Battle for the MainStage

Festival Hours: Schedule

• Saturday, October 24: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  Note: Live music continues into the evening on Saturday. Vendors are welcome to stay open later, but it's optional.

Fees: Payment

Booth fees will not be charged until after your application has been reviewed and approved. The same payment method used at the time of application will be charged upon approval. If your payment is invalid at that time, your space may be forfeited.

Vendor Setup: Supplies
Vendors are responsible for providing:

• Tent

• Tables and chairs

• Power source (see below)

Power: Generator
No power will be provided. If you require electricity, you must bring a quiet, compact generator that fits under your table or within your booth space.

Connectivity: Payment
Wi-Fi will not be provided. If you plan to accept payments other than cash (such as card readers), please ensure you have your own hotspot or data-enabled device.

Insurance: Required
All approved vendors must provide proof of insurance for the event. Instructions will be sent upon approval.

Deadlines: Apply

• Application Deadline: September 2, 2026 at 9 PM

• Notification of Acceptance: September 15, 2026 (via email only)

Please note:

• All decisions are made by the Vendor Committee and are final.

• We cannot provide status updates or feedback prior to approval notifications.

• Be prepared for your payment to be processed immediately upon approval.

We’re looking forward to an amazing festival weekend and hope to see your handmade work on display!

Thank you for your interest in being a vendor at the 2026 Battle for the MainStage with The Dogwood Fall Festival will take place October 24, 2026. This is the application for FOOD VENDORS. If you are not an FOOD VENDOR, please return to the event application page to complete the correct vendor application. Failure to complete the correct vendor application may result in an denial.

FOOD VENDORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH TO COMPLETE AN EVENT APPLICATION.  

FESTIVAL HOURS: Saturday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Booth fees will not be charged until approval into the festival. The same payment type will be used at the time booth fees are charged. Invalid payment methods may risk loss of space. Vendor supplies their own tent, table, and chairs. Overnight security WILL be provided. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY AUGUST 12, AT 11:59 PM -- APPLICATIONS PAST THIS DATE/TIME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
 
APPLICATION DECISIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY SEPTMBER 15TH.
 
Please note the following information: 

- Vendors will be notified via Eventeny/email of the decision.

- Staff cannot disclose the decision of your application. All decisions are made by the Vendor Committee.

- Additional information will not be supplied prior to the receipt of an approval email. 

- Upon approval, accepted vendors will be charged per the same payment type as paid during the application fee process. Expect a payment to process at the moment approval comes through. 

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR FOOD VENDORS: 

- Food Vendor spaces are designated for those who will be preparing food on-site and selling to patrons/festival-goers. 

- Food Vendors should be prepared to serve a high volume of people. 

- Soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages may be sold by food vendors.

- Food Vendors must abide by NC Health guidelines and will be inspected prior to opening. For more information contact the Cumberland County Health Department at 910-433-3660.

- Food Vendors are subject to Fire Marshall regulations.

- Be free of grease splashes, spills, and/or any grease containers. Grease disposal and clean-up is the responsibility of the Food Vendor - subject to fee if this occurs.

- Be free of trash or any other items on the ground. Trash must be disposed of properly in the appropriate trash can subject to fee if additional clean up is needed. 

Battle for the MainStage is your opportunity to showcase your talent, stage presence, and ability to engage a live audience. Musicians and bands should come prepared with a polished performance that reflects their unique style while remaining appropriate for a family-friendly event. Competitors are expected to arrive on time, act professionally, respect fellow performers, and follow all event guidelines. The winning act will earn a paid performance on the Main Stage during the 45th Annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, so judges will be looking for musicians who are not only talented, but also ready to represent the festival and our community at the highest level.