Are you a non-profit making a real difference in our community?
Wilmington Riverfest is excited to invite a select group of worthy organizations to participate in this beloved annual celebration!
Held each year on the first full weekend in October, Riverfest transforms the historic Cape Fear riverfront into a vibrant, free, family-friendly street fair. With over 114,000 attendees—93% families—it’s the perfect opportunity to get the word out about your mission, share the benefits you provide, and build lasting connections.
Whether you’re raising awareness, recruiting volunteers, or highlighting unique programs, a booth at Riverfest lets you engage directly with thousands of locals and visitors right along the beautiful Downtown Wilmington waterfront. We carefully select a limited number of non-profits to keep the focus on community impact—join us and become part of the magic!
To participate, submit your completed application today. Spaces are assigned as we review and accept entries, so don’t wait! You’ll provide your own tables, displays, and tent (securely weighted—no staking into concrete). The event is rain or shine, with setup on Friday after 3:00 pm and no vehicles on the street after 9:00 am Saturday.
We can’t wait to showcase your organization alongside live music, food trucks, activities for all ages, and more. Questions? Reach out via our contact form—we’re here to help!
Come celebrate the strength of our Wilmington community together. Apply now and make your impact shine at Riverfest!
PLEASE NOTE:
- No one vendor will have exclusive rights to the show
- No flea market items or fair items are allowed
- No dogs or others pets are allowed (City Ordinance)
- Riverfest and Old Wilmington Riverfront Celebration, Inc. reserves the right to deny any application
- Spaces will be assigned as applications are received and accepted by the review committee.
- Old Wilmington Riverfront Celebration, Inc. reserves the right to limit the number of entries for any craft, art form or non-profit.
- Festival is a RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. No refunds will be given. Only during extreme weather situations deemed unfit for public safety will the festival be postponed or cancelled.
- We are excited and look forward to this year’s festival. Should you have any questions, please contact us HERE.
RIVERFEST ARTS AND CRAFTS VENDOR GENERAL INFORMATION
TIME OF FESTIVAL:
Saturday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (no vehicles allowed after 9:00 am)
Sunday from10:30 am – 5:00 pm (no vehicles allowed between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm)
WHAT TO BRING TO SET UP:
Exhibitors must provide their own tables, displays, and tents for shelter from rain or sun.
All tents and displays must be free-standing and secured with weights – ABSOLUTELY NO HAMMERING INTO THE CONCRETE!
SET-UP TIMES:
Vendors may set up on Friday, after 3:00 pm. However, you will not be allowed to sell.
All vendors must already be set up on Saturday by 9:00 am.
No cars will be allowed in vendor staging area on Saturday after 9:00 am. We suggest the use of handcarts to transport your merchandise in and out of staging area due to continuing street fair.
All vendors must be set-up on Sunday by 9:30 am.
Cars will be allowed in the staging area on Sunday between 8:30 am and 9:30 am to restock / unload.
PACK-UP TIMES:
Vendors may not pack up before 6:00 pm on Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday
ENTRY FEES (per space):
The Riverfest reserves the right to allow a limited number of non-profits, after which they will be charged.
Pay via PAYPAL (if by check and it doesn’t clear, a $35 fee will be added)
(All fees are non-refundable and include all licensing fees)
What We Need From You
Application
Submit the online vendor application form to apply for a spot at Riverfest. Spots are limited and fill quickly!
Photos
All food vendors must submit recent photos of their full booth setup. Email photos to food vendor.
Payment
Fees cover space, licensing and the ability for us to hold this venue in a great spot for commerce!
Electricity
$150 before festival
Fee will be invoiced upon application approval
Non-Profit Booth
Riverfest gives back to the Community by offering this Opportunity Free. Join Us!
Completed Application
To become a vendor or an exhibitor at Riverfest you must fill out this application. Completing the application implies accepting and agreeing to ALL of the rules.