Centerfest 2025 Novelty Vendor Application

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.