Arts and crafts vendor booth at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival

Become a Vendor

Want to be a vendor at one of Michigan's most beloved community festivals? The Ypsilanti Heritage Festival welcomes new artists, local businesses, and traveling vendors who have been making the Heritage Festival their home for decades. With nearly 100,000 visitors over three days, the festival offers an exceptional opportunity to showcase your products, services, or organization.

Vendor Categories

The Heritage Festival accommodates a diverse range of vendors through four distinct categories, each designed to create the best possible experience for both vendors and festival attendees.

Arts and Crafts

Our Arts and Crafts section is the heart of the festival's vendor offerings, featuring nearly 100 talented artisans who display and sell their handcrafted work. Perfect for:

  • Fine artists including painters, sculptors, and photographers
  • Jewelry makers and metalwork artists
  • Woodworkers and furniture craftspeople
  • Textile artists including weavers, quilters, and fiber artists
  • Pottery and ceramic artists
  • Glass artists and stained glass creators
  • Leatherworkers and mixed media artists

According to the National Endowment for the Arts, arts festivals play a crucial role in supporting independent artists.

Food and Drink

The festival's culinary offerings are a major attraction. We welcome professional food vendors who can deliver delicious options:

  • Professional Concessionaires - Full-service food vendors with established operations
  • Professional Single-Item Vendors - Specialists focusing on one signature offering
  • Local restaurants and catering companies
  • Food trucks and mobile kitchens
  • Specialty beverage vendors

All food vendors must meet health department requirements and carry appropriate insurance and licensing.

Clubs and Organizations

Community involvement is the foundation of the Heritage Festival. More than 50 Ypsilanti community organizations are typically represented:

  • Nonprofit organizations and charities
  • Service clubs and civic groups
  • Cultural and heritage organizations
  • Youth organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Faith-based groups
  • Environmental and conservation groups

This category offers reduced fees and special placement to encourage broad community participation.

Marketplace

The Marketplace section accommodates commercial vendors offering a variety of products that enhance the festival experience:

  • Retail merchandise vendors
  • Specialty product sellers
  • Service providers with festival-appropriate offerings
  • Regional businesses seeking community exposure

Why Vendor at the Heritage Festival?

Large, Engaged Audience

Nearly 100,000 visitors over three days of festivities.

Free Admission

No ticket cost means more disposable income for vendor purchases.

Repeat Attendees

Many visitors return year after year, building loyal customer relationships.

Beautiful Setting

Riverside Park provides an attractive backdrop for displays.

Supportive Organization

Experienced festival staff assist vendors throughout the event.

Marketing Exposure

Listed in festival programs, website, and promotional materials.

Application Process

Interested vendors should apply well in advance of the festival, as spaces fill quickly. The application process includes:

Step 1

Select your appropriate vendor category

Step 2

Complete the application form for your category

Step 3

Submit required photos of your products or booth setup

Step 4

Provide proof of insurance and any required licenses

Step 5

Pay the application fee (varies by category)

Step 6

Await jury review and acceptance notification

All vendors must agree to our vendor rules and regulations, which are designed to ensure a positive experience for vendors, attendees, and the broader community. Spaces are assigned based on category, product type, and booth size requirements.