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 the 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 compared with other vendor applications in each grouping, with the above criteria considered. Vendors will be notified of their application status via email (April 24th, 2026). Vendors who have been accepted will be emailed a Food Vendor Agreement, additional documents, payment information, etc.

With the festival taking place at Prince’s Island Park, access to electricity is very limited, and generators are not permitted (per the Provincial & Municipal governments). Please ensure your application includes your complete electrical requirements, as this is how we can adequately assess your electrical needs. We do not provide additional electrical on the island, only what has been contracted and signed off on. All equipment must be in good working condition and meet all applicable codes.

Please note that the City of Calgary has discontinued the electoral subsidy program that has historically supported events and festivals across the city, including those held at Prince’s Island Park. As a result, electrical fees will increase this year and may continue to rise in the coming years. CFMF is working closely with our partners and stakeholders to help minimize these impacts wherever possible.

We appreciate vendors’ understanding as we navigate these changes.

The Festival provides space for you to operate and water/grey water hookups. Vendors must provide flooring, a sump pump, hand-wash sinks, a 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.

• Vendor (food truck, 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.

The 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.

• Any items that require specialized recycling (e.g., aerosol cans) must be removed from site by the vendor and recycled accordingly.

Fees And Services

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. Fees include waste management through our Eco program and access to a cooking oil disposal bin.

Fees for 2026 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 $ 4,350.00 + GST*.

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

If you want 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 on a case-by-case basis. Vendors are asked not to contact staff about exclusivity matters.

April 15, 2026 Deadline: Food Vendor Application submission (online form only)

April 29, 2026 Successful applicants will be notified of acceptance.

May 18, 2026 Deadline: Signed contract, deposit payment, and proof of insurance

If these items are not received by May 18th, the vendor's application will be withdrawn, and their space will be reallocated to a waitlisted vendor.

July 21 - 23, 2026 Vendor load-in begins. The date and time are to be confirmed by CFMF

July 23-26, 2026 Calgary Folk Music Festival dates

July 27, 2026 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