Newark Zine Fest 2025 Exhibitor and Vendor Application

◉ Welcome to the Newark Zine Fest application portal 🎉

Calling all zine makers! Take part in the second edition of Newark Zine Fest, coming to The Newark Museum of Art on December 6, 2025. Join over 80 other zine-makers and enthusiasts to sell, exhibit, and trade your zines, plus zine-making, DJ spins and activations all day! 🎶 NZF is a space for great vibes and radical belonging when the stories of our time are under threat more than ever. 

◉ APPLY EARLY ◉ Deadline to apply is Friday, October 17, 11:59pm EST. However, applications are reviewed, accepted and assigned their tables on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't wait!

◉ What is a zine?

A zine (pronounced zeen) is most commonly a handmade publication that's often produced in small circulations, printed and bound using various methods and sizes, and based on every topic imaginable. Zines have historically been a platform for marginalized and underrepresented people to engage, express ideas, document experiences and explore alternative DIY methods of making, sharing and community building. Zines continue to provide a space of inclusion and belonging – to question, record and distribute alternative perspectives and approaches to topics that are often missing in mainstream media.

◉ What is "Brick, Paper, Futures"?

This year's theme is inspired by Newark's legacy for community, the power of storytelling in print, and what happens when stories are shared. We can't wait to uplift the works of folks like you and celebrate the diverse world of zines in Newark. 

Good luck with your application! 📚

◉ ELIGIBILITY 

Open to all zine makers, 14 years and older.

◉ APPLICATION PROCESS

This application process is based on a first-come, first-served table assignment, should your application be accepted. There are a total of 82 tables, 48 of which are offered as FREE. See questions 17-22 for more information on all six table options and the associated fees for each option. 

Because we expect demand of tables to exceed availability of tables, we encourage you to:
Apply Early to improve your chances of being assigned a table option of your choice. 
Rank as many choices as you're able to in order to secure your spot at Newark Zine Fest. 

Feel free to preview the application and apply when you feel ready. We strive to keep the application process as easy as possible.

◉ COMMUNICATIONS

All communications will be handled through Eventeny. No other communications will be used to notify you of your application status, exhibitor information or updates leading up to Newark Zine Fest. We're a small team and appreciate your help to streamline communications and planning as much as possible. If you haven't received anything after you submitted, please check your spam first then email us at hello@densemagazine.org and we'll look into things on our end.

◉ TIMELINES

APPLICATION

• Apply by 10/17/25
• Acceptance notices sent on 10/22/25
• Waitlist notices sent on 10/28/25

UPON ACCEPTANCE

• Full payment required within one week of acceptance
• 100% refund eligible until 10/31/25
• 50% refund eligible until 11/7/25
• Graphic Assets shared on 11/17

DAY-OF

• Public Hours: 11AM–4PM, Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Setup and Takedown: 9:30AM–10:30AM | Takedown: 4PM–5PM.

◉ CANCELLATION POLICY

Please notify us no later than November 7 if you decide to cancel. 

100% refund eligible until 10/31
50% refund eligible until 11/7

◉ TABLE ASSIGNMENTS

Accepted exhibitors will be assigned their table in the order in which their application was submitted. Because we expect demand of tables to exceed availability of tables, rank as many table options as possible in order to secure your spot at Newark Zine Fest. 

◉ TABLE SETUP

Table space is limited to one exhibitor per table, with (1) chair per exhibitor 4' and under, two chairs per table 6' and over.

◉ FOOD & DRINK

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the museum. PJ's Coffee serves a variety of food and beverage options. If you decide to bring your own food or beverage, you may eat at your own table or outside. Cafe tables are reserved for those who have purchased from the cafe. We're looking into adding our own cafe tables, but TBD.

◉ LIABILITY

Organizers and venue are NOT liable for any loss or damage to your works.

◉ ON-SITE SUPPORT 

Our all-volunteer staff are here to help with unloading/loading, escorting you to your table and offering 5-minute breaks throughout the day. Here are some things that our volunteers won't do: process payments, cover your table longer than 5 minutes, leave the premises, make calls or run errands on your behalf. If you need support beyond our capacity, please consider bringing a buddy!  

◉ CODE OF CONDUCT 

Be respectful! Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. A safe and welcoming space for everyone. Zero tolerance for harassment!

◉ ACCESSIBILITY

The Newark Museum of Art is fully ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible. Service animals welcome with certification.

◉ COVID POLICY

Masks are encouraged indoors; COVID testing prior to attending is recommended.

◉ MEDIA RELEASE 

Participation means permission to use your likeness in promotional materials.

◉ AGREEMENT

By submitting this application, you agree to these terms and conditions.