Food Vendors
Food Philosophy
“The two things you can’t fake are good food and good music.” – Etta James
We value food that is good for our bodies, our community and our environment. Our goal is to work with partners and vendors who share our values and our commitment to support local, ethical and sustainable products. We encourage applications from vendors who offer a variety of healthy, nutritious food choices that are affordable and that respect dietary restrictions.
Each year the Vancouver Folk Music Festival draws more than 23,000 people over 3 days. Our Food Vendor area is a busy and bustling space, providing vendors an excellent opportunity to increase their exposure while having some Festival fun.
Pete’s Eats – Hours of Operation
Friday July 18: 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday July 19: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday July 20: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Application Process & Selection Criteria
Food Vendor applications for the 2025 Festival are now closed.
How Food Vendors are Selected
The first thing we do after receiving your application is confirm that you have completed the entire application. If there is any missing information, your application will not be considered.
The second thing we do is review publicly available, online sources to verify that your mobile vending unit and your commissary kitchen are currently in compliance with BC’s Food Premises Regulation.
The selection committee looks for well-organized vendors with high-quality menus. In selecting vendors to participate, the VFMF takes into account the following factors: what type of food you serve, whether your menu offers affordable options, whether you use local or ethically sourced ingredients, whether you offer nutritious choices, whether you have experience serving in a high-volume setting, and whether or not you have been a vendor at previous Folk Festivals. Previous food service experience is important as the VFMF is a very high traffic festival and can get very busy for vendors. We strive to have a balance of new and returning vendors. For returning vendors, the committee also takes into account any feedback received from the public and/or festival volunteers. Please note: past participation does not guarantee a place in the coming year.
When filling out your application, be mindful that food vendor selection is a juried process and quite competitive. Please read the application form very carefully as we are not able to accommodate or make exceptions to the parameters laid out. If you are not able to meet our requirements or our fee structure, your application will not be considered.
If your application is accepted for participation in the 2025 Vancouver Folk Music Festival, we will notify you by email on or before April 15, 2025. Please note: we do not require a deposit at the time of application.
Food Vendor Fees
The food vendor structure has changed this year; please review the following information:
Vendor Flat Fee $1600 – includes 10ft x 20ft site space (No commission on sales will be charged).
Power – Additional fees will be charged based on the required amount of power needed. No gas generators are allowed in the park.
Reefer – Shared reefer space will be an optional add-on fee of $300 for a space 4ft wide x 2ft deep x 6ft high. Vendors need to provide their own shelf or dunnage rack.
Sink – A 2-compartment sink will be an optional add-on fee of $300 and set up beside your location.
Eco-Deposit – A refundable $200 deposit to ensure compliance with BC and VFMF environmental sustainability policies. Details are included in the Letter of Agreement.
Selected food vendors will receive an invoice and a Letter of Agreement by April 22nd. 50% of the invoice must be paid, and the Letter of Agreement must be signed by May 1, 2025, to secure your spot. The remaining 50% of the invoice is due June 15, 2025. The VFMF will only offer refunds in the event of a full event cancellation.
Questions can be emailed to Lisa Gardin, Food & Beverage Manager at foodvendors@thefestival.bc.ca.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2025.