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 38,000 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 15: 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday July 16: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday July 17: 11:00am to 10:00pm

Application Process & Selection Criteria 

To be considered as a food vendor, you must complete the 2022 VFMF Food Vendor Application Form. The deadline to submit your application is March 31, 2022.

The first thing we do after receiving your application is to confirm that you have completed the entire application. If there is any missing information, your application will not be reviewed. 

The second thing we do is review publicly available, online sources to verify that your unit and your commissary kitchen are currently in compliance – and that you have a pattern of compliance – with BC's Food Premises Regulation. If you have any outstanding critical infractions or if there is evidence of repeated non-compliance, your application will not be reviewed.

Once we are satisfied that you consistently operate in a FoodSafe manner, your application will be reviewed by an internal selection committee. In selecting vendors to participate, the VFMF takes into account: the type of food that you serve, whether your menu offers affordable options, how your menu and your food philosophy aligns with Festival values (e.g., do you use local, ethically sourced ingredients? do you offer nutritious choices?), whether you have experience serving in a high-volume setting, whether or not you have been a vendor at previous Folk Festivals. 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.

If your application is accepted for participation in the 2022 Vancouver Folk Music Festival, we will notify you by email on or before April 15, 2022.

Food Vendor Fees 

The food vendor fee includes: access to potable water (hot and cold), one 15 Amp single phase circuit, refrigeration space, one (1) parking space, and a limited number of badges that will allow your staff access to the site. Vendors are required to supply their own food preparation equipment, display materials, lighting, weatherproofing, and flooring.

In 2022, the food vendor fee will be based on 20% of total sales at the Festival. Food vendors will be required to provide sales totals by email at the end of each day to the festival’s Food & Beverage Manager. The Festival will invoice the food vendor at the end of the festival for the total commission.

Pre-Festival Deposits

• If you are selected to be a vendor at the 2022 VFMF, we will immediately invoice you for a $750 deposit that will hold your space at the Festival. Your deposit is non-refundable and will be due within 7 days of the invoice being sent. Failure to pay the deposit on time will result in the cancellation of our offer to participate and your spot will be offered to a vendor on the waiting list.
• The VFMF is a green event. To ensure that all vendors follow the Festival’s eco guidelines, food vendors will also be charged a $100 green deposit. This deposit is refundable and will also be due within 7 days of being offered a spot at the 2022 Festival. Your green deposit will be returned to you after the Festival once we have confirmed that you have cleaned up all your waste and that you have left your spot the way you found it.