2026 Appleton Octoberfest

Thank you for your interest in being a food vendor at Octoberfest 2026! We’re proud of this community tradition and excited to offer your organization an opportunity to raise funds for your mission. This application is for Saturday, September 26, 2026, only. All food vendors must either be a nonprofit or partner with one to share profits, supporting the community-focused mission of the event.

Applications must be submitted with all required information AND approved before May 15, 2025 to be a vendor!

Key Information to Review Before Applying:

We’ve made several updates and rule changes this year. Please be sure to review the vendor packet in full before submitting your application.

• Vendor Placement:  We will be placing the first 75 vendors along the Avenue on a first-come, first-served basis (based on when applications are submitted, approved, and paid), then accepting more if we have the space on the Avenue. Please note that there are many factors to consider in this event, so while we do our best to accommodate requests, not all placement requests can be guaranteed.
• Profit Sharing: As part of our mission, all for-profit vendors must partner with a nonprofit of their choice and share profits from the day (the amount must be mutually agreed upon by both parties). Partner nonprofits must be located within a 30-mile radius of the Fox Cities. A sign recognizing your nonprofit partner will be provided the day of and must be displayed at your booth.
  • It is no longer required for a representative from your partnered nonprofit to be present at your booth. However, having them join you is a great option if you’d like extra support and someone available to share information about their organization with attendees.
• Non-Profits: These organizations are able to keep 100% of the proceeds made from their own food booth.
• Vendor Entrance Times: Beginning in 2024, we implemented designated entrance streets and times to help streamline vendor arrivals and limiting waiting around for vendors. Entrance times will be scheduled between 5:45-6:45 a.m. to ensure a smooth and efficient flow. Additional details will be provided closer to the event.
• Mandatory Vendor Meeting: Thursday, July 16, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. OR 6:00-7:30 p.m.
  All vendors are required to attend this meeting. There will be several new updates and items discussed this year. You will also receive your placement, layout, entrance time, and permit at this meeting. Additional details will be shared closer to the date.
• Vendor Test: All new food vendors must both attend the meeting and complete the test. Taking this test ensures that everyone knows the most updated expectations. You must have at least one person in your booth at all times who has attended the vendor meeting or has successfully passed the online test.
• No Refunds: We will not issue any fees paid. If you’re unsure about your ability to participate, please wait to apply - however, note that applying later may limit your placement options. That said, every location along the Avenue offers great visibility and strong foot traffic during this event.
• Timeline of Acceptance: We will send a confirmation email once all required information has been reviewed and verified. At that time, we’ll process payment using the credit card on file if that option was selected. If you’re paying by check, your application will not be accepted until the check has been received.

City of Appleton Fire Department: Generator Guidelines

• Generators are permitted to follow the guidelines in the Vendor Packet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JFk7irJFNMHT-5npyqX7CVpx3-3oBKFT/view?usp=sharing

City of Appleton Health Department Information

• All food vendors are responsible for obtaining the proper licensing from the Appleton Health Department, at their own expense.
• Please be prepared for an inspection on the day of the event. Any associated inspection fees are the responsibility of the vendor. For questions regarding the guidelines, visit the link below or contact their office directly.
  • https://appletonwi.gov/government/departments/health/index.php OR (920) 832-6429
  • Non-Profits: https://cms2.revize.com/revize/appletonwi/Documents/Health/Environmental%20Health/Applications/Nonprofit%20food%20service%20program.pdf 

Appleton’s Octoberfest takes place rain or shine on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Booth fees are due by June 4, 2026. The booth fee is non-refundable with the following exception:
In the event that Appleton’s Octoberfest is cancelled for any reason, booth fees may be refunded at the sole discretion of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. You are responsible for your own tent, tent weights, tables, chairs, and booth furnishings. Appleton’s Octoberfest begins at 9:00AM and continues until 6:00PM. You may begin to set up after 6:00AM (once the Appleton Police Department deems it safe to begin). All vehicles must be removed from the site by 8:00AM. Your booth must remain set up until the event ends and you cannot bring vehicles onto College Avenue until authorized by the Appleton Police Department, usually around 6:30PM. Please review the booth layout map to request your preferred location. Any special needs you may have we will do our best to accommodate. Fee is $175 per booth. You will have twelve feet (12′) of depth and each booth is twelve feet (12′) wide. Tent weights will be needed to secure booth

Come and enjoy the fun with family and friends - recruit them also! Bartenders must be 21 years old. You do not need a bartenders license. The role can include either pouring or serving (possibly both) drinks to event goers. Tickets will be used to purchase drinks so money will not be involved. Specific instructions on your role will come out a week or two before the event. The email you enter below is where you will receive a confirmation email. Any changes you need made should be communicated to an Octoberfest Volunteer Committee Member at octoberfestvolunteer@gmail.com You may sign up for multiple time slots, but please keep in mind that if you sign up multiple people, we will assume that means for all selected slots. If your group is larger than 5, you can submit the form and then repeat the processes with the additional volunteer information. Please note: Each shift MAXES OUT at 15 people total. When that shift is full, it will be removed as an option.