Gloucester Waterfront Festival

The Gloucester Waterfront Festival is one of New England’s most established and well-attended juried arts & craft festivals, set against the stunning backdrop of Gloucester Harbor at historic Stage Fort Park.

Now in its 45th year, this flagship summer event draws tens of thousands of engaged shoppers over two days and has built a loyal following of visitors who come specifically to support handmade, American-made work. The festival is widely known for its strong sales potential, solid organization, and its emphasis on quality craftsmanship.

Produced by Castleberry Fairs & Festivals, the Gloucester Waterfront Festival features a carefully curated mix of artists and craftspeople working in a wide range of media, including (but not limited to) fine art, jewelry, glass, fiber, wood, ceramics, photography, mixed media, and specialty handcrafted goods. Category balance is intentionally maintained to ensure a strong shopping experience for customers and fair exposure for exhibitors.

Exhibitor Notes

Only Preregistered RV and overnight parking is permitted at this venue.

• Setup: Friday 2:00–8:00pm and Saturday 6:00–8:00am

  Show Hours: Saturday 9am to 6pm / Sunday 9am to 5pm

• This is a drop-and-go setup. Vehicles may drive onto the event grounds to unload (weather permitting). Exhibitors must unload efficiently and move vehicles promptly.

Parking: Designated exhibitor parking is located within the gated festival grounds

• Arrive before 8:15 AM on both days to park on-site for the entire day for free.
  • After 8:30 AM, the gate is closed, and vehicles will NOT be allowed to drive in or out during show hours.
• If you need to leave during event hours, YOU MUST park outside the gated event grounds at your own expense.

Outdoor Setup & Safety:

• This is a fully outdoor, high-wind waterfront location with uneven terrain, including grass, sand, and rocky areas.
• All canopies must be properly secured with stakes and weights. A minimum of 40 lbs per leg is required; heavier weights are strongly recommended due to coastal wind conditions.
• All canopies must be fire-rated or flame-resistant. Proof of fire rating must be attached to the canopy or available on site upon request.

Tent Rental: If you need to rent a tent for this event, please contact:

The Event Co.
Email: info@rentent.com
Phone: (978) 283-4884

Application Deposit:
A $100 non-refundable deposit will be charged upon approval. The remaining booth balance will be charged separately according to the payment schedule below.

Payment Timing:
Remaining balances will be charged on or after July 1, 2026. Applications submitted on or after this date will be charged the full booth amount upon approval.

Insurance:
A Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) is required for exhibitors offering consumable goods, including food, candles, personal care, aromatherapy, and similar products.

 
Specialty Food & Food Vendor Requirements

• An additional Ciry of Gloucester food permit fee is required
  • Deadline for Health Permits are July 31, 2026
• Specialty food exhibitors must create an account, submit documentation, and submit payment through the City of Gloucester Health Department online permitting system
  • Apply Online: Choose your application below 
    • Specialty Food Exhibitors that are selling pre-packaged foods - Temporary Food Establishment Permit:  https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1073/record-types/1006401
    • Food Vendors from a licensed food truck - Mobile Food Unit Permit: https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1073/record-types/1006396
• Questions may be directed to the Gloucester Health Depatment 

  • Sophia Vorias Health Inspector, City of Gloucester, MA

    • 978-325-5260 svorias@gloucester-ma.gov

• The Gloucester Health Department will be on-site for inspections at 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
• Specialty food exhibitors must bring the following documentation onsite:
  • Current health permits or licenses
  • ServSafe certification
  • Allergen Awareness certification
  • Copies of product labels for all items being sold
  • Printed document: Gloucester Health Department Guidelines

Propane Permit Requirement:

• Food Vendors using propane must obtain a Propane Permit through Gloucester Fire Prevention. Cost: $100.00
• Apply for a Mobile/Temporary Propane Permit here: https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1076/record-types/1006439
• Fire Prevention will be on-site Saturday, 8/15/2026, for inspections.
  Questions? Contact Gloucester Fire Prevention at (978) 325-5315

Transient Vendor Permit

All Artisans are required to have a Transient Vendor Permit - Castleberry Fairs will obtain this permit for all Non-Food Exhibitors.

• All exhibitors must agree to comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements of the City of Gloucester Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11 (Transient Vendors), and the City of Gloucester’s Transient Vendor Application, available for reference here: https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4416/Transient-Vendor-Application-2025?bidId= 
  DO NOT FILL OUT OR SUBMIT THIS PERMIT.