RiverArtsFest 2026 - Food Vendor Application

RiverArtsFest, now in its 20th year, presents a rich cultural festival of fine art, music and food for the Mid-South public's entertainment, education and enjoyment. It is the longest running fine arts festival in the region.  An urban street festival, RiverArtsFest is held in downtown Memphis on the banks of the Mississippi River, and attracts patrons from Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi. RiverArtsFest is honored to be ranked #15 in Sunshine Artist magazine's "200 Best for 2025".

RiverArtsFest is presented by RiverArtsFest, Inc. a non-profit organization led by an all volunteer Board of Directors and Steering Committee and is supported by more than  200 community volunteers. 

Please visit our website www.riverartstmemphis.org or http://www.riverartstmemphis.org/ for more information.

RiverArtsFest 2026 Application
You are hereby invited to apply for a food vendor slot at RiverArtsFest 2026. Please take a moment to carefully read the information presented below prior to submitting an application.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT WWW.ZAPPLICATION.ORG

Event Dates
Friday, October 16, 2026 - Load in begins at 10 AM
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10 AM - 5 PM  
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10 AM - 5 PM
Location - Downtown Memphis, Tennessee

FOOD VENDOR DATES AND DEADLINES
Application Deadline - August 31, 2026
Full Payment Deadline - September 11, 2026
Cancellation Date - September 6, 2026

Non-Profit Status
RiverArtsFest is recognized by the IRS and State of Tennessee as a tax exempt art services organization under IRS Code section 501(c)(3). All proceeds are used to produce RiverArtsFest and to support arts education activities in this region.

EVENT HOURS
Food Vendor Set up - Fri, Oct 16, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Festival Hours - Sat, Oct 17, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Festival Hours - Sun, Oct 18, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Food Vendor Loadout - Sun, Oct 18, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM


FOOD VENDOR SELECTION PROCESS
RiverArtsFest selects food vendors based on food quality, variety and, where applicable, past involvement with the festival. The images submitted must clearly represent the food vendor setup and products to be sold at the 2026 Festival. Notification of acceptance will be made by email.  

INVITATION TO EXHIBIT: Food vendors invited to participate must signify their acceptance in Zapplication by paying a deposit . Failure to respond by payment deadline will result in the invitation being withdrawn and an alternate being invited instead. The applicant is responsible to keep Zapp records updated with current mailing, email addresses and phone numbers.

For any questions or additional information, please contact RAF by email:
Denny McGivern
denny.mcgivern@gmail.com
 

RULES & FEES
Food vendors must remain open during festival hours. 
Food vendors must be present for the entire two plus load-in days of the festival.

FOOD VENDOR FEES:
10'x20' space - $950
10'x10' space - $500

HOW TO APPLY AS A FOOD VENDOR

APPLICATION ENTRY
No application fee is required to submit an application.  For application submission, enter $0 for an application fee. If you receive an error, click the "Continue" button anyway to proceed. All applications will be reviewed by the RiverArtsFest Food Chairman for accuracy. The Food Chairman will determine which vendors will be invited to participate and will update the vendor status to "Invited". 

VENDOR IMAGES:
Digital images are required of food vendor setup, electrical plug and proposed menu.
 Images must be in 1920 x 1920 pixel format. For information on image resolution, please access zapplication.org/imaging_tips.phtmlrnrnrn

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE: Vendors invited to participate must signify their acceptance in Zapplication by "Accepting" in Zapp and paying a deposit. The applicant is responsible to keep Zapp records updated with current mailing, email addresses and phone numbers.

DEPOSIT:: Once a vendor Accepts, they must pay a deposit ($475 for a 10'x20' space and $250 for a 10'x10' space).  Make payment online at Zapplication by credit card or paypal account.

BALANCE OF PAYMENT: Vendors selected to participate in the festival are required to pay the balance due of the space fee by September 11, 2026 (balance of $475 for a 10' x 20' space and $250 for a 10' x 10' space). Failure to pay the remainder in full by the payment deadline will result in the invitation being withdrawn and an alternate being invited instead.

Forfeiture: If a vendor fails to pay the balance due by September 11, 2026, the vendor forfeits their deposit and another vendor will be selected for that space. 

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: A food vendor who cancels in writing before the cancellation deadline of September 6, 2026 will receive a refund of their paid fee. There is no refund after the cancellation deadline of September 6, 2026, unless the Board of Directors for RiverArtsFest cancels the entire festival.

Terms of Agreement:
1. The fee for a 10’ by 10’ space is $500 and for a 10’ by 20’ the fee is $950. Once a Vendor has been accepted to participate in the Festival by RAF, all fees are non-refundable and must be paid in full by September 11, 2026. Any vendor exceeding their agreed upon space size is subject to an additional $250.
There is no percentage of sales required. Placement of Vendors within the Festival layout is at the sole discretion of RAF. Special requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Selection of Vendors will be based on quality, value, menu, and ability to provide service to a large volume of patrons at the Festival. Water and electricity is provided (see #14).
2. Memphis/Shelby County requires that all Vendors have a Health Permit, and Special Event Permit, which Vendor will provide. Vendors are also required to obtain any and all other necessary business licenses, permits or registrations and Vendors are responsible for the payment of any and all local, state and/or federal taxes that may become due. Please review the following link: (https://www.shelbytnhealth.com/DocumentCenter/View/3854/Temporary-Event-Booklet).
A copy of the application for the required Special Event Permit will be provided if you are selected as a Vendor, which the Vendor must submit with payment to the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department. Note that Permits can be obtained by mail and must be obtained no later than 48 hours prior to the event. Prior to the festival, each Vendor will be inspected by the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department, Memphis Fire Department and Code Enforcement. Statutes require that original(s) permits/licenses must be displayed in your booth at all times during the Festival operation. The Memphis & Shelby County Health Department inspector will inspect all booths before the commencement of the event (8 – 9 am) Saturday, or on Friday afternoon, depending upon the Inspector’s schedule. If not in compliance with applicable state and local laws, the Vendor will not be permitted to sell products at the Festival.
3. Vendors are required to schedule Load-In with the Festival Production Coordinator (“FPC”) on Friday October 16th between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. For mobile food trucks (i.e. not a trailer pulled by a separate vehicle), there is the option of Load-In on Saturday morning. If the mobile food truck operator chooses the option of Load-In on Saturday morning, the Vendor must obtain a scheduled time from the FPC for early morning set-up on Saturday October 17 and be ready for inspection by the fire department and the Health Department inspector before 9:00 a.m. If you have not obtained all permits, licenses, and registrations required, you will not be allowed to set up at Load-In. Load-Out will begin Sunday October 18th at 5:30 pm. The FPC is to give approval to drive out of the venue before leaving and Load-Out must be completed by 8:00 pm. Blockage of the load-out stream is not permitted.
4. Upon leaving Sunday evening the Vendor shall remove and properly dispose of all rubbish, trash, and discarded material, including food and grease. Each Vendor is responsible for bringing appropriate containers for disposal and removal of all such items. ALL GREASE MUST BE PROPERLY DISCARDED AND REMOVED FROM THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS BY THE VENDOR AND NOT PLACED INTO THE FESTIVAL’S DUMPSTER. If the Vendor does not comply with these requirements, RAF will invoice the Vendor for a $100 Cleaning Fee.
5. RAF reserves the right to prohibit (and remove, if necessary) the exhibit and/or sale of items that are not in keeping with the family nature of the event or which offend the moral standards of the community or are found to be causing a nuisance or disturbance at the Festival. Similarly, no unethical or unlawful practice will be tolerated. The use of coarse or profane language will not be tolerated.
6. Police will be patrolling the area during the Festival and RAF has engaged private 24-hour security for overnight. However, neither RiverArtsFest, Inc., nor the RiverArtsFest Committee assumes any responsibility for the security of the Vendor’s property and the Vendor agrees to hold the Festival harmless in the event of loss.
7. A menu of Vendor food/beverage items (including prices for all items) must be conspicuously visible on signs on or in close proximity to the Vendor’s space.
8. The location of the Festival will be located on Riverside Drive, between Beale Street and Jefferson Avenue.
9. No alcoholic beverages may be sold or consumed by the Vendor or their workers during their working hours.
10. No smoking is allowed in the concession units due to fire and health department regulations.
11. All persons, companies or organizations renting booth/concession space do so as independent contractors and not as employees or agents of the Festival or RAF, and as such assume all responsibility for federal and state withholding taxes, Social Security, state sales taxes, public liability and worker’s compensation insurance and insurance coverage to, from and during the Festival and for accident or injury to himself and/or his equipment.
12. Vendor may receive deliveries during Festival hours as long as they are coordinated with the Food Chair. If delivery is made after Festival closing or before 10:00 am then such delivery must be scheduled in advance with the FPC prior to entering the Festival grounds.
13. Every booth shall have a fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires and, if the booth is preparing or heating food, it must also have a fire extinguisher designed for grease fires. Each Vendor must provide all proper extinguishers. If propane tanks are used, they must be properly secured and must be inspected and approved by the Memphis Fire Department.
14. Vendor must supply all set up needs such as tables, canopy, lights, extension cords, etc. Water will be available to all Vendors. RAF will provide electrical power supply to Vendors upon request. Requirements for electrical power and water must be stated on the RAF Vendor Agreement. A photo of the power connection is required. Vendor-supplied generators are not allowed. RAF will provide ice for purchase by Vendors. Deliveries of ice by outside vendors during the Festival hours are prohibited.
15. Vendors shall have at least one person running their booth at all times except persons who are running a booth alone and who may only leave their booth to use the restroom. Abuse of this rule will result in removal of your booth and forfeiture of your fees.
16. Vendor warrants that it will sell food of the highest possible quality and will ensure that all foodstuffs sold are fit for human consumption. Vendor agrees to save and hold harmless the RiverArtsFest, Inc., its officers, directors, employees and volunteers from any actions on account of failure to provide foods of high quality fit for human consumption and, at its sole expense, defend any actions brought against the RiverArtsFest, Inc. or Vendors as a result of negligence on the part of the Vendor or its employees in connection therewith.
17. Vendor further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the RiverArtsFest, Inc. and all of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents and volunteers (the “Indemnified Parties”) from any loss arising out of any actions, claims, suits or proceedings which may be brought against any of the Indemnified Parties on account of injury to person or property in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
18. Upon acceptance to participate in the Festival by RAF, Vendor shall submit proof of the following insurance coverage effective for the above dates in the form of a Certificate of Liability Insurance, each of which must list RiverArtsFest, Inc., 1503 Monroe Avenue, Memphis TN 38104, as an additional insured party and certificate holder:

• Liability coverage of not less than $300,000.00
• Worker’s Compensation, if available

Please make sure your insurance company understands our requirements because you will not be allowed to set up without the properly filled out certificate.
19. The Vendor is responsible for reporting any and all state and local sales taxes.
20. The Vendor agrees to keep the required insurance coverage and licenses active during the duration of the Festival.
21. Vendor is entitled to sell any non-alcoholic drink with the exception of bottled water and hot Chocolate. Bottled water and Hot Chocolate can only be sold in the RAF Beer and Wine booths.
22. Vendor will submit with this application a proposed menu and price list of items Vendor wishes to sell at the Festival along with any other information Vendor feels will assist the RAF Committee in making its selection.
PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WITH THIS APPLICATION:

• Deposit payment on Zapp
• Proposed Menu and Price List
• Diagram of your vending layout
• Photo of your set-up booth
• Photo of electrical setup (if power is required)
• Any additional information that would assist RAF in making selection

With this online submission, I certify that I have read, understand and agree to abide by the above stated rules and that said rules are part of my Vendor contract as fully set forth herein. I realize that failure to comply may result in my being asked to leave during the Festival and that I would forfeit all fees. I understand that I am responsible for my own space, materials, insurance and permits, and shall hold harmless the RiverArtsFest Committee and/or RAF. Inc. from any and all damages in the event of loss.
Any and all disputes, disagreements or disciplinary actions will be settled or taken at the sole discretion of the on-site Festival Food Chairman or Festival Production Coordinator and all participating food Vendors agree to the authority of the on-site Food Chairman and Festival Production Coordinator to make such decisions or to take such actions as may be required for the operation of the Festival.
 

FOOD VENDOR FEES:
10x20 space - $950
10x10 space - $500

Available Space: Regular spaces will be 10' x 10 and 10' x 20'. The construct of the spaces are on public streets that must be accessible to emergency personnel at all times. Booth displays MAY NOT hang out into emergency access lanes designated by Fire and Police officials. If this will be a problem for you, it is your responsibility to notify us of your request to be located in an area other than an emergency access lane.

ELECTRICITY: Vendors are responsible for supplying extension cords that meet appropriate city and county codes. No space heaters allowed.

PARKING: RiverArtsFest has a designated  parking lot adjacent to the festival grounds.

SECURITY: Festival grounds will be secured and patrolled by licensed, bonded security personnel during and after Artist Market Set-up. This service will continue around the clock until the festival breaks down. RiverArtsFest will take all reasonable measures to protect the site; however, we assume no responsibility for any loss or damage to a vendor's property.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Cancellations made by the vendor in writing before the cancellation date of September 6, 2026 will receive a refund of their deposit. There will be no refund after that date unless the Board of Directors for RiverArtsFest cancels the entire festival.

SALES AND SALES TAXES: Vendors retain all revenue with no commission due to the festival. Vendors are responsible for collecting, reporting, and paying all required state and local sales taxes. Sales tax may be be filed online at Tennessee.gov.  Sales tax is 9.75% in Memphis, Tennessee.

For any questions or additional information, please contact us by email:
Food Vendor Chairman
Denny McGivern
denny.mcgivern@gmail.com

A vendor who cancels in writing before the cancellation deadline of September 6, 2026 will receive a refund of their deposit. There is no refund after the cancellation deadline of September 6, 2026, unless the Board of Directors for RiverArtsFest cancels the entire festival.