 28th of their application status and then will be sent another payment link to pay all other fees. 
• Groups must pay all fees by August 11th once accepted to reserve their spot.
• All cancellations for participation must be received in writing by August 19th for a full refund of booth fees.
  
  Fees
        $30.00 - Processing Fee (all applicants must submit the processing fee. The fee is non-refundable)
        $105.00 - Durham Non-Profit Booth Space (NOT in shared booth space tent; table/chairs/tent are not included)
        $25.00 - Table and two chairs
        $100.00 - Electrical hook up
        $400.00 - 10 x 10' tent rental (delivered & assemble)
• SECURITY:
• All vehicles MUST be removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
• Uniformed security, CenterFest staff and volunteers will be on site during festival hours. Limited security will be available on Saturday night. However, you are strongly encouraged to remove valuable property and lock down vending areas. Durham Arts Council assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any signage, product, display equipment or property.
   

RAINOUT PROCEDURE:
      CenterFest is a “rain or shine” event, no rain dates! Participants should be prepared to continue in the case of light rain. In the case of heavy rain, the CenterFest Committee will consider electrical hazards, logistical requirements, concessionaires’ needs, and the requirements of performing artists in making any decision about suspension or cancellation of any part or all of the festival. No refunds will be made due to inclement weather or a participant’s decision to leave before the end.

Application due July 14th, 2025

In its 50th year, CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. Located in Durham’s lively Downtown district, the event is a favorite among visual artists, performing artists and visitors. DAC’s expanded marketing campaign, with support from the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Durham, Inc. and fantastic media sponsors will continue to build regional response to this exciting event. Annual attendance at the Festival averages 40,000 guests.    
CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 20 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)
Sunday, September 21 - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)

 We invite you to sell specialty items or services that are inexpensive, fun and which enhance peoples’ experience at the festival, such as:
  · Sunglasses, hats, fans, novelty inflatables, etc. These items CANNOT display any corporate logos or sponsor brand identification.
  · Visual Arts Services- Services such as face painting, henna, caricatures, etc.

RESTRICTIONS:
  · Craft Activities for children that require a fee do not qualify because we offer free craft activities for children as part of the Kids Zone.
  · T-Shirt sales are prohibited; artists creating handmade clothing may apply as a Visual Artist in the “Fiber (wearable)” category.
  · Food/beverage items may not be sold; qualified vendors should apply in the Food Vendor category.
  · Arts and Crafts items may not be sold; qualified vendors should apply in the Visual Artist category.
  · Consumable/perishable items such as plants, soap, lotions, candles, etc. may not be sold at the festival.
  *If you have any questions about what qualifies for a novelty booth applications, please contact cscott@durhamarts.org BEFORE applying*

Vendor Registration: 

• As of 2014 North Carolina has a mandatory registration for all festival vendors. All  vendors must supply DAC with their NC vendor registration and have a  copy on hand at their booth. Registration is free. You can find more  information at: http://www.dornc.com/electronic/registration/index.html
•   All operations must fit in a 10’x10’ booth space.   
• Vendors who do not submit a photo of their booth setup will NOT be considered, regardless of any prior affiliation with CenterFest. Vendors will be selected based on booth image, appearance of items described on their application and appropriateness for the festival. CenterFest staff makes selections and all decisions are final. 
• Acceptance to past CenterFest shows does not guarantee acceptance to the show each year.  

FEES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
 

• Applications are due no later than July 14th to be considered for CenterFest 2025.The application fee must be paid online for your application to be considered, which you will be redirected to AFTER you submit your application. 
• Vendors will be notified by July 28th of their application status and then will be sent another payment link to pay all other fees. 
• Vendors must pay all fees by August 11th once accepted to reserve their spot.
• All cancellations for participation must be received in writing by August 19th for a full refund of booth fees.
  
  Fees
        $30.00 - Processing Fee (all applicants must submit the processing fee. The fee is non-refundable)
        $300.00 - Booth Space
        $100.00 - Electrical hook up (generators not allowed)
        $75.00-Cleaning Deposit
  
  
  SECURITY:
   
• All vehicles MUST be removed from the  festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 and by 10 a.m. on  Sunday, Sept. 21. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
• Uniformed  security, CenterFest staff and volunteers will be on site during  festival hours. Limited security will be available on Saturday night.  However, you are strongly encouraged to remove valuable property and  lock down vending areas. Durham Arts Council assumes no responsibility  for theft, loss, or damage to any signage, product, display equipment or  property.

 
RAINOUT PROCEDURE:
  CenterFest  is a “rain or shine” event; no rain dates! Participants should be  prepared to continue in the case of light rain. In the caseof  heavy rain, the CenterFest Committee will consider electrical hazards,  logistical requirements, concessionaires’ needs, and the requirements of  performing artists in making any decision about suspension or  cancellation of any part or all of the Festival. No refunds will be made  due to inclement weather or a participant’s decision to leave before  the end.

APPLICATIONS DUE: JULY 14th, 2025
  The 50th Annual CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. The festival boasts juried visual artists from near and far, great entertainment, lots of food and fun, and educational activities for kids. Located in Downtown Durham's vibrant city center district, CenterFest performers, artists and visitors will enjoy a setting filled with restaurants, shops and studios: a perfect space for an event that will bring 40,000+ visitors over the weekend. CenterFest 2025 will include several performance stages showcasing music, dance, street performers, and community groups.
CenterFest will be held in downtown Durham on:
Saturday, September 20 - 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. (Set-up), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Festival Hours)
Sunday, September 21 - 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Set-up), 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Hours)


POLITICAL APPLICATION GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS:
  Political Parties and Political Candidates can rent booth space for their organization. Parties can rent as many tents, chairs, and tables as needed (fee schedule on next page), or they can bring their own equipment.

• All individual political candidates are encouraged to participate in CenterFest by either:

1. renting a booth space on your own;
   OR
2. if the candidate is affiliated with a political party which is renting a booth, candidate may request space within the party’s tent from the party coordinator.

• Booth spaces are available on the streets throughout the festival site. Placement within these parameters will be decided by the CenterFest Committee. A limited number of booth spaces will be available to political organizations.
• Items permitted for sale in booths located within the festival include rummage items and specialty items (hats, stickers, etc.). 
• Food/beverage sales, including home-baked items, are NOT permited. Food/beverage items may not be given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for beverages.
• CenterFest souvenir items may not be sold or given away. CenterFest retains exclusive vending rights for souvenir items, face painting, and T-shirts. 
• Arts and Crafts sales are prohibited.
• Information about Political Parties/Candidates, or voter registration may be freely distributed to festival participants but only from within your actual booth space. Distribution of information outside of your booth space or in any festival thoroughfare is strictly prohibited. Failure to comply will result in the participant being asked to leave the festival.
• Organizations must participate on both days of the festival. If booth is abandoned, it will be shut down.
• Sound level of music, if applicable and which must be approved by the CenterFest Committee, must be contained to booth area.
• All booth spaces are 10’ wide and 10’ deep. All equipment and supplies must be contained within the dimensions of the space. Nothing may be hung on trees or affixed to building structures in such a way as to damage the surfaces.
• All units must be of sound construction and must not obstruct others. You and your volunteers are responsible for securing your space overnight. All equipment and supplies must be contained within the dimensions of the space. Nothing may be hung on trees or affixed to building structures in such a way as to damage the surfaces.
• All sales and activity prices are subject to review and must be approved in advance of the Festival.

 
EQUIPMENT RENTAL:
  Political Party booth fee does NOT include tents, tables or chairs. They are available to rent at an additional cost. Parties or Candidates can rent as many tents, chairs, and tables as needed (fee schedule below). Please plan to bring your own if you are not renting through DAC. Tents are set on asphalt. Be sure to bring appropriate weights to anchor each leg.


FEES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
    Political Booth fees do NOT include tents, tables or chairs. They are available to rent at an additional cost. Please plan to bring your own if you are not renting through DAC. Tents are set on asphalt. Be sure to bring appropriate weights to anchor each leg. 

• Applications are due no later than July 14th to be considered for CenterFest 2025.The application fee must be paid online for your application to be considered, which you will be redirected to AFTER you submit your application. 
• Groups will be notified by July 28th of their application status and then will be sent another payment link to pay all other fees. 
• Groups must pay all fees by August 11th once accepted to reserve their spot.
• All cancellations for participation must be received in writing by August 19th for a full refund of booth fees.
  
  Fees
       $30.00 - Processing Fee (all applicants must submit the processing fee. The fee is non-refundable)
       $245.00 - Durham Non-Profit Booth Space (NOT in shared booth space tent; table/chairs/tent are not included)
       $25.00 - Table and two chairs
       $100.00 - Electrical hook up
       $400.00 - 10 x 10' tent rental (delivered & assemble)
  
  SECURITY:
   
• All vehicles MUST be removed from the festival site area by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 and by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. Items may be carried to booths after these times.
• Uniformed security, CenterFest staff and volunteers will be on site during festival hours. Limited security will be available on Saturday night. However, you are strongly encouraged to remove valuable property and lock down vending areas. Durham Arts Council assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to any signage, product, display equipment or property.
   

 RAINOUT PROCEDURE:
   CenterFest is a “rain or shine” event; no rain dates! Participants should be prepared to continue in the case of light rain. In the case of heavy rain, the CenterFest Committee will consider electrical hazards, logistical requirements, concessionaires’ needs, and the requirements of performing artists in making any decision about suspension or cancellation of any part or all of the Festival. No refunds will be made due to inclement weather or a participant’s decision to leave before the end.
 

This page provides an overview of the performer application. To access the application, use the link at the bottom of the page to set up a free account.
 

APPLICATION DEADLINE - Monday June 9th, 2025
               The 50th Annual CenterFest is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. The festival boasts juried visual artists from near and far, great entertainment, lots of food and fun, and educational activities for kids. Located in Downtown Durham's vibrant city center district, CenterFest performers, artists and visitors will enjoy a setting filled with restaurants, shops and studios: a perfect space for an event that will bring 40,000+ visitors over the weekend. CenterFest 2025 will include several performance stages showcasing music, dance, street performers, and community groups. We are looking for a diverse array of performance groups and entertainers. The Durham Arts Council's goal is to showcase community artists, with a focus on performers who may not be represented in the wider arts sector. Performance artists and groups who identify as BIPOC are encouraged to apply.

CenterFest is Sunshine Artist's #1 Fine Arts Festival in North Carolina and is ranked #22 nationally.

We are excited to celebrate 50 years of Centerfest, and its evolution to becoming one of Durham's iconic events!

https://durhamarts.org/centerfest/
 

Centerfest dates and times: September 20 from 10am-6pm and September 21 from 11am-5pm

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Complete contact information 
• Attach your technical needs sheet (upload file as word 'docx, doc' or pdf document, not exceeding 1MB) 
• Provide description of your group 
• Provide web link to online performance sample 
• Upload press quality photo (png, gif, and jpeg files accepted, with file size not exceeding 1MB)
• Opportunities available for featured performers, well-loved bands, ensembles, singer/songwriters, dance groups, puppet shows, processions, juggling, music, marching  bands and more.

 

BENEFITS, SCREENING, AND REGULATIONS

BENEFITS :

  If selected to perform, you will receive the following festival benefits: 

• Posting on the CenterFest website. 
• Exposure through various local marketing, such as streaming, radio, tv, and social media.
• Inclusion in publicity campaign and social media. 
• Payment of up to $100 for your 20 - 45-minute performance. More established bands may be considered for higher performance fees.  
• A designated area for performers to sell and distribute CD's and merchandise. Performers are responsible for managing their own sales. 

 
SCREENING
               All applicants will be screened by the Centerfest 2025 Management Team and entertainment committee. The screening process will take into account technical and scheduling needs, diversity in performances, and record of previous performances. All 2025 Applicants will be notified in Submittable by July 21st, 2025, if they are selected or not selected. 

*Once artists receive a contract, please review and sign by August 18th, 2025, at the latest. Failure to sign contract in timely manner may result in contract termination.*

REGULATIONS 

• All performers and their crew must follow all rules and regulations for parking, load-in, load-out, and performance as outlined in the performer information packet and performer contract.  Failure to follow the rules and/or follow directions from CenterFest staff onsite may result in being asked to leave the festival.
• Artists must perform work for which they were invited.  
• Artists must provide technical specifications with the application.  
• The DAC retains the right to use any festival documentation and photos to be used in future promotion of CenterFest without compensation to the artist.  
• The DAC retains the right to use photos submitted by performer to be used in promotion of CenterFest 2025 without compensation to the artist.  
• Stage performances will generally be 20 to 40 minutes.
•  DAC provides professional quality sound systems, drum kits at main stages.  No cymbals or amps provided.
• All staging areas will be outdoors and two will have coverings. No "green room" dressing room, or rugs will be provided.  
• No application fee to apply. 
• Load in areas, parking passes and information and festival map will be included in a formal contract between you and the DAC upon selection to perform.  
• Rainout: CenterFest is a Rain or Shine event. Performers will be asked to proceed in the event of light rain when it is safe to do so. No compensation will be paid due to performers decision not to participate; performers will be paid in the event of rain if they are present and ready to perform.
   

Who may apply:

Durham Arts Council Facility Grants provide short term use of the DAC building to support arts activities. Only non-profits incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization based in Durham County NC or  individual artists living in Durham are eligible to apply. If the project is being produced by an unincorporated group of artists an individual artist may apply on behalf of the group.   Applicants must be over the age of 18.  

What projects are eligible?

 Facility Grants support short term projects in all art forms.  Facility grants are the only avenue for granting use of the PSI Theatre.  Facility Grants will not be given to fundraising events. Facility Grants do not provide support for on-going operations and year round activities such as rehearsals, meetings and on-going programs.  For year round requests, apply to the Season Grant Program unless you are requesting use of the PSI Theatre.  Facility grants cannot be used to request gallery space for exhibits in the building. To apply for an exhibit you must participate in the annual Call for Artists. Contact cscott@durhamarts.org or call 919-560-2719 for information about the Call for Artists. 

What may I ask for?

 Durham Arts Council manages a 52,000 sq. ft. public, community arts center that contains spaces for dance, theater and music rehearsals, meetings, workshops and performances. A Facility Grant may be used to request use of the facility with a total non-profit rental value of up to $1200 per fiscal year. Request value is calculated at the nonprofit arts & cultural rate rate posted on the DAC website: http://www.durhamarts.org/pdf/facility/Event%20Room%20Rates%20and%20Fees.pdf

Applicants will only be granted one facility grant per fiscal year (July 1 -June 30). Facility Grants are for rent only and do not include technical, maintenance or security fees incurred by the recipient. All Facility Grants require a User Fee payment by the recipient (See below in Item #2).  If you are awarded a grant you will receive a contract itemizing fees and grant credits, at which time you will be able to adjust your project if necessary.

NOTE: You cannot apply for space using a Facility Grant if you have already made the same request using a Durham Arts Council Season Grant. 

Please contact facility staff before or  during your application process to check availability of the building  and to calculate any additional facility costs. Availability of facility  space is not guaranteed until an event contract has been signed with  the facilities department.

Contact: dacfacilities@durhamarts.org or (919)560-2787

What are the criteria by which Durham Arts Council (DAC) evaluates applications? 

Criteria for evaluating applications are: Quality of Art or Arts Experience, Project Implementation and Impact of the Grant on the quality of the project. Facility Grants are dependent on scheduling restrictions and event compatibility. 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AS YOU CONSIDER APPLYING FOR THIS GRANT: 

1. You may not apply if you have any outstanding bills or late grant reports due to DAC. 

2. If you are requesting use of the Peoples Security Insurance Theatre, please note that if you are approved for this grant we require payment of a non-refundable, non-transferable User Fee of $70 per performance day in the theatre. If you are applying to use any non performance space at DAC, we require payment of a non-refundable, non-transferable User Fee of $10 for each 4 hour use. This will be due with your signed contract. If you cancel your performance, rehearsal or meeting you lose this deposit. If using the Theatre, we will also require you to meet with the DAC Technical Director at least two weeks prior to event. 

3. Any time you occupy or enter Peoples Security Insurance Theatre, whether for performance, load-in, load-out, rehearsal or other reasons, DAC’s Technical Director must be present. Overtime rates may apply if your use requires more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week of the technician’s time. This grant does not cover technician fees.  See the DAC website for current rates: https://durhamarts.org/facility/

4. Normal Durham Arts Council building activity hours are 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday and 1:00-6:00 PM on Sunday. Any access to the building before or after these hours must be requested ahead of time and will result in extra charges to you. 

5. Although use of tables, chairs and music stands can be included as part of the grant request, the recipient is responsible for setting them up and taking them down. 

6. Although we can usually provide a piano, it is provided with tuning “as is”. If you will require tuning beyond this level, DAC will schedule the tuning and bill you. 

7. Durham Arts Council reserves the right to require a security deposit depending on the type of activity and/or applicant’s previous credit history or lack of history. If you need further information about Durham Arts Council or have questions about this grant, contact the Office of Artist Services at 919-560-2720 or 560-2719. DAC reserves the right to request more information before making a decision about the award. You will generally receive notification in 6-8 weeks after due date. Please note that fees quoted in this document are current as of June 2016 and are subject to change without notice.