Become a Vendor

Vendors are an integral part of our festival and a cornerstone to the ambience of our main causeway.

This year we have adjusted our fee structure to better support these longtime business that have worked with us over the years.

Additional perks include more parking/camping/staff passes. Please read through the vendor package for more information. If you have questions, or needs not listed in your package, please reach out to our office admin@cowichanfolkguild.ca

Vendor Pricing Island Folk Festival 2024

Import Craft Vendor : $200.00 + 15 amp $45 + GST

Artisan Vendor: Small local craft vendor $150.00 + 15 amp $45 + GST

Large Food Vendor : Large Trucks and trailers $500.00 + 30 amp $60 + GST

Niche Food; Small cart/freezer: $300.00 + 30 amp $60 + GST

Each package includes parking for 2 vehicles, 1 camping spot,
2 staff access passes for craft vendors.

4 staff access passes for food vendors

A deposit of $150 will be paid when an application is accepted

E-Transfer to 
admin@cowichanfolkguild.ca

By cheque to the

Cowichan Folk Guild,
PO Box 802, Duncan,
BC, V9L 3Y1

or you can call the office to arrange for cash or debit payment.
(250) 748-3975

Information Booth

Information Booths are registered non-profit organizations with a public service to offer who do not sell any products as part of their purpose at the festival or at any other time.

Information booths are limited to two passes.

Booth Set-up

Craft Vendors price is for a 10 x 10 tent

Vendors are required to provide everything needed for booth set-up (your own tables, tents, chairs, power bars, extension cords, hoses, etc). There are no “reserved” spots, however, for returning Vendors, if you indicate you prefer the spot you had last year, we will do our best to accommodate you.

A Vendor Staff person will be at the front gate to get you into the set-up area. We will provide you with your wristbands, parking passes, etc.

Site Access & Parking

Full access set-up will be permitted on Friday at time to be determined.

Parking on-site is extremely limited and will be arranged with the Vendor Coordinator. Each Food Vendor will be given one free designated parking spot on-site for a private vehicle. Each Craft Vendor will be given one free parking pass for the public parking area. Extra vehicles must be parked in the regular, parking parking areas and regular parking fees apply to all extra vehicles.

Vendors generally open shop when the gates open on Friday. Music runs until midnight; Vendors close when they choose to.

Vendor Passes

Food Vendors
Your fee includes four Vendor passes (one for the owner/operator and three for staff). Those three names will be provided to gate/security and only those people will have access to the site. If you will need more than three staff people, you must purchase Festival Passes for the others, at a discounted rate of $60.00

Craft Vendors
Your fee includes two Vendor passes (one for the owner/operator and one for staff). Those two names will be provided to gate/security and only those people will have access to the site. If you will need more than three staff people, you must purchase Festival Passes for the others, at a discounted rate of $60.00

Daily re-supply runs of non-perishable items should be completed before 10am, and perishable resupply runs need to be arranged with the Vendor Coordinator for crowd safety and to minimize disruption to the festival performances.

Our “Green” Strategy

The Cowichan Folk Guild and the Islands Folk Festival are committed to eliminating as much garbage on-site as possible. Vendors are asked to reduce potential garbage by only bringing items on-site that can be composted or recycled. With a wide range of waste diversion options and a little forethought, such as using ketchup and mustard bottles instead of single-serve disposable packets, we can avoid almost all potential garbage. Zero Waste is the ultimate goal.

There will be a series of strategically located “Recycling Centres” with four receptacles.  Vendors are required to utilize reusable, compostable or recyclable containers, dishes, utensils, (corn starch forks) cups, etc. Any material handed to a customer must be 100% compliant with reuse, recycle or compost policies. For example, products made of or containing Styrofoam are prohibited.

All food vendors must be prepared to provide proof of “Food Safe” certification along with your application.

Booth Infrastructure

Power is available for both lighting and appliances. You must supply a 100′ minimum #14 Gauge extension cord. Maximum electric power available is 30 amps per booth. Booth rental includes power for 250W.

Operators using heat elements or open flame, etc. MUST have an appropriate fully charged extinguisher at their booth.

Fire regulations prohibit the use of candles.

Food Safety requirements must be met according the applicable regulations of the Central Vancouver Island Health Unit. A health officer will be on site to ensure compliance.

All food booths must have hot water capabilities.

A copy of approved health application must accompany each food booth application. Information & application forms are available at the Health Unit. (call 250-746-1414)

No pets are allowed on site.

Smoking is prohibited outside of the designated Smoking Areas. This will be strictly enforced to protect Providence Farm.

Thank you for your interest in the Islands Folk Festival.