Event Information

WHERE: 600 & 700 Blocks of Penn Street

WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 4pm-9:30pm

*This event is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, rain and shine.  There is no raindate.

*Vendor Commitment - Before registering, please ensure you are able to commit to the event date. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows impact event planning. Vendors who cancel at the last minute or fail to attend without prior communication may have their participation in future Downtown Reading events affected.

*Everyone interested in participating in Downtown Reading's GlowFest MUST complete this application for approval. Limited spaces for each type (food, non-profit, artistan) of vendor

*All vendors MUST stay for the duration of the event which is 4pm - 9:30pm. 

*You must provide your own equipment, table, chairs. If in doubt, please ask.

*All vendors are provided with space for a 10x10 pop tent, unless additional space is requested & available or truck size is noted on registration.

*Electricity is NOT provided.

* We ask that all vendors try to add a glow aspect to their setup or offer items that tie into the theme of the event.  This can be a new item or a new take on an item you already provide. It's a glow festival and celebration of things that light up the night so feel free to get creative. If in doubt of an idea, please feel free to reach out. 

*Vendor Fee - we ask that approved vendors obtain a City Special Event Business Privilege License ($15) & Health Permit Fee ($10).  If you plan on participating in mutiple events, an annual Busines Privilege License is available for a one-time fee ($55).

FOOD VENDORS/RESTAURANTS/FOOD TRUCKS – required:

• ServSafe Certificate 
• PA Health Dept License
• Certificate of Insurance (COI) for The City of Reading 
• Photo Id 
• Completed Special Event Health Permit application
• Completed Special Event Business Privilege License application
• ** If you already have a City of Reading Annual Health Permit only provide a copy of this document.

NON FOOD VENDORS SALES– required:

• Photo ID
• EIN/FIN: business’s Federal ID number. If the business is a sole proprietorship and does not have an EIN/FIN, use the proprietor’s social security number.
• Completed Special Event Business Privilege License application
• ** If you already have a City of Reading Annual Business Privilege License only provide a copy of this document.

IMPORTANT VENDOR RULES AND INFORMATION – PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

• No Smoking & No Pets allowed in the vendor area.
• Sales Tax – Each vendor is responsible for the collection, reporting and paying of their own sales tax for the items they sell. 
• Vendor Responsibilities –vendor displays & food truck areas must be set up in a professional, maintained manner, and cannot extend past the space provided. Vendors are responsible for keeping their areas clean and ensuring all trash is picked up. Trash receptacles will be located throughout the event area.
• Applications –This vendor application form must approved by the City of Reading City Core Manager before any permit steps are taken. This form must be submitted by the 1st of the October and permits will need to be completed 10 days prior to the event. The event reserves the right to deny an application or to prefer an application based on the fit of the vendor’s products with the event, to achieve a diversity of vendor products, and/or based on the relative quality and uniqueness of the vendor’s products.
  All food vendors must secure a special event business privilege license ($15.00) and a special event health permit ($10.00).
  All vendors selling goods other than food must secure a special event business privilege license ($15.00) unless already licensed by the City of Reading.

The City of Reading is not responsible for the success or failure of any booth, or any items/products broken, stolen or damaged before, during or after the event. We reserve the right to revoke the contract of any vendor who is causing issues with other vendors, staff, or attendees. Failure to comply with the Vendor Participation Rules and Information could result in disbarment from any and/or all City of Reading events. We are dedicated to making this event a success.

To the extent allowed by law, I, along with any associated employees, volunteers, contracted workers, and/or affiliates, hereby release and hold harmless the City of Reading and workers/volunteers connected with this event in Reading from any damages or loss that I might incur during participation in the event. The City of Reading has my permission to use any photos I appear in during the GlowFest Block Party event for promotional purposes.

I have read the regulations, above, and agree to adhere to them.

Once your application is accepted, please be prepared to submit the following:

Payment of application fee can be made by check or money order in City Hall, 815 Washington Street. Special Event Business Privilege License Room 1-27 or Special Event Health Permit Room 1-30 any time between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

A copy required documentation will be needed when you come in if not uploaded to this application.