Arts & Crafts Vendors

NC 4th of July Arts & Crafts Market – Vendor Registration

Join us for the NC 4th of July Arts & Crafts Market, where talented artisans and crafters showcase their unique creations! This year, vendors will be located on Bay St. between Atlantic and Davis Streets.

Important Information:

• Due to the location, no electricity will be available to Arts & Crafts vendors.
• Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!
• Vendor setup takes place on the 1st, with event days running from 10 AM to 7 PM on the 2nd and 3rd. On the 4th, we’ll kick off at 10 AM, break at 11 AM for the parade, and then resume at 12PM, right after the parade—and keep the festivities going until 9 PM.
• On the 4th, vendors can begin exiting at 11 PM following the fireworks and the initial flow of departing traffic. 

If you have any questions, please email patriot@nc4thofjuly.com.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Terms & Conditions – NC 4th of July Arts & Crafts Market

By submitting an application for the NC 4th of July Arts & Crafts Market, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Application & Payment

• If your application is approved, the card on file will be charged upon approval.
• If your application is not approved, you will not be charged.

Event Details

• This is an outdoor event with no rain date.
• Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs, and tents/canopies.
• Canopies/tents must not exceed the booth space provided.
• Electricity is NOT available at this location.

Booth Assignments & Set-Up

• Booth spaces will be assigned prior to the festival and communicated via email, along with your set-up time.
• Vendors must be fully set up by the published opening time each day.

Move-In & Move-Out

• Move-in: Scheduled set-up time on July 1st (time will be provided via email).
• Move-out: Begins July 4th at 11:00 PM. Vendors may not break down before 5:00 PM on July 4th.

Rules & Regulations

1. No early breakdown – Vendors must remain open until the end of the published event hours.
2. No pets allowed in vendor spaces (applies to both vendors and visitors) due to health and safety regulations.
3. All items sold must be handmade by the artist. Buy/sell and flea market items are not permitted.
4. To be considered, vendors must submit a clear photo of the product(s) for each category entered, even if they have exhibited before.

Location

• The market will take place on Bay Street in Southport.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made before June 1, 2026, are eligible for a refund.
• No cancellations will be accepted after June 1, 2026.
• All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via mail or email to qualify for a refund.

Nonprofit Organizations

• Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations may distribute information and sell tickets for fundraising activities at no cost.
• A craft vendor application is still required, and space is limited.

Required Permits and Documentation for Food Vendors

Please note that all food vendors participating in the NC 4th of July Festival are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required permits and approvals. It is the vendor's responsibility to determine what permits and approvals are required by the City of Southport, Brunswick County, and any other applicable agencies. Vendors who do not have all required permits, approvals, and documentation in place prior to the event will not be permitted to set up or operate.

Environmental Health Permit

All food vendors required to have an Environmental Health permit for their establishment must apply for a Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) Permit through Brunswick County Environmental Health (BCEH) for the NC 4th of July Festival, regardless of whether they hold an Environmental Health permit from another North Carolina county or state. Failure to obtain a TFE permit from Brunswick County Environmental Health prior to opening on July 2 will result in the vendor being unable to operate at the Festival.

Please note:

BCEH will not issue the TFE permit until the vendor has passed the required inspection.
Festival food vendor inspections will take place on the morning of July 2.
Vendors should apply for their TFE permit in advance and will receive notification that their permit application is pending until the inspection has been completed and approved.
If Brunswick County Environmental Health tells you that you do not need a TFE, upload your valid Environmental Health permit issued outside of Brunswick County.
 

City of Southport Food Vendor Permit

All food vendors operating within the City of Southport must obtain a Southport Food Permit (truck, cart, trailer, or tent).

Permit applications may be submitted through the City's online permitting portal:

https://southportnc.portal.opengov.com/categories/1080/record-types/6457

Permit Fee: $100
Permit Term: Valid for one year from the date of issuance
 

Important Application Instructions

To help avoid common issues during the application process:

When asked whether you are participating in a City-run event, select "Yes."
When prompted to upload a Minor Site Plan, upload the email confirming your acceptance into the NC 4th of July Festival.
Instead of uploading an Environmental Health permit, upload the notice from Brunswick County Environmental Health showing that your TFE permit application is pending.
 

Fire Inspection Permit

The Southport Food Vendor Permit application initiates the Fire Marshal review process when applicable.

Permit Fee: $125
Permit Term: Valid for one year from the date of issuance
Fire inspections will take place on the morning of July 2.
If your application indicates "Fire Marshal Review," this does not mean your Fire Inspection Permit has been approved. It only means that the Fire Marshal is reviewing your application and determining whether an inspection and permit are required.

For any questions, please email patriot@nc4thofjuly.com.