Sourwood Festival 2026

Thank you for your interest in serving food and beverages at the 2026 Sourwood Festival! To provide a safe, enjoyable, and high-quality experience for our guests, all food and beverage vendor applications are reviewed by a jury. The jury considers menu quality, originality, pricing, and overall presentation, including booth, tent, trailer, or food truck appearance.

 

To be considered, each application must include:

• One (1) photo of your booth, tent, trailer, or food truck.
• Four (4) Photos of the food and/or beverage items you plan to serve.

We value vendors who offer fresh, well-prepared, and thoughtfully presented food and beverages. Unique menus and locally inspired offerings are encouraged.

 

All food and beverage vendors must comply with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and local county health department regulations.

Please note:

• Vendors serving food or beverages are required to obtain and display the appropriate temporary food establishment permit or applicable license as required by the local health department.
• A health department inspection may be required prior to or during the festival.
• Vendors must follow all food safety, sanitation, handwashing, temperature control, and food handling regulations set forth by the State of North Carolina.
• Copies of required permits and licenses must be provided upon acceptance and prior to the event.
• Vendors who do not meet health department requirements may be asked to close and may forfeit vendor fees.

Please keep in mind:

• Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
• Being a vendor in past years does not automatically ensure approval for 2026.
• Applications missing the required photos, or with photos that are unclear or do not accurately represent your booth or merchandise, may be denied.
• Photos should reflect what you intend to bring to the festival.
• By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to these guidelines and understand that jury decisions are final.

If you have any questions please email director@explorethevalley.org.

Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the 2026 Sourwood Festival. Since 1977, this beloved summer tradition has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors to historic downtown Black Mountain to celebrate our community, local artisans, and the beginning of the sourwood honey season. The festival brings together regional artists, local businesses, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and visitors from across Western North Carolina and beyond. Sponsoring the Sourwood Festival provides a meaningful opportunity to align your business with one of the region’s most recognized community events while gaining visibility with a large and engaged audience. Sponsorship opportunities are designed to offer businesses a range of promotional benefits, including recognition through festival signage, printed materials, social media promotion, merchandise, and on-site engagement opportunities depending on the sponsorship level. Please complete the application below to apply for sponsorship. Once submitted, the Sourwood Festival team will review your application and follow up if additional information is needed. Important: Sponsorship applications are accepted until July 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM. To ensure inclusion of your business name or logo on festival banners, signage, printed materials, and merchandise, applications must be submitted by May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM. ▶ YOUR CREDIT CARD WILL NOT BE CHARGED UNTIL YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE SOURWOOD FESTIVAL COMMITTEE. We appreciate your interest in supporting the Sourwood Festival and helping us continue this long-standing community tradition.

You will serve as a friendly ambassador for the Sourwood Festival, helping ensure the event runs smoothly and guests have a positive experience. You may assist with greeting attendees, supporting vendors and performers, helping with setup and cleanup, or providing information and directions. No matter the task, you will work as part of a team to create an organized, welcoming, and enjoyable festival for the entire community. Volunteer Benefits Community service hours Volunteer Festival T-shirt Behind-the-scenes access Networking opportunities The satisfaction of supporting a signature community event