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 2010 Northwest Folklife Festival, click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Volunteer Applications Online Now!

Here's what's coming up:

February 13, 20, 27 and March 6: 9th Annual Sound Off! All-Ages Music Competition at EMP|SFM, sponsored by Northwest Folklife
March 11, 7:30PM: 5th Annual Contra Marathon at the Lake City Community Center (12531 28th Ave NE), a benefit for Northwest Folklife
March 13, 7:30PM-11:00PM: Northwest Folk Dancers Incorporated at Cedar Valley Grange (20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA), a benefit for Northwest Folklife
March 19, 7:30: Birth DIY Fest at the VERA Project, sponsored by Northwest Folklife
March 20, 2:00PM-4:00PM: Accordi-O-Rama III at Town Hall, presented by Town Hall Seattle and Northwest Folklife
March 21: Folklife Presents at the Tractor Tavern - featuring Clinton Fearon!
April 23: Folklife Masters featuring Kane Mathis and Mirah at Empty Sea Studios
May 28-31: The 39th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center
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.