​​​

Vendor Booth Application 2026

​

Welcome to the vendor application for the 5th Annual Great Plains Art, Food & Makers Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Sesquicentennial Point Park in Lawrence, Kansas, overlooking Clinton Lake. This one-day, community-driven event brings together live music, original art, handmade goods, and local food in a unique natural amphitheater setting with sweeping views of the lake and the Wakarusa River Valley. We are currently accepting applications for artist and original handmade vendor booths, nonprofit and community outreach booths, food and dessert trucks, and one exclusive alcohol vendor.

​

The festival is a fully ticketed event, with general admission and VIP options, and is designed to draw a strong regional audience from Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City, and beyond. Approximately 100 vendor spaces are available, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled.

​

Artist and handmade vendor booths include a 10’ x 10’ outdoor space within the main vendor area. Vendors must bring their own tent, tables, chairs, display materials, and proper tent weights. The event takes place on a natural sloping amphitheater hill with open exposure to wind, and all tents must be securely anchored for safety. Only original art and handmade goods are permitted. Mass-produced items, resale-only products, or drop-shipped goods are not allowed, as we aim to maintain a high-quality, artist-driven marketplace. Vendor booth spaces are $100 for 2026, and vendors keep 100% of their sales.

​

Nonprofit and community outreach booths are available in limited quantity and include a similar 10’ x 10’ space for educational outreach, engagement, or programming. Direct sales are not permitted unless pre-approved. Organizations must be registered nonprofits or community-based groups. Political and religious organizations are not permitted. The fee for nonprofit booths is $45 and up.

​

Food and dessert trucks are selected in a curated manner to ensure a balanced and non-duplicative experience for attendees. We typically select a small number of food vendors, along with a limited number of dessert and baked goods vendors. Food vendors are responsible for providing proof of appropriate Kansas licensing, a certificate of insurance naming Great Plains Emerging Arts Project Inc. and the City of Lawrence as additional insured, and a menu for review. Vendors must bring a quiet generator, as power is not provided, and are responsible for all grease, waste, and water management. Food vendors keep 100% of their sales and must collect and remit Kansas sales tax.

​

We are also accepting applications for one alcohol vendor, who will be granted exclusive rights to sell beer, cider, wine, or similar beverages during the event. This vendor must be properly licensed, carry liquor liability insurance, and comply with all local and state regulations. The selected vendor will retain 100% of alcohol sales.

Vendor setup begins at 8:00 AM on the day of the event, and all vendors must be fully set up before gates open at 11:00 AM. Load-in instructions and booth assignments will be provided in advance. Vendors are encouraged to remain set up throughout the duration of the event for the best experience and sales opportunity. If early departure is necessary, it must be coordinated with festival staff for safety.

​

This is a rain-or-shine outdoor event. Booth fees are non-refundable unless your application is not accepted or unless cancellation is requested at least 40 days prior to the event. Vendors are responsible for bringing all necessary supplies, including lighting if staying after sunset. Electricity is not provided unless arranged in advance. Vendors are also responsible for their own payment systems. While internet is not provided, vendors have historically had no issues connecting to wireless service due to nearby cell towers.

By applying, vendors agree that they are responsible for their own property, staff, setup, and sales. Great Plains Emerging Arts Project Inc. is not liable for theft, damage, injury, or loss. Vendors must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and must collect and report Kansas sales tax. Food and alcohol vendors must carry active liability insurance. All booths must be properly anchored, and vendors are expected to leave their area clean and free of trash. Booth locations are assigned at the discretion of the festival.

If you are not sure whether your business or organization is a good fit, we are happy to talk through your idea. Applications are accepted until all 100 spaces are filled.

Questions can be directed to producer@greatplainsfest.com.

​

Let’s build something beautiful — together.

Great Plains Emerging Arts Project Inc.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit developing arts infrastructure and producing community cultural events in Lawrence, Kansas.

​

Terms & Conditions

By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the following terms for participation in the 2026 Great Plains Art, Food & Makers Festival taking place on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Sesquicentennial Point Park in Lawrence, Kansas.

Vendor booth fees are $100 for artist and handmade vendors, $45 for nonprofit booths, and food vendor fees are determined by category. Booth fees are non-refundable unless your application is not accepted or unless cancellation is requested at least 40 days prior to the event. Payment must be completed to secure your space once accepted.

​

The event runs from approximately 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and vendors are expected to be set up prior to opening and operate during peak event hours. Setup begins at 8:00 AM, and all vendors must follow load-in and load-out procedures provided in advance. Early departure must be coordinated with festival staff.

All vendors are responsible for obtaining and maintaining any required permits, licenses, and insurance. Food and alcohol vendors must be able to  provide proof of licensing and a certificate of insurance if requested. Vendors must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and are responsible for collecting and reporting Kansas sales tax.

All products sold must be original, handmade, or approved in advance. No resale-only, drop-shipped, or mass-produced items are permitted. Food and alcohol vendors may only sell items approved by the festival.

​

Vendors are responsible for providing their own tent, tables, chairs, lighting, and all display materials. This event takes place on a natural sloping amphitheater hill with exposure to wind, and all tents must be properly weighted. Electricity and water are not provided unless arranged in advance. Vendors must maintain a clean space and remove all waste at the end of the event.

​

Vendors and their staff are expected to conduct themselves professionally. The sale of illegal or unsafe items is prohibited. Vendors are responsible for securing their own property, and Great Plains Emerging Arts Project Inc. is not liable for any loss, theft, damage, injury, or other claims arising from participation in the event.

​

Booth locations are assigned at the discretion of the festival and may be adjusted for operational or safety reasons. This is a rain-or-shine event, and no refunds will be issued due to weather. In the event of cancellation due to emergency or public safety concerns, refunds are not guaranteed, though credit toward a future event may be considered.

​

By submitting this application, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Great Plains Emerging Arts Project Inc., the City of Lawrence, and all associated partners, staff, and volunteers from any claims or damages related to your participation. You also agree that submission of this application constitutes a binding agreement to these terms.