Thank you for your interest in being a Culinary Arts Vendor at the 2026 Driftless Area Art Festival! This year's event will be held September 19-20 at Beauford T. Anderson Park in Soldiers Grove, WI.
DAAF is a juried art festival held annually the 3rd weekend in September. Festival-goers can browse and purchase original works of painting, ceramics, wood, glass, jewelry, photography, fiber, and more, while enjoying live music, regional foods, and a vibrant sense of community. The free, family-friendly festival showcases visual artists, performing artists, culinary vendors, and an inspiring youth art tent- all set against the scenic backdrop of the Kickapoo Valley hills.
Our 2025 event drew upwards of 3,000 people over the two day event.
Please read the following before applying:
*Applications are due no later than June 1, 2026.
*Applicants must be based in the Driftless region of Southwestern Wisconsin, Northeastern Iowa, Southeastern Minnesota, or Northwestern Illinois.
The Driftless Area Art Festival (DAFF) seeks to curate a thoughtful and well-balanced selection of food vendors that supports vendor success and enhances the overall festival experience. Applications are reviewed by the committee using the following criteria:
1. Menu Diversity & Limited Duplication
To ensure strong sales for participating vendors and provide a varied experience for attendees, DAFF works to limit duplication of primary menu categories. In general, we aim to select only one vendor per primary food type (for example, pizza, ice cream, or coffee). Some overalap may occur in categories such as sandwiches or grilled items, so it is important to clearly describe your menu items, highlighting what makes them unique.
2. Use of Local, Regional, or Organic Ingredients
Vendors who incorporate locally or regionally sourced ingredients, organic products, or seasonal items reflective of the Driftless region are encouraged to highlight this in their application.
4. Prior Participation & Professionalism
Previous participation in DAFF, history of reliability, positive attendee feedback, and professional booth presentation may be considered in the selection process.
Vendor Guidlines
* Proof of insurance is required. Upon acceptance, you must submit a certificate of insurance naming Community Development Alternatives, Inc. as additionally insured. Failure to submit documentation a minimum of two weeks prior to the festival will result in loss of vendor approval.
*All food vendors must be open by 11am daily and remain open until the festival closes each day. Festival hours: Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.
*Set-up may begin on Friday. Vendors must check-in with festival staff prior to setting up. Security will be provided by the Village of Soldiers Grove for Friday and Saturday nights.
* We do not allow generators. All spaces include access to water and electric hookups.
*This is an outdoor event and vendors should prepare accordingly, including adequate shelter with sufficient anchorage. No rain date will be scheduled nor refund given for inclement weather.
*No food or beverage shall be dispensed in glass containers. If you are serving beverages which come to you in glass bottles, you are required to dispense them in paper or plastic cups.
*Vendors must comply with state sales tax regulations.
*Vendors must comply with DHFS restaurant permit guidelines.
Culinary Vendor Fee Schedule (*Note changes in 2026)
Food booth fees are charged at a flat rate with no percentage of sales required. This helps keep participation affordable and simple for our community-based festival. All spaces are 20' x 20', have electricity and water hook ups, and parking at or near your designated space.
- Food vendors- $300
- Beverage or dessert only vendors- $200
- A $50 deposit (included in above numbers) is due with your application.
- Accepted Vendors: The remaining balance is due upon acceptance but no later than one month prior to the festival. We reserve the right to revoke acceptance and fill the spot with a vendor on our wait list if your booth fee and/or proof of insurance are not submitted one month prior to the festival. Booth fees may be paid electronically or by mailing a check to CDA. Futhur information will be provided in your acceptance letter.
- Declined Applicants: Your $50 will be refunded via original form of payment.
- The festival committee will determine the category you qualify for based on your menu. We expect you to serve the items on the menu you provide in this application.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made by August 20th will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made after August 20th will receive booth fee refund only (not $50 deposit).
- No Shows will result in no refund.
Please feel free to reach out to our Festival Coodinator, Kim Anderson with any questions about this application at driftlessareaartfestival@gmail.com or 608.433.8543.
Sincerely,
Kay Campbell
Culinary Arts Coordinator
food@driftlessareaartfestival.com