We have hundreds of vendors and on-street businesses participating in these festivals, and receive huge amounts of email queries. We’re happy to answer your questions, but it might take some time, so we recommend referring to this list first before reaching out.

When do Vendor Applications open for the 2024 festivals?

Applications for Artisan, Non-Profit and Business Vendors open 2pm on Monday April 29, 2024.

Applications for Food and Beverage Vendor Applications open 2pm on Monday, May 6, 2024.

When do applications close?

Thursday, August 1, 2024.

When will I be notified of the outcome of my application?

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, and all vendors will be notified of the outcome of their application by August 15, 2024.

Am I automatically confirmed as a vendor once I’ve submitted my application?

No, you’re only confirmed as a vendor once you’ve received a confirmation letter from Vancouver Car Free Days and your invoice has been paid by the due date. Because we receive hundreds of applications from vendors and businesses for each festival, we have to carefully curate each event to ensure a balance of stall holders. If your application isn’t accepted on this occasion, or for only one of the festivals, it is often because we’ve already reached capacity in that vendor category, and not a reflection on your business.d

What’s the application process to become a vendor?

To apply as a vendor for one of the Car Free Day festivals, you’ll need to complete an online Vendor Application, available on the Car Free Day website. Once we’ve received your application it will be assessed as soon as possible, and you’ll be advised of the outcome. If you're successful in your application, we’ll send you an invoice that must be paid in order to confirm your stall. Once payment has been received you’ll be sent a confirmation email. Final setup/ pack down details, including stall location, will be sent to you a week prior to the festival.

What is the sliding scale/ price difference for artisans?

The lower end of the artisan fee aims to increase access and participation by lower income and priority artisan vendors; we categorize this group as "Emerging Artisans". All other artisans are invited to choose to participate at the regular fee point; we categorize this group as "Established Artisans". Vendors selecting the regular fee help support increased participation across the board.

Who is an artisan?

An artisan is someone that works with their hands to create unique, functional and/or decorative items using traditional techniques. For the purposes of this festival, an artisan is someone who typically does not have a sole permanent storefront.

Who are priority vendors?

Priority vendors are local artisans, nonprofits and businesses owned by people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, having a disability or as a woman, and community organizations that actively serve underrepresented people in our community.

When are vendor fees due?

Vendor fees must be paid by August 23, 2024. Your participation and stall are not confirmed until your payment has been received. If your fees have not been received by this date your stall will be forfeited and made available to the next business on the vendor waiting list.

How much are the vendor fees this year?

This year we’ve restructured our vendor fees in order to encourage broad community participation in the festivals. Each of these rates includes $10 to cover liability insurance.

See Vendor Application and Fees at https://www.carfreevancouver.org/vendors

I already have a food safety permit to serve food publicly? Do I still need to complete the VCH form?

Yes, every food and/or drink vendor needs to complete this form.

Do you provide tents/furniture/internet/electricity/greywater disposal?

No, you will need to supply your own furniture and equipment, including a tent, chairs and tables, power supply (if applicable),internet  and dollies to use during setup and pack down. You are also responsible for the safe capture and storage of greywater, and its disposal offsite. Please note that ONLY electric generators are permitted at Car Free Day. If there is a bricks and mortar business located on the street nearby your stall, we encourage you to approach them to discuss accessing power through them if you require it.

Do I need my own insurance?

We recommend holding general liability and product liability insurance (if applicable).

Can I request that my stall be in a specific location at the festival?

Yes, you’re welcome to request a certain location on the festival site. We’ll do our best to accommodate all requests, however for a variety of reasons this may not always be possible, and we apologize if this is the case. Note that the City of Vancouver must approve the final

festival map.

When do I find out about my stall location and set up details?

One week before each festival an email will be sent out with setup / pack down information and stall locations.

Can I bring someone else to help me on the day?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring as many people as you need to assist you on the day, so long as they’re all able to comfortably fit within the confines of your 10x10 stall.

What happens if I can no longer make it to one of the festivals?

Please let us know ASAP by emailing vendorcoordinator@carfreevancouver.org. We do not offer any refunds or credits if you’re unable to attend.

I’m busy the morning of the festival. Can I set up later in the day instead?

Due to safety restrictions, setup can only take place between 9:30am and 11:30noon. No access will be permitted to the site outside of these times.

a

If I sell out of product before the end of the festival, can I go home early?

No, we require all vendors to remain in their stall locations until the end of the festival, to ensure the safety of the site and all participants. Once it’s safe to do so, you’ll be advised by organizers that you can leave the site.

Where can I park my vehicle?

Vehicles cannot be parked within the designated festival site. Due to these festivals taking place in urban streets, no reserved parking is available for stall holders. Please find parking in the surrounding streets.

Can I play music/have a performance at my stall?

No, we ask that vendors do not play music or have performances at their stall as this may detract/clash with the stages, activations and performers stationed along each site. If this is integral to your stall, you must let us know by 15 August so that this can be considered along with final planning.

Can I sell alcohol or cannabis?

No, the festival is not licensed to sell alcohol or cannabis/cannabis products.