Food Vendors

Every year, more applications are received than there’s room to accommodate. Vendors are selected based on the following criteria:

• Healthy and adaptable to dietary restrictions (vegan/gluten-free/halal etc.)
• Variety and quality of food (overall menu balance)
• Price point and affordability
• Diversity and inclusion
• Electrical and operational requirements (generators are not permitted, space is limited)
• Alignment and commitment with the festival eco program

The Festival provides space for you to operate electrical and water/grey water hookups. Vendors must provide flooring, a sump pump, hand wash sinks, fresh/grey water hose, extension cords, lighting, tenting (if required) and all other equipment.

Vendors must comply with all health and building code regulations and provide proof of insurance.

Due to the support and sponsorship of some of our vendors, there’s exclusivity for certain food and drink items at the Festival. Vendors should refrain from offering any food or beverage item that fits or is similar to the following criteria: coffee (including cold coffee drinks), frozen desserts and pizza.

Calgary Folk Music Festival is located on Prince’s Island Park; space and electricity are limited. Priority is given to vendors with a small footprint and low power consumption.

The fees for 2024 will scale depending on size and power draw. For example, a standard 20 ft food vendor space with 30 amps of electricity would be estimated at $4,095 + GST*.

The festival is a no-waste event and requires vendors to participate in composting, recycling and other green programs. Vendors are required to offer only certified compostable serving wear to patrons. This includes all cupware, lids, pateware, cutlery, napkins, condiment cups and packaging. The festival must approve serving wear before use. Single-use plastic is not permitted. Vendors are strongly encouraged to purchase food stock/ supplies responsibly to avoid food waste.

With the festival taking place on Prince’s Island Park, access to electricity is very limited, and the use of generators is not permitted. Please ensure your application includes your full electrical requirements, as this is how your electrical needs are properly assessed. Should the contracted electrical needs increase from your application, this may affect your acceptance in the 2024 festival.

All equipment must be in good working condition and meet all applicable codes.

• March 31 Deadline: Food vendor application submission (application via online form only)
• April 15 Successful applicants will be notified of acceptance
• May 5 Deadline: Signed contract, deposit payment, and proof of insurance
• If these items are not received by May 14, the vendor's application will be withdrawn, and their space will be reallocated
• to a waitlisted vendor.
• July 23–25 vendor load-in begins. The date and time are to be confirmed by CFMF
• July 25–27 Calgary Folk Music Festival dates
• July 28 Vendor load-out begins. The date and time are to be confirmed by CFMF

Note: all dates are subject to change; vendors will be notified of all festival changes

*Prices are subject to change; a full price breakdown is provided at contracting