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become a vendor

About our festivals

Occoquan festivals are hosted by the Town of Ococquan government and are located in historic downtown Occoquan, Virginia, 20 miles south of Washington, DC. Located close to I-95 in Prince William County, the Town has been producing well-attended festivals and art shows for over 50 years!

2026 Holiday Artisan Market

vendor Categories

Makers & Creators - All work must be original, handmade, and created by the applicant. No AI generated art, mass-produced, commercially manufactured work, imports, or any resale items are allowed in this category. Vendors acknowledge the handcrafted nature of their own products by completing this application. Examples include, but are not limited to: fine art, ceramics, fiber art, glass work, photography, candles, jewelry, stationery.
Antiques & Vintage - This category is specifically for antique, vintage, and/or retro trending items. Examples include, but are not limited to: furniture, books, glassware, collectibles, records, and clothing/accessories. This category is highly juried and may require additional explanation or photos to ensure the vendor is the right fit.
Gourmet Food Products - This category is specifically for vendors in tents, selling pre-packaged food items with the intent that they are consumed off-premise. No food or drink preparation onsite is permitted in this cateogry. No food trucks. Samples may be offered, but proper county food permitting is required. Examples include, but are not limited to: baked goods, honey, pickles, salsa, dips, spices, granola, etc.
Town of Occoquan Business - This category is only for Town of Occoquan businesses with a valid Town of Occoquan business license. Town businesses may apply for up to one (1) booth spaces at the same rate as other vendors. Only the Town business applying for the booth space(s) may utilize and sell from that booth space. No subleasing, pop ups, or shared spaces permitted without written approval from the Events Director. All businesses applying MUST be in good standing with the Town of Occoquan at the time of application through the event dates.
- NOTE: Unlike the major fall and spring festivals, this market is limited to handmade, makers, antiques, and food gourmet categories. Only Town Businesses who fall into these categories will be accepted.
- Substantial marketing for ALL town businesses will be included in Artisan Market promotions and included on the event map.

rates

All booth spaces are $225. Early applications are recommended. A waitlist may be available in some categories.

Application & Payment

Applications are now open. Sign up for our vendor email list at the bottom of this page to receive an email of the application opening!

Please note the following dates and deadlines for applications:

Applications open: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Applications close: Friday, July 31, 2026
Acceptance Notification: by Friday, August 14, 2026
Vendor Confirmation & Payment: 7 days from acceptance email

Booth info

Booth spaces are 10' x 10' and are located on paved roadways.
Vendors must provide their own tents, tables, chairs, and displays. Tents are required to be weighted and do not have the ability to be spiked into the pavement.
Booth spaces are limited and categories tend to sell out. Early applications are recommended.
Please check the relevant application and read the policies & procedures before committing.

Festival Logistics

Some roads in historic Occoquan are closed to accommodate this event. Vendors have the option to purchase in-town parking or may park at any of our off-site parking lots for free.
Vendors will receive a limited number of free shuttle passes to ride into town from the off-site parking lots.
Load in for booth spots begins on the Saturday morning of the event. No Friday night load in is available.

Holiday Artisan Market 2026 Application

Artisan Makers:

Makers & Creators

All work must be original, handmade, and created by the applicant. No AI generated art, mass-produced, commercially manufactured work, imports, or any resale items are allowed in this category. Vendors acknowledge the handcrafted nature of their own products by completing this application. Examples include, but are not limited to: fine art, ceramics, fiber art, glass work, photography, candles, jewelry, stationery.

Antiques, Books & Boutiques

This cateogy is for book sellers, authors, antiques, vintage, and fair trade. No AI generated art is allowed in this category. Examples include, but are not limited to: authors or new book sellers; antique furniture, books, glassware, collectibles, or accessories; vintage books, records, and clothing; resale boutiques specializing in unique clothing, accessories, or handmade items; or fair trade resale (items MUST be handmade). This category is highly juried and may require additional explaination or photos to ensure the vendor is the right fit.

Gourmet Food Products

This category is specifically for vendors in tents, selling pre-packaged food items with the intent that they are consumed off-premise. No food or drink preparation onsite is permitted in this cateogry. No food trucks. Samples may be offered, but proper county food permitting is required. Examples include, but are not limited to: baked goods, honey, pickles, salsa, dips, spices, granola, etc.

other categories:

Food & Drink Vendors (Tent or Truck)

This category is specifically for tents or trucks selling food and drinks to be consumed on the premises or any vendors with onsite food or drink preparation. Food vendors must submit a specific menu of foods to be offered, to avoid over-saturation of a category.

Kid's Alley Vendors

This cateogry is for tent space in our Kid's Alley section. For RiverFest & Craft Show, Conservation Alley is focused on river conservation and susanability. For Fall Arts & Crafts Show, Imagination Alley is focused on visual and performing arts. This category includes applications for:

Jr. Entrupenuers (up to 16 years old)
Non-profits with hands-on kid-focused activities
Businesses with paid or free kid-focused activities (face painting, fairy hair, balloon art, caricatures, etc)

Non-Profit

Non-profit organizations may be eligible for booth space at no cost, but they must apply, be accepted, and commit to staffing the booth for the entire 2-day festival. A limited number of spaces will be made available to approved non-profits once overall space availability is confirmed. No spaces will be allocated to political parties or political special interest groups. Each approved non-profit is allowed one booth space, with the option to purchase one additional space at the Artisan Makers rate.

Direct Sales/Commercial

This category is for resale, commercial, MLM, and any other vendors who do not fit into one of the previous categories. Vendors in this category must submit a specific list of products that are to be sold/displayed/promoted/given away. These vendors will NOT be placed on Mill Street (the main festival street), unless they are a paid sponsor.

Town of Occoquan Business

This category is for Town of Occoquan businesses with a valid Town of Occoquan business license. Town businesses may apply for up to two (2) booth spaces at a reduced rate. Only the Town business applying for the booth space(s) may utilize and sell from that booth space. No subleasing, pop ups, or shared spaces permitted without written approval from the Events Director. All businesses applying MUST be in good standing with the Town of Occoquan at the time of application through the festival event dates.

rates

Early applications are recommended, a booth spaces are limited and tend to close early. A waitlist may be available in some categories.

application deadlines

Round 1:

Opens October 1, 2026
Closes December 15, 2026
Acceptances by January 15, 2027

Round 2:

Opens December 15, 2026
Closes February 15, 2027
Acceptances by March 15, 2027

Latecomers:

Opens February 15, 2027
Closes when full
Acceptances ongoing

Booth info

All booth rates with the exception of Food Trucks, are based on a single 10' x 10' booth space.
Double 10' x 20' booths are also available (rate listed in the rate grid x2). There is no discount for the additional space.
Food trucks apply based on their vehicle length.
Vendors provide their own tents, tables, chairs, and displays. Tents are required to be weighted and do not have the ability to be spiked into the pavement.
Booth spaces are limited and categories tend to sell out. Early applications are recommended.
Please check the relevant application and read all policies & procedures before committing.

Festival Logistics

All roads in historic Occoquan are closed during our Fall and RiverFest festivals. Vendors have the option to purchase in-town parking or may park at any of our three off-site parking lots for free.
Vendors will receive a limited number of free shuttle passes to ride into town from the off-site parking lots.
Load in for most booth spots begins on the Friday night before the festival. Many vendors also load in Saturday morning (you can arrive as early as you like, but note that volunteers are not on site until 7:00am).

Applications for RiverFest 2027 are now open!

Artisan Makers:

Makers & Creators

All work must be original, handmade, and created by the applicant. No AI generated art, mass-produced, commercially manufactured work, imports, or any resale items are allowed in this category. Vendors acknowledge the handcrafted nature of their own products by completing this application. Examples include, but are not limited to: fine art, ceramics, fiber art, glass work, photography, candles, jewelry, stationery.

Antiques, Books & Boutiques

This cateogy is for book sellers, authors, antiques, vintage, and fair trade. No AI generated art is allowed in this category. Examples include, but are not limited to: authors or new book sellers; antique furniture, books, glassware, collectibles, or accessories; vintage books, records, and clothing; resale boutiques specializing in unique clothing, accessories, or handmade items; or fair trade resale (items MUST be handmade). This category is highly juried and may require additional explaination or photos to ensure the vendor is the right fit.

Gourmet Food Products

This category is specifically for vendors in tents, selling pre-packaged food items with the intent that they are consumed off-premise. No food or drink preparation onsite is permitted in this cateogry. No food trucks. Samples may be offered, but proper county food permitting is required. Examples include, but are not limited to: baked goods, honey, pickles, salsa, dips, spices, granola, etc.

other categories:

Food & Drink Vendors (Tent or Truck)

This category is specifically for tents or trucks selling food and drinks to be consumed on the premises or any vendors with onsite food or drink preparation. Food vendors must submit a specific menu of foods to be offered, to avoid over-saturation of a category.

Kid's Alley Vendors

This cateogry is for tent space in our Kid's Alley section. For RiverFest & Craft Show, Conservation Alley is focused on river conservation and susanability. For Fall Arts & Crafts Show, Imagination Alley is focused on visual and performing arts. This category includes applications for:

Jr. Entrupenuers (up to 16 years old)
Non-profits with hands-on kid-focused activities
Businesses with paid or free kid-focused activities (face painting, fairy hair, balloon art, caricatures, etc)

Non-Profit

Non-profit organizations may be eligible for booth space at no cost, but they must apply, be accepted, and commit to staffing the booth for the entire 2-day festival. A limited number of spaces will be made available to approved non-profits once overall space availability is confirmed. No spaces will be allocated to political parties or political special interest groups. Each approved non-profit is allowed one booth space, with the option to purchase one additional space at the Artisan Makers rate.

Direct Sales/Commercial

This category is for resale, commercial, MLM, and any other vendors who do not fit into one of the previous categories. Vendors in this category must submit a specific list of products that are to be sold/displayed/promoted/given away. These vendors will NOT be placed on Mill Street (the main festival street), unless they are a paid sponsor.

Town of Occoquan Business

This category is for Town of Occoquan businesses with a valid Town of Occoquan business license. Town businesses may apply for up to two (2) booth spaces at a reduced rate. Only the Town business applying for the booth space(s) may utilize and sell from that booth space. No subleasing, pop ups, or shared spaces permitted without written approval from the Events Director. All businesses applying MUST be in good standing with the Town of Occoquan at the time of application through the festival event dates.

rates

Early applications are recommended, a booth spaces are limited and tend to close early. A waitlist may be available in some categories.

application deadlines

Round 1:

Opens December 1, 2026
Closes February 28, 2027
Acceptances by April 1, 2027

Round 2:

Opens March 1, 2027
Closes April 30, 2027
Acceptances by June 1, 2027

Latecomers:

Opens May 1, 2027
Closes when full
Acceptances ongoing

Booth info

All booth rates with the exception of Food Trucks, are based on a single 10' x 10' booth space.
Double 10' x 20' booths are also available (rate listed in the rate grid x2). There is no discount for the additional space.
Food trucks apply based on their vehicle length.
Vendors provide their own tents, tables, chairs, and displays. Tents are required to be weighted and do not have the ability to be spiked into the pavement.
Booth spaces are limited and categories tend to sell out. Early applications are recommended.
Please check the relevant application and read all policies & procedures before committing.

Festival Logistics

All roads in historic Occoquan are closed during our Fall and RiverFest festivals. Vendors have the option to purchase in-town parking or may park at any of our three off-site parking lots for free.
Vendors will receive a limited number of free shuttle passes to ride into town from the off-site parking lots.
Load in for most booth spots begins on the Friday night before the festival. Many vendors also load in Saturday morning (you can arrive as early as you like, but note that volunteers are not on site until 7:00am).

Applications for Fall 2027 will open December 1, 2026

PLEASE NOTE: The Town of Occoquan hosts THREE events each year which accept outside vendors:

RiverFest & Craft Show (May-June)
Fall Arts & Crafts Show (September)
Holiday Artisan Market (December)

Registration for ALL vendors is through this website ONLY. Beware of scammers asking you to submit payment via Venmo, Paypal, or forms not found on this website or to register for any other Town of Occoquan managed event not mentioned above.

general FAQ

application & Payments

I submitted my application, but I haven't paid yet. Is my spot officially reserved? No. Your space is not confirmed until your application is approved and you have submit your full payment.

How do I pay? Vendors may pay via credit/debit card, check, or money order. Credit/debit card payments are subject to 3% non-refundable fee.

Check/money order should be made out to "Town of Occoquan" and may be mailed to Town of Occoquan, P.O. Box 195, Occoquan, VA 22125 or dropped off in person at Occoquan Town Hall, 314 Mill Street, Occoquan, VA 22125 (non-holiday weekdays between 9am-4pm). A $35 fee will be charged each time a check is returned for insufficient funds. Checks must be submitted no later than 14 days prior to the first day of the event.

I don't see a button to apply, why is that? If there are no buttons on this page with links to apply to an event, it means that event is currently sold out or the application process has not begun yet.

What if I don't have images of my booth set up or display to include in my application? If this is your first show or you don't have images of your booth set up, please take pictures of how you plan to display your products. This can be done as a "mock up" on your desk or work table. Booth and display presentation is an important part of the vendor application as it gives us a feel for not only your products, but your ascetic as well!

booth spaces

What type of surface are booth spaces? All booth spaces and food truck areas are on pavement. Due to the nature of our historic town, most areas are not perfectly level and a few have a gradual incline.

What do you provide? We provide an assigned 10' x 10' spot of pavement. You will need to bring your own tent, tent weights, tables, chairs, displays, etc. No electricity is available or provided.

Is there public wifi? No, unfortunately we do not have municipal wireless internet available. Verizon service can be spotty, but does work. T-mobile seems to have decent coverage.

Where will my booth be? Can I request the same space I had last event? Creating the festival map is a massive undertaking! Vendors will be given their booth assignment roughly two weeks prior to the event. While you may request a specific space or area, there are no guarantees of booth location, due to the dozens of factors that go into the vendor map planning.

My friend and I want to be next to each other, is that possible? While we can't guarantee it, you should certainly request it in your application and we'll try our best!

logistics & communication

If accepted to the event, what information can I expect to receive? The events team will send a series of logistical emails to all vendors in the weeks leading up to the event. In addition to load in/load out/logistics info, we will email you: