Food Vendors

Every year, we receive more applications than we can place. Vendors are selected based on the following criteria:

• Healthy and adaptable to dietary restrictions (vegan/gluten-free/halal etc.)

• Variety and quality of food (overall menu balance).

• Appeal of offerings

• Availability within product category

• Price point and affordability

• Diversity and inclusion

• Space availability

• Electrical and operational requirements (generators are not permitted, and power and space are minimal)

• Alignment and commitment with the festival eco program

• Festival Support

• In good standing with CFMF

Applications are sorted into groups of similar offerings and categories and will be compared to the other vendor applications in each grouping, with the above criteria considered. Vendors will be notified of their application status via email (April 2025). Vendors who have been accepted will be emailed a Food Vendor Agreement, additional documents, information regarding payment, etc.

The Calgary Folk Music Festival takes place in Prince’s Island Park. Access to electricity is minimal, and generators are not permitted (per Provincial & Municipal government). Please ensure your application includes your complete electrical requirements, as this is how we can adequately assess your electrical needs. Should the contracted electrical needs increase from your application, this may affect your acceptance in the 2026 festival, and you will ensure additional charges. All equipment must be in good working condition and meet all applicable codes.

The Festival provides space for you to operate and water/grey water hookups. Vendors must provide flooring, a sump pump, hand wash sinks, fresh/grey water hose, extension cords, lighting, tenting (if required), and all other equipment. Vendors must comply with all health and building code regulations and provide proof of insurance.

• Vendor footprint and layout should be designed to accommodate high-capacity orders, offering fast service times without compromising experience, service or quality.

• Vendors (foodtruck, tent, etc.) exteriors should be well maintained, clean and with professional signage.

• The vendor footprint should be designed to be self-contained, and equipment, storage, etc., that are visible to the public should be kept to a minimum.

• Signage and menus are prohibited on the paved pathway
• Signage and menus should be visible and clear to patrons.

Calgary Folk Music Festival strives to be a no-waste event.

• Vendors are required to participate in composting, recycling and other green programs.
• Vendors are required to offer only certified compostable serving wear to all patrons. Includes all cupware, lids, plateware, cutlery, napkins, condiment cups, and packaging.
• The festival must approve serving wear before use.
• Single-use plastic is not permitted.
• We strongly encourage vendors to purchase food stock/ supplies responsibly to avoid waste.

Calgary Folk Music Festival is located on Prince’s Island Park; space and electricity are limited. Priority is given to vendors with a small footprint and low power consumption. Please note generators are not permitted on Prince's Island Park (per Provincial & Municipal government).

Fees for 2025 will vary based on vendor size and power usage. For example, a standard 20ft food vendor space with 30 amps of electricity would be estimated at $4,095.00+GST*.

If you would like to learn more about Exclusivity & Festival Support, please ensure this option is indicated on your online application. All interested vendors will be reviewed and quoted using a case-by-case review process. Vendors are asked not to contact staff or volunteers about exclusivity matters.

March 30, 2025 Deadline:

• Food Vendor Application submission (online form only)

April 18, 2025

• Successful applicants will be notified of acceptance via email.

May 12, 2025 Deadline:

• Signed contract, deposit payment, and proof of insurance

If these items are not received by May 12th, the vendor's application will be withdrawn, and their space will be reallocated to a waitlisted vendor.

July 23 - 25, 2025 - Vendor load-in begins. The date and time are to be confirmed by CFMF

July 25 - 27, 2025 - Calgary Folk Music Festival dates

July 28, 2025 - Vendor load-out begins. The date and time are to be confirmed by CFMF

Note: all dates are subject to change; vendors will be notified of all festival changes.

*Prices are subject to change; a full price breakdown is provided at contracting