Northwest Folklife

We are excited for you to add your culture, expertise, and creativity to our ever-evolving merchant program. Whether you specialize in food, fine handcrafts, imported goods, unusual and unique items, musical instruments, environmentally sustainable green products, or participatory experiences such as face-painting or hair-wrapping, we would love for you to become a part of one of the most interesting and engaging aspects of the Northwest Folklife Festival. Please check the various categories below to learn the many ways in which you can participate in one of the Northwest’s premier festivals.

International Food Village: Approximately 38 food merchants are selected each year to participate in offering over 250,000 Festival patrons an interesting selection of food from all the way around the world and back to the Northwest.

Crafts Marketplace: Approximately 90 artists are selected each year to bring their personally handmade wares to the Festival, honoring the tradition of personal artistry and fine craftsmanship, making it possible for Festival-goers to find and take home a unique piece not found anywhere else.

The Uncommon Market: Approximately 60 merchants are selected each year to offer an array of exciting and unusual goods, such as handcrafted ethnic imports, homemade foods and sauces, clothing and gifts, banjos, baskets, and drums. The Uncommon Market offers attendees the chance to take home a part of the culture they just experienced.

Living Green Courtyard: Approximately seven vendors are selected each year to participate in an area of the Festival dedicated to educating the public on why it is so important to be environmentally conscious, and providing them with the opportunity to purchase sustainable products.

Sidewalk Artists: Approximately six Sidewalk Artists are selected each year to engage the public in special interactive experiences such as face painting, hair wraps or braids, caricatures, and balloon sculptures.

If you are interested in becoming a merchant at the 2011 Northwest Folklife Festival, click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Here's what's coming up:

August 21: Family Days - West African 1-3PM at the EMP - FREE
November 13: 2nd Annual A Night for Folklife, a benefit for Northwest Folklife

This calendar is reserved for events hosted, presented, or sponsored by Northwest Folklife or events that benefit our organization. To post community events please visit our Forums.