Made in Gastonia

No additional taco, nacho, lemonade, funnel cake, italian ice, etc. trucks/trailers will be accepted for this event. All submissions with those cuisine offerings will be waitlisted.

About the Event

Join us for Made in Gastonia: An Arts & Creativity Festival, part of Gaston County Arts Month! This new festival celebrates local creativity through hands-on art activities, local artists and makers, food as art experiences, live music, food trucks and more.

Our theme is “Made by artists. Made by makers. Made by you.” We want to bring the community together for a fun, creative day in downtown Gastonia.

Application deadline: March 14, 2027. This is an electronic agreement and by signing, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically. Payment will be charged to card after application is approved. Food truck/trailer spots are extremely limited. Filling out an application does not guarantee approval due to space limitations, cuisine limitations, etc. 

Food Vendor Information:

• At this time, only food trucks and trailers are accepted.
• Please see attached Event Vendor Policy for a list of all regulations and rules.
• Food Truck set up/break down information:Food trucks must supply their own generator.
  • Food trucks may either be set up in one of the Rotary Pavilion parking lots, or on Main Ave.
  • Food truck set up will be around 9:00 AM. A final, confirmed time will be sent out at least two weeks prior to the event.
  • Food truck breakdown is no earlier than 4:00PM and must be completed no later than 4:30PM.
    • You will not be able to bring any additional vehicles onto the Rotary Pavilion parking lots or have the food truck leave the pavilion parking lots until the crowds have cleared.
  • Food vendors must provide properly rated fire extinguishers.
  • It is the responsibility of the vendor to keep the booth and surrounding area clean. Each vendor shall leave the area in the same condition as it was found.
  • A final packet going over these regulations and procedures will be sent to the point of contact listed on the application within two weeks before the event.  The packet will also include a site map, timeline, and set up and breakdown information.
• Health/Permit information:
  • • Food vendors must adhere to the regulations set by the Health Department.
    • If applicable, a copy of the Gaston County Health Department permit must be uploaded in this application.
      • Vendors are required to adhere to all applicable laws and provisions established by North Carolina, Gaston County Health Department, and the City of Gastonia Police and Fire Departments. Vendors shall adhere to all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to its business.
      • All food trucks have to be in good standing with their permit issuing county. If a food truck needs to be inspected, fees may be incurred by the Health Department. 
  • All vendor activities must be suitable for a family event. Offensive materials, ads, or public displays will be removed and participation refused.
  • The site map, set up information and timeline will be sent via Eventeny at least two weeks prior to the event.

About the Event

Join us for Made in Gastonia: An Arts & Creativity Festival, part of Gaston County Arts Month! This new festival celebrates local creativity through hands-on art activities, local artists and makers, food as art experiences, live music, food trucks and more.

Our theme is “Made by artists. Made by makers. Made by you.” We want to bring the community together for a fun, creative day in downtown Gastonia.

About the Artist & Vendor Marketplace

The Artist & Vendor Marketplace is an opportunity for businesses, artists, makers and organizations to connect with festival attendees, showcase their products and sell their goods.

We welcome vendors offering handmade products, original artwork, crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, home décor, gifts and other merchandise that fits the festival atmosphere. We also welcome select local businesses and community organizations.

This event is not intended for direct sales or solicitation-based businesses, including home improvement and exterior service sales (such as roofing and gutter services), or direct-sales companies (such as consultant based businesses.)

This application is for vendors who primarily wish to sell products, promote their business or share information about their organization. Artists interested in demonstrating their creative process and working on their art during the festival should apply for the separate Meet the Makers opportunity.

Food trucks and prepared-food vendors must apply through the designated food vendor application.

Event & Vendor Information

• Event date: Saturday, April 17, 2027
• Event hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Location: Rotary Pavilion, Downtown Gastonia
• Vendor setup: Specific arrival and setup instructions will be provided to approved vendors.
• Booth fee: $30 (downtown Gastonia businesses are free- contact event organizer for code)
• Space assignment: Booth locations will be assigned by the event organizer.
• Application process: Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Applications will be reviewed for suitability, product variety and overall event fit.
• Vendor attendance: Approved vendors must be set up and ready to operate by the designated opening time and remain for the duration of the event unless otherwise approved by the organizer.

What Can I Sell or Promote?

We are looking for vendors whose products and offerings complement an arts and creativity festival. Examples include:

• Handmade goods and crafts
• Original artwork, prints and illustrations
• Jewelry and accessories
• Clothing and textiles
• Home décor and gifts
• Creative and art-related products
• Local retail businesses
• Nonprofit and community organizations
• Other products or services approved by the event organizer

The City reserves the right to limit duplicate products and decline applications that do not fit the event.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be prepared to provide accurate business and contact information, describe the products or services they plan to offer, and submit photographs of their products or booth display when requested.

Please provide a complete description of your offerings. Applications with limited information may be harder to evaluate.

Important Information

• Vendors may only sell or promote the products, services or organization described in their approved application.
• Vendors must provide their own display materials, tables, chairs, tents, weights and other booth equipment unless otherwise specified by the organizer.
• Booth dimensions, available amenities, setup procedures and any applicable restrictions will be communicated to approved vendors.
• Electricity is not guaranteed. Any electrical needs must be disclosed in the application and approved in advance.
• Vendors are responsible for obtaining any licenses, permits or approvals applicable to their business and products.
• Vendors must keep their booth area clean and remove their belongings and trash at the end of the event.
• Vendors may not sublet, share or transfer their assigned space without written approval.
• The City reserves the right to decline applications, limit product categories, or remove products or displays that are inconsistent with the event or its rules.

Application Review

Applications will be reviewed by the City of Gastonia Parks and Recreation Department. Acceptance is not guaranteed, and booth space is limited. Applicants will be notified of the decision through Eventeny.

Booth Information 

• Booth set up/break down information:
  • Individual vendor booth area is 10ft x 10ft.
  • Vendors will be set up in the Rotary Pavilion parking lots. You will be able to pull one vehicle up to your spot at a time and unload. As soon as you unload, you need to move your car to a parking lot nearby (parking lot on 321 or lot between S. South St. and 321.)
  • Vendors are responsible for providing their own table(s), chair(s), and tent. Tents must not exceed 10ft x 10ft and they must be secured with tent weights or sandbags.
  • Only space is provided. If you need power (one outlet), the extra fee is $15.
  • Do not block private drives, entrances, or doors. Be respectful of private property.
  • Booth set up will at 9:00 AM. A final, confirmed time will be sent out at least two weeks prior to the event.
  • Booth breakdown is no earlier than 3:00PM and must be completed no later than 4:00PM.You will not be able to bring any vehicles into the pavilion parking lots until the crowds have cleared.
  • It is the responsibility of the vendor to keep the booth and surrounding area clean. Each vendor shall leave the area in the same condition as it was found.
  • Vendor booths serving food:
    • Vendor booths may not grill, cook or smoke any food on-site. 
• Vendors are required to adhere to all applicable laws and provisions established by North Carolina, Gaston County Health Department, and the City of Gastonia Police and Fire Departments. Vendors shall adhere to all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to its business.
• All vendor activities must be suitable for a family event. Offensive materials, ads, or public displays will be removed and participation refused.
• The site map, set up information and timeline will be sent via Eventeny at least two weeks prior to the event.

Please review the attached event vendor policy for a complete list of rules, regulations and vendor allowances. 

Application deadline: March 14, 2027

This is an electronic agreement and by signing, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically. Payment will be charged to card after application is approved. 

Thank you for your interest in being part of Made in Gastonia!

About the Event

Made in Gastonia: An Arts & Creativity Festival is a new community event celebrating local artists, makers and hands-on creativity as part of Gaston County Arts Month.

Taking place in downtown Gastonia, the festival will feature interactive art activities, local artists and makers, food as art experiences, food trucks, live music and more.

Our theme is “Made by artists. Made by makers. Made by you.” The goal is to give attendees the chance to explore creativity, meet local artists and experience how art is made.

About Meet the Makers

Meet the Makers is a curated area highlighting the people and processes behind creative work. We want attendees to see artists in action, learn about their craft, ask questions and connect with the people who make the things they love.

We welcome painters, potters, woodworkers, jewelry makers, illustrators, sculptors, photographers, textile artists, printmakers and other artists and craftspeople.

Selected participants are expected to actively demonstrate their craft, work on a piece during the festival, interact with attendees and, when appropriate, offer brief demonstrations or explanations of their process.

Artists may sell their finished work during the festival, but the focus of the "Meet the Makers" section is to demonstrate how your art is made.

Food trucks and prepared-food vendors must apply through the designated food vendor application, or if you would not like to demonstrate your work, please apply to the artist & vendor application.

Event & Participation Details

• Date: Saturday, April 17, 2027
• Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Location: Rotary Pavilion, Downtown Gastonia
• Participation fee: Free
• Sales: Artists may sell their work.
• Space: Limited. Participation is subject to approval.
• Application process: This is a curated opportunity. Applying does not guarantee acceptance.

The City will assign spaces based on the event layout and the needs of participating artists. Specific setup instructions and available amenities will be provided to approved participants.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is intended for artists and makers who create their own work and are interested in sharing their creative process with the public.

Examples include:

• Painters and illustrators
• Potters and ceramic artists
• Woodworkers
• Jewelry designers
• Sculptors
• Photographers
• Textile, fiber and weaving artists
• Printmakers
• Other visual artists and craftspeople

This is not intended to be a standard retail booth or a general business promotional space. If your primary goal is to sell products without demonstrating your creative process, please apply for the separate Artist & Vendor Marketplace instead.

What We Ask of Participating Artists

Selected artists must:

• Be present and participate for the full festival, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Bring work in progress and actively demonstrate or work on their craft during the event.
• Engage with attendees and be willing to answer questions about their process.
• Offer informal explanations or brief demonstrations when practical.
• Bring the materials, tools and display items needed for their demonstration, unless otherwise arranged.
• Clearly communicate any special space, equipment, electrical or safety needs in their application.
• Keep their assigned area organized and clean throughout the event.

Demonstrations should be suitable for a public, family-friendly festival. Any tools, equipment or processes that require special safety considerations must be disclosed and approved in advance.

Space and Setup

Participation is free, and spaces are limited. The City will determine space assignments based on the overall layout, available space, demonstration requirements and variety of participating artists.

Artists should plan to provide their own tools, materials, display equipment, tables, chairs and tents unless the City confirms otherwise. Please identify any equipment or space requirements in your application.

Application Review

Applications will be reviewed based on the quality and originality of the work, suitability for the event, willingness and ability to demonstrate the creative process, engagement with attendees, and overall variety of artists represented.

Applicants should include clear photographs of their work and provide enough detail for the review team to understand what they make and how they would participate.

Selected artists will be contacted through Eventeny with acceptance and additional event instructions.

Booth Information 

• Booth set up/break down information:Individual vendor booth area is 10ft x 10ft.
• Vendors will be set up in the Rotary Pavilion parking lots. You will be able to pull one vehicle up to your spot at a time and unload. As soon as you unload, you need to move your car to a parking lot nearby (parking lot on 321 or lot between S. South St. and 321.)
• Booth set up will at 9:00 AM. A final, confirmed time will be sent out at least two weeks prior to the event.
• Booth breakdown is no earlier than 3:00PM and must be completed no later than 4:00PM.You will not be able to bring any vehicles into the pavilion parking lots until the crowds have cleared.
• It is the responsibility of the vendor to keep the booth and surrounding area clean. Each vendor shall leave the area in the same condition as it was found.
• Vendor booths serving food: Vendor booths may not grill, cook or smoke any food on-site.
• Vendors are required to adhere to all applicable laws and provisions established by North Carolina, Gaston County Health Department, and the City of Gastonia Police and Fire Departments. Vendors shall adhere to all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to its business.
• All vendor activities must be suitable for a family event. Offensive materials, ads, or public displays will be removed and participation refused.
• The site map, set up information and timeline will be sent via Eventeny at least two weeks prior to the event.
• Please review the attached event vendor policy for a complete list of rules, regulations and vendor allowances. 

Application deadline: March 14, 2027

This is an electronic agreement and by signing, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically. 

Thank you for your interest in being part of Made in Gastonia! We look forward to showcasing the talented artists and makers who help make Gastonia creative!