Fest 2026 Application
  • Umoja Fest 2026 Vendor Application

  • Thank you for your interest in vending at the 2026 Umoja Festival!

    Join us as we celebrate the richness of the Black community and African Diaspora culture through music, food, culture and family fun.

    Dates and Times:
    August 1-2, 2026
    Sat. 12-8
    Sunday 12-7

     

    Vendor Fees
    Retail/Merchandise (10x10): $275
    Cold Food Vendor (10x10): $325
    Hot & Cold Food Vendor (10x10): $475
    Hot & Cold Food Vendor (10x20): $900
    Food Trailer (up to 16 ft): $750
    Food Truck (up to 26 ft): $1,000
    Nonprofit/Info (10x10, no sales): $225
    Government Agency (10x10): $400

  • Vendor Requirements

  • Umoja Fest 2026 Vendor Guidelines

    1. Application Process

    New for 2026: Curated Vendor Selection Process
    To create a more balanced and successful vendor marketplace, we are introducing a curated selection process for retail and food vendors.

    • Applications accepted: May 24 – June 14, 2026
    • Payment is not required at the time of application.
    • Vendor selection will be based on product type, uniqueness, and category diversity to avoid duplication.
    • All applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by June 22, 2026.
    • Selected vendors will have 7 days to submit full payment and confirm participation.
    • If payment is not received by the deadline, the spot will be offered to the next vendor on the waitlist.
    Note: Information-only vendors (including nonprofit, government, and corporate) are not part of the selection process and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the overall reduced fee structure this year, an early bird discount will not be offered for 2026.

    2. Vendor Categories

    2.1 Retail Vendors

    Businesses or individuals selling or promoting goods/services:

    • Apparel, jewelry, candles, art, home goods, beauty products
    • Handmade/custom goods
    • On-site services (e.g., face painting, massages)
    • Order-based sales
    • Business or brand promotion
    • For-profit organizations soliciting donations

    2.2 Food Vendors

    Businesses selling or distributing food/drinks on-site:

    Cold Food Vendors

    • Pre-packaged or non-heated items (smoothies, snacks, bottled drinks)
    • No on-site heating/cooking
    • Must comply with City of Seattle & King County Public Health rules

    Hot & Cold Food Vendors

    • Serve heated food (grilled, fried, baked) and may also offer cold items
    • Use of grills, fryers, warmers, etc.
    • Must comply with all relevant food safety regulations

    Food Trucks & Trailers

    • Mobile kitchens with built-in prep equipment
    • Require additional space
    • Must meet all Seattle & King County health and inspection requirements

    2.3 Information-Only Vendors

    Organizations providing education, outreach, or services (no selling):

    • Nonprofits offering free resources or community engagement
    • Government agencies or civic organizations
    • Political groups or petition-based outreach

    3. Business License Requirements

    • Vendors must list the business address on their license (if applicable) in the application.
    • If the business or organization is based in Seattle, a City of Seattle Business License is required (no tradeshow license option).
    • Businesses outside of Seattle may:
      • Purchase a Seattle Business License independently, or
      • Opt into Umoja Fest’s $10/day trade show license.
    • Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government agencies are exempt and do not need to purchase the tradeshow license.
    • A federal EIN or WA UBI number is not the same as a Seattle business license customer number.

    Look up your Seattle Business License

    Apply for a Seattle Business License

    4. Vendor Participation & Setup Requirements

    Documentation & Orientation

    • Spaces are not reserved until full payment and all required documentation are submitted.
    • Documents must be uploaded during application or emailed to vendors@blackdotseattle.com.
    • All confirmed vendors must attend a virtual orientation (date TBD).

    Space & Setup

    • Vendors must bring their own 10x10 canopy, table, chairs, and electricity (if needed).
    • All structures must fit within assigned space—no overflow allowed.
    • Tents must be securely anchored per safety guidelines.
    • Food trucks and trailers must not exceed size limits or block fire lanes.
    • Vendors are responsible for setup and takedown (instructions will be provided).
    • A commercial sink station will be provided for food vendors; however, vendors are responsible for bringing any necessary supplies to clean and service their own equipment or dishes. Please note: we cannot guarantee proximity of the sink to your specific setup—plan accordingly.
    • Any vendor setup with wheels (including carts, trailers, or mobile units) is required to place wood or other approved material under tires, as mandated by Seattle Parks and Recreation to protect park grounds.

    Compliance & Restrictions

    • Only approved food vendors may sell consumables—no unpermitted sales.
    • No alcohol, cannabis, weapons, pepper spray, or restricted items allowed.
    • Music from booths is prohibited unless approved.
    • Vendors are liable for any damage to park grounds or facilities.

    Sales Tax

    • All retail and food vendors must report and pay 10% of daily gross sales (or $30 minimum) to Seattle Parks.
    • Instructions and payment options will be provided before the event.

    5. Vendor Fees

    Vendor Type Space Size / Description 2026 Fee
    Retail/Merchandise 10x10 space $275
    Cold Food Vendor 10x10 space $325
    Hot & Cold Food Vendor 10x10 space $475
    Food Trailer Up to 16 ft $750
    Food Truck Up to 26 ft $1,000
    Nonprofit/Info 10x10 space (No sales permitted) $225
    Government Agency 10x10 space $400

    6. Food Vendor Permitting & Health Guidelines

    All food vendors must comply with City of Seattle and King County Public Health requirements. Below are the permit categories, submission timelines, and documentation expectations:

    Permit Requirements by Vendor Type

    • Existing Mobile Food Vendors: Must provide your updated “PR” permit number from your annual operating permit. Ensure your permit is current and that hot water is available and operational at your booth.
    • Vendors Using a Commercial Kitchen (Exempt Foods): If you are selling exempt foods (e.g., roasted nuts, corn on the cob) and preparing them in an approved commercial kitchen, commissary, or restaurant, you must submit the Application for Exemption from Permit.
    • Temporary Food Vendors: All other food vendors must complete the Temporary Food Service Business Permit application with King County Public Health. Apply Here
    • Vendors with Multiple or Unlimited Permits: If you hold a Multiple (5-event) or Unlimited temporary event permit (Moderate or Complex) for the 2026 calendar year, submit your event registration through the King County portal. A Certified Booth Operator (CBO) is required for all vendors using a Moderate or Complex multiple/unlimited permit package. The CBO does not need to be onsite during the event.

    Permit Categories

    • Minimal Food Handling: Pre-packaged TCS* foods made under permit only. No sampling or handling of unpackaged items.
    • Moderate Food Handling: Unpackaged TCS* foods, sampling, reheating of commercially prepared foods (e.g., USDA/WSDA), and hot holding. No raw animal products or cooling steps.
    • Complex Food Handling: Preparation involving raw animal products, cooking and cooling steps, or serving raw animal items.
    * TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods include: meat, poultry, dairy, cooked starches, cut leafy greens, cut tomatoes, melons, sprouts, garlic-in-oil mixtures, and cooked produce.

    Submission Timeline & Inspection Notice

    • All food vendor permit applications must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event to avoid late fees and ensure timely approval.
    • All food vendors are subject to onsite inspection by King County Public Health during Umoja Fest.

    7. Fire Department Requirements

    Food vendors using propane, charcoal, wood, or solid fuel must have a valid Seattle Fire Department permit.

    • Important: Vendors who do not have a valid SFD permit will not be permitted to operate at the festival.
    • Questions?
      Contact: Lt. Keith Wyatt – Seattle Fire Department
      📞 (206) 386-1209
      ✉️ Keith.Wyatt@seattle.gov

    8. Refund Policies

    • No refunds will be issued for no-shows, weather-related cancellations, or missing documentation.
    • Refund requests must be submitted in writing and are at the discretion of event organizers.
    • A $50 administrative fee will be deducted from any approved refund.

    9. Insurance Requirements & Liability Disclaimer

    Event insurance is required for all food vendors participating in Umoja Fest. Vendors must carry a valid general liability insurance policy that covers their operations and activities during the event. Proof of insurance may be requested at any time leading up to or during the festival.

    While not required, event or business liability insurance is strongly encouraged for all other vendors, including retail and informational booths. Insurance provides important protection in case of accidents, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents.

    Please note that Umoja Fest, its organizers, staff, volunteers, the Umoja PEACE Center, and the City of Seattle are not responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to any vendor property, merchandise, equipment, or persons participating in the event. Vendors participate at their own risk and are expected to take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings and operations.

     


  • Vendor Type:*
  • Help Us Get to Know You & Your Business!

    The more we know, the better! Share your story, your vision, and what makes your business unique. Describe your products or services in detail—this helps our selection committee understand your offerings and how you’ll contribute to a vibrant, diverse marketplace. Give us the full picture so we can make the most informed decision during the selection process.
  • Product/Service being displayed (Select all that apply)*
  • Which category/ies best describes your business? We ask this to help us ensure representation, support equity in vendor selection, and celebrate the diversity of our community.*
  • Are your products handmade, branded, resold, or a mix?*
  • Would you be interested in participating in any of the following vendor engagement opportunities? (Select all that apply)
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  • Licensing, Permits, & Insurance

  • Business License Requirements

    • All vendors must list the business address that appears on their business license (if applicable) when completing their application.
    • Vendors whose business or organization is located within the City of Seattle are required to have a current City of Seattle Business License and are not eligible to operate under Umoja Fest’s tradeshow license.
    • Businesses outside of Seattle may:

      Purchase a Seattle Business License independently, or

      Opt into Umoja Fest’s $10/day trade show license

    • Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government agencies are exempt and do not need to purchase the tradeshow license.

    PLEASE NOTE: A federal EIN or state UBI number (ex. 601000111) is not the same as the Seattle business license customer number. You are not required to have a federal EIN or state UBI number to be a vendor.

    Click here to look up your City of Seattle business license number

    Click here to purchase a City of Seattle business license

  • Do you have a city of Seattle Business License?*
  • Is the business licensed to conduct business in the State of Washington?*
  • Seattle Fire Department (SFD) Permit Requirement
    All food vendors cooking with propane, solid fuel, wood, or charcoal are required to have a current Seattle Fire Department (SFD) permit in order to participate in Umoja Fest.

    • Check your permit status: Click here
    • Apply for a permit: Click here to apply
    • Fire extinguisher requirements: Click here to review full guidelines

    Important: Vendors who do not have a valid SFD permit will not be permitted to operate at the festival.

  • Do you require a Seattle Fire Department (SFD) permit to participate as a food vendor? (SFD permits are required for any vendor cooking with propane, solid fuel, wood, or charcoal. If required, proof of a valid permit must be submitted upon selection along with payment to secure your vendor space.)*
  • Which type of King County Public Health permit do you have or plan to obtain for food vending at Umoja Fest?(All food vendors must have a valid permit based on the type of food handling they do. You must submit your application to King County Public Health at least 14 days prior to the festival. Vendors who do not obtain their permit will not be able to participate in the festival and will not be eligible for a refund.)*
  • Insurance Requirements & Liability Disclaimer


    Event insurance is required for all food vendors participating in Umoja Fest. Vendors must carry a valid general liability insurance policy that covers their operations and activities during the event. Proof of insurance may be requested at any time leading up to or during the festival.

    While not required, event or business liability insurance is strongly encouraged for all other vendors, including retail and informational booths. Insurance provides important protection in case of accidents, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents.

    Please note that Umoja Fest, its organizers, staff, volunteers, the Umoja PEACE Center, and the City of Seattle are not responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to any vendor property, merchandise, equipment, or persons participating in the event. Vendors participate at their own risk and are expected to take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings and operations.

    We encourage vendors who do not already carry coverage to explore affordable short-term event insurance options through providers such as:

    The Event Helper

    Eventsured

  • Do you have general liability insurance to cover your participation at Umoja Fest? (Insurance is required for all food vendors and strongly encouraged for all others. Proof of insurance must be submitted upon selection along with payment to secure your vendor space.)*
  • Select your vending package (tent size)*
  • Terms & Conditions

  • Umoja Fest 2026 Vendor Terms & Conditions


    1. Application Approval
    All vendor applications are subject to approval by event organizers. Umoja Fest reserves the right to accept or deny any application and to prohibit the sale or display of any item that conflicts with festival values or safety guidelines. Any vendor found in violation of festival rules may be removed from the event without refund.


    2. Liability & Property
    Vendors participate at their own risk and are solely responsible for their products, equipment, and personal property. Umoja Fest and its partners are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.

    3. Business License Requirements
    Vendors must list their business address as shown on their business license (if applicable).

    • Vendors located within Seattle must have a valid City of Seattle Business License.
    • Vendors located outside of Seattle may either obtain a Seattle business license or purchase a $10/day tradeshow license through Umoja Fest.
    • A federal EIN or Washington State UBI number does not substitute for a City of Seattle business license. The City of Seattle may audit this list. Vendors are responsible for their own taxes and compliance.

    4. Required Documentation
    Vendor spaces will not be confirmed until full payment and all required documentation (business licenses, permits, insurance, etc.) are received. Documents must be uploaded with paymenta0or submitted by email to vendors@blackdotseattle.com upon acceptance.


    5. Behavior & Professionalism
    Vendors must conduct themselves in a professional, respectful manner at all times. Aggressive sales tactics, unauthorized amplified music, or behavior disruptive to other vendors or attendees is prohibited. Vendors are responsible for keeping their area clean and disposing of trash properly.


    6. Refund Policy
    There will be no refunds for vendor no-shows, inclement weather, or failure to submit required documentation. Any refund requests must be submitted in writing at least 30 days before the festival and are subject to approval. A $50 administrative fee will be deducted from any approved refund.


    7. Setup & Compliance
    All vendors must be set up and ready to operatea0two hours prior to the starta0of the event. Late arrivals or failure to attend may result in forfeiture of space without refund. Vendors must not exceed their designated booth size and must not block fire lanes or neighboring booths. Tents must be securely anchored.


    8. Permitted Sales
    Only approved and properly permitted food/drink vendors may sell consumable items. Vendors may not sell any item containing alcohol, cannabis, or restricted substances. The sale of weapons, pepper spray, and other prohibited goods is strictly forbidden.


    9. Music & Activities
    Vendors may not play music or conduct performances from their booth without prior written approval from event management.


    10. Damages
    Vendors are responsible for any damage to park grounds, facilities, or infrastructure resulting from their participation.


    11. Indemnification
    Vendors agree to indemnify and hold harmless Umoja Fest, its partners, the Umoja PEACE Center, the City of Seattle, and all affiliated staff and agents from any claims or liabilities arising from participation in the event.


    12. Enforcement & Removal
    Failure to comply with these terms may result in immediate removal from the event at the discretion of event management. Should this occur, the vendor forfeits all fees and may be responsible for removal costs. Umoja Fest will not store or safeguard removed items.


    13. Confirmation of Agreement
    By submitting a vendor application, the applicant confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by all terms and conditions outlined above.

  • Vendor Fee (retail/food vendors don’t need to pay vendor fee until accepted)

    Categories:All
    All
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          Tradeshow License

          Required if you don't have a city of Seattle Business License

          $20.00$20.00
            
          INFORMATION ONLY

          (tabling with free information not related to commercial business) 

          $225.00$225.00
            
          GOVERNMENT

          For local/state agencies.

          $400.00$400.00
            
          Total
          $0.00$0.00
        • Click Here to Read Full Vendor Requirements

          You must read the vendor guidelines in its entirety before submitting your application.

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