Fairs and Festivals for Vendor
My client is looking for a list of holdiay fairs where she can be a vendor. She sells healthy cookies. She already has the list of Farmer's Markets. She is interested in holiday fairs where she can be a vendor.
Answer
Here are some steps that your client may take to find fairs and festivals seeking vendors. These steps work for the holidays or any time of year. I have included a few special notes about holiday markets.
Start with Online Event Platforms: Begin by searching FestivalNet and Eventbrite. These two platforms are your best source of locating festivals and events, and include filters to show events that feature vendors Use filters to narrow results by location, date, and event type. For holiday markets then, filter dates to Thanksgiving until December 30 or mid-January. FestivalNet is especially useful for vendors. They highlight festivals seeking vendors and include specific details like booth fees and application deadlines. Your local region may also have online event calendars. I Love NY hosts one of the most comprehensive events calendars. It is a good source to search, but the results can be overwhelming for some regions, especially NYC and Long Island. To find festivals and fairs in NYC, visit GoHiLo, which is an online platform for free events in major cities.
Check Local Cultural Publications: Many cities and towns have free weekly or monthly newspapers that include cultural calendars and event listings. These publications often feature smaller, community-driven holiday fairs that may not be listed on national platforms. Look for sections dedicated to arts, crafts, or seasonal events. In Hudson Valley, check out Metroland Now, Chronogram, or Mountains. In Western NY, check out City Magazine, Artvoice, and Westside News, In Long Island, visit Long Island Press.
Research Past Events: Many holiday markets are annual traditions. The same sponsor will host them in the same place year after year. Look at holiday market listings from the previous year in the summer months to find holiday festivals likely to be announced. Bookmark or note events that seem promising and check if vendor applications are open. Many holiday festivals are organized by volunteers, maker collectives, or organizations like BIDs and historical socieities which will not publish vendor applications until September or October.
Use Facebook Events: Facebook is a valuable tool for discovering local and regional fairs. Search for “Holiday Market” or “Craft Fair” in the Events tab, and filter by location and date. Many small organizers use Facebook exclusively to promote their events and communicate with vendors.
Create a Tracking Spreadsheet: As you research, compile a spreadsheet with event names, dates, locations, application links, deadlines, and notes on booth fees or audience size. This will help you stay organized and prioritize the best opportunities.
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