2023 NORTHWEST FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL ARTIST APPLICATIONS
Applications for Music, Dance, Workshops, and Storytelling/Spoken Word are closed.
We are still accepting applications for the Fashion Bazaar, Maker's Space, Film and the Rhythm Tent. Applications for these are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
The Fashion Bazaar is a new component to the Northwest Folklife Festival, debuting in 2023. It will feature a mix of runway shows, workshops and demos, vendor booths, displays and material swaps.
Northwest Folklife is seeking applicants across all disciplines, including sewists, cobblers, hat makers, knitters, jewelry makers, and fashion creators of all sorts to participate. Please note that it is required that you design, create, or upcycle your own pieces.
The Maker's Space is our hands-on, creative space at the festival. So often, festivals like ours rely on music, dance, and food--all of which are important--but we also want to emphasize that the folk tradition of making things is part and parcel of this experience. We are now accepting applications for booths in our Maker's Space. All booths must have a hands-on component for the audience.
This year’s festival will take place May 26th-29th on the Seattle Center grounds. Preference is given to performers from the region - Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and Western Montana.
All artist must agree to the Artist Code of Conduct.
Application links are below
Northwest Folklife is committed to the health and safety of our community. Regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we are unable at this time to say what our protocols around masking, social distancing, and vaccinations will be for the 2023 Festival. We will keep all applicants up-to-date as we continue to adapt our policies based on guidance from the city, state, and federal level.
2023 Northwest Folklife Festival Vendor Applications
Each year the Northwest Folklife Festival features over 200 local PNW merchants offering the best in food, crafts, import items and services such as facepainting and caricatures. Applications typically open in the late Fall and run through the early months of the festival year. Booth fees range depending on merchant category, and Northwest Folklife uses a flat booth fee plus commission for onsite sales, in an effort to keep booth prices reasonable and only collect commissions if vendors have a successful weekend. Our team believes that our vendors are as much a part of our festival as the performers, and there is no better way to experience Folklife than to taste a family recipe or bring home a one of a kind piece of art.
One common question we receive is the difference between our Craft and Uncommon Market categories. Craft vendors sell items they make themself, while Uncommon Market vendors typically sell handmade items made by someone else. Many of our Uncommon Market vendors sell imported goods - showcasing handmade wares produced all over the world. Vendors with questions about which category they should apply to can reach out to merchants@nwfolklife.org.
Food Vendor Applications: Applications are now available and will close February 1st, 2023 Apply here
Craft Vendor Application: Applications are now available and will close February 10, 2023 Apply here
Uncommon Market Vendor Applications: Applications are now available and will close February 10, 2023. Apply here
Sidewalk Vendor Applications: Applications are now available and will close February 10, 2023. Apply here
Nonprofit Vendor Applications: Are you a not for profit or community organization who would like to have an informational booth at the festival to distribute information and connect with attendees? We have a limited number of spaces available for community partners, apply here by April 1, 2023
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement *Updated December 2022*
We are requiring proof of vaccination for all participants of the 2023 Northwest Folklife festival including staff, volunteers, artists, and vendors. Specific requirements for audience members will be communicated using the most current state, county, city, and/or Seattle Center campus guidelines available, closer to the festival.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept negative covid tests in lieu of vaccination for any artists or vendors who will be onsite at the Northwest Folklife Festival. All Northwest Folklife staff, contractors and volunteers are subject to Executive Order 2021-08, and we have received guidance from Seattle Center and the City that festival performers, vendors, and volunteers fall under the umbrella of “contractors and volunteers.”
If the situation changes before the festival in regards to the Executive Order, Northwest Folklife will open up vendor spaces to all applicants regardless of vaccination status.
Questions about the Northwest Folklife Vendor Program? Please contact merchants@nwfolklife.org
