Non-Profit Vendor APPLICATION

Craft Vendor APPLICATION

Hickory Downtown Development Association is now accepting vendor applications for the 39th Annual Oktoberfest in Downtown Hickory, NC
HICKORY’S OKTOBERFEST • October 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2026

Festival Vending Hours:

Friday, October 9th: 5pm - 11pm
Saturday, October 10th: 10am - 11pm
Sunday, October 11th: noon - 5pm

VENDOR INFORMATION:

Early Bird Application & Payment Deadline: Monday, July 13, 2026

• Craft Vendor Fee: $300 for a 10' x 10' Space

• Vendor fees must be paid online and received no later than 5pm on July 13, 2026.

• Vendors will be notified by the Craft Vendor Coordinator of acceptance (via email) by August 14, 2026.

• If you aren't accepted to be a vendor, the refund process begins Friday, August 14, 2026.

Last Chance Application & Payment Deadline: Tuesday, July 14 - August 14, 2026. Payment deadline: September 4, 2026.

• Please note the $100 price increase:
Late Craft Vendor Fee: $400 for a 10' x 10' Space

• Vendor Fees must be paid online and received no later than 5pm on September 4, 2026.

• Vendors will be notified by the Craft Vendor Coordinator of acceptance (via email) by Friday, September 18, 2026.

• If you are not accepted to be a vendor, the refund process begins Friday, September 18, 2026.

CHECK IN:

• Vendors check in begins at 7am on Friday, October 9, 2026.

• All vendor vehicles must display their hang tag from the rearview mirror to be accepted into the festival area.

• Vendor contact phone number should be clearly visible on the hang tag.

• All Vendor vehicles must be removed from the festival footprint by 3pm, Friday October 9, 2026. Vehicles inside the festival after 3pm will be reported to the HPD for removal.

• All Vendors must open promptly at 5pm on Friday, October 9, 2026.

• All Vendors must remain open serving customers for the entire festival time frame.

Our email is info@downtownhickory.com
Craft Vendor Info

Contact Information
Business Name*
Sales Tax Number - All participants are responsible for collecting sales tax, the Oktoberfest festival will not be responsible for your sales.*
Booth Name (Please list the name that will appear on your booth signage.)*
Contact Name*
Email Address*
ALL correspondence will occur via email or phone so please ensure this is accurate and checked often. Please acknowledge this statement by clicking "I Agree" below.*

I agree
Work Phone*
Cell Phone*
Best Days & Times To Call*
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Website
Business website
Facebook
Business Facebook Link
Onsite Manager Contact Info

This information is only required if different from above
Onsite Contact Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Onsite Contact Phone*
Craft Vendor - Crafts & Pricing

Oktoberfest celebrates not only our community’s German heritage but strives to feature local craft vendors that offer unique products. We attract over 50,000 participants over 2½ days so you must be prepared for a high-volume event. Please take careful note that you will not be allowed to close early, leave early, or stop selling at any point during the event.
I would like to apply for the following number of Craft Vendor Booths:

1 Booth - $3002 Booths - $6003 Booths - $900
Please check the appropriate category describing your craft.(Check mark for each category)

Blown GlassStained GlassPotteryWoodPhotographyPrintmakingJewelryLeatherSculptureWeavingPaintingDrawingMetalOther
Craft Description - Thoroughly describe your craft. *
Please list AND describe ALL items you wish to distribute or display. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you do not list an item here, it will not be allowed at the festival.

Please include the price range for each item (PRICE MIN & PRICE MAX). Please see Festival Event Policy.

Examples:

Oil Paintings: $50 - $300
Vases: $25 - $75
Rings: $10 - $25
Merchandise List and Pricing*
File Upload - Upload vendor price list if you have it in a digital format or list items in the area below.*

Cancelof
Acknowledge each question below by checking "I Agree"*

I have knowledge that I have all the inventory that is required to attend the festival as a vendor. I will not bring any other inventory other than what I submitted on this form. I understand there are NO EXCEPTIONS.
Craft Vendor - Specialty
Please provide a brief artist statement that describes yourself and your art or craft. What do people love about your work? What are you excited to promote? We may use this statement to promote Oktoberfest in print and social media.
Please describe thoroughly - this is your time to get us excited about what you do! What do you do really well? What is your specialty? What do people rave about?
Please upload 4-6 photos of your craft. These photos will be used in consideration of your application. They will not be published without your permission.
File Upload*

Cancelof
Craft Vendor Operation Description
1. How do you set up your operation? Please describe thoroughly. *
Set Up Time
PLEASE NOTE that your tent may be no larger than 10 x 10 and must meet all standards listed in guidelines.

FIRE CODE REQUIREMENTS: Vendor tents must be FIRE RESISTANT with certification sticker attached to the tent.

Gas lanterns are not allowed.

Battery powered or electric lights must be guarded.

Halogen quartz lights are not permitted.

All drop cords must be 12-gauge heavy duty in compliance with the laws of the State of North Carolina and must be secured at all times.
2. How long does it take you to set up, from arrival to service ready? *
Set Up Time
3. How long does it take you to break down, from service to load out?*
Break Down Time
Craft Vendor - Electricity
Do you use electricity in your operation? Note: You must supply your own #10 or #12 electrical cord as well as the materials to securely fasten it to the ground. Your placement of the cord must pass the safety inspection by the Fire Marshall.*

YesNo
Craft Vendor - Disclaimer
Disclaimer: I agree to abide by the 2026 Festival Event Policy and all policies and guidelines developed by Hickory Oktoberfest Festival planning committee. Further, I understand that failure to follow these regulations can mean expulsion from this year's or future Festivals.

I hereby release and agree to hold harmless all indemnified parties from any damage to my property or any personal injury which I or my helpers may sustain while participating in the Hickory Oktoberfest Festival October 9, 10 and 11, 2026 (Confirm agreement by filling in your full name and date below.)

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AT: info@downtownhickory.com
Name*

First NameLast Name
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Hickory's Oktoberfest, presented by the Hickory Downtown Development Association, may, in its discretion, cancel all or part of the Oktoberfest event if circumstances regarding any act of God or nature warrant (other than local weather events) including public health orders or recommendations on reasonable notice in which case no payment will be required and any deposit will be returned.
Should be Empty:

Craft Vendor APPLICATION

Onsite Manager Contact Info

Craft Vendor - Crafts & Pricing

Craft Vendor - Specialty

Craft Vendor Operation Description

Craft Vendor - Electricity

Craft Vendor - Disclaimer