2026 Artisans & Crafters Application

Calling All Makers!

Milwaukee Oktoberfest is proud to welcome handcrafted goods, unique artwork, and artisan products that reflect creativity, skill, and tradition. We’re seeking talented vendors whose work fits the spirit of the fest—heritage, community, and celebration.

Whether you’re a potter, woodworker, leather crafter, painter, metalworker, or fiber artist, we invite you to apply.

Vendor Details

• Booth Fee: LIsted below for the full weekend (Friday–Sunday)

• Booth Size: 10’ x 10’ space. Larger booths available by request.

• Setup: October 1, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

• Tear Down: October 4, after 6:00 PM

• Operating Hours:

  • Friday: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM

  • Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

  • Sunday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

What We Provide

• Designated booth space - choose your own space on the vendor map. 

• Inclusion on the official Oktoberfest website vendor list

• Social media highlight opportunities

• On-site vendor support during event hours

• Electricity available for additional charge (limited spots)

What You Provide

• Your own tent, tables, displays, and signage

• Valid WI seller’s permit or temporary event permit

• Product photos for marketing

• Commitment to being present all 3 days of the event

• A spirit of joy and craftsmanship!

Application Requirements

To apply, please submit the following:

1. Completed application form

2. 3–5 high-quality photos of your work and booth setup

3. Description of your handmade process (materials, techniques, etc.)

4. Proof of insurance (COI must be attached to application to be considered)

5. Payment upon acceptance

Deadline to Apply: Sept 1, 2026
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by Mid Sept, 2026.

By submitting this application and participating in Milwaukee Oktoberfest, all Crafters and Maker Vendors agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Eligibility

• This application is for vendors selling handcrafted or artist-made goods only.

• No resale of mass-produced or imported merchandise is permitted.

• All items must be the original work of the applying artist or craftsperson.

2. Fees & Payment

• Vendor Fee: $450 Per 10'x10' space for the full weekend (amount to be set by organizers).

• Payment is due within 10 business days of acceptance to secure your space.

• No refunds will be issued after September 1, 2025, unless the event is canceled by the organizers.

3. Booth Setup & Hours

Setup:

• Thursday, October 1 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• All vendors must be fully set up by 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

Operating Hours:

• Friday, October 2 | 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Saturday, October 3 | 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

• Sunday, October 4 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tear-down:

• Sunday, October 4 | 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Early tear-down is not permitted.

4. Licensing & Sales Tax

• Vendors must comply with Wisconsin sales tax regulations.

• A valid Wisconsin seller’s permit is required unless your sales are tax-exempt.

• Apply at: https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/btr

• Vendors are responsible for reporting and remitting their own sales tax.

5. Booth Requirements

• Vendors must provide their own tent, tables, signage, and display setup.

• All tents must meet minimum ballast requirements:

  • 10x10 tents: Minimum 250 lbs., distributed at 2 points

  • 10x20 tents: Minimum 1,000 lbs., distributed at 3 or more points

• Rental equipment must be arranged through Arena Americas.

  • Contact: Carrie Orlowski – corlowski@arenaamericas.com

• Booths must be staffed and clean during all festival hours.

• All vendors must comply with applicable fire, safety, and accessibility regulations.

6. Product Guidelines

• Only items listed and approved in your application may be sold.

• Milwaukee Oktoberfest reserves the right to prohibit any item not aligned with the event’s values or theme.

• No weapons, drug-related paraphernalia, or offensive content permitted.

7. Conduct

• Vendors and staff must behave professionally and courteously at all times.

• Harassment, intoxication, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

• Vendors may not sell alcohol, tobacco, CBD, or other regulated substances.

8. Liability & Indemnification

Milwaukee Oktoberfest, Kegel’s Inn, Swarmm Events, and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. are not responsible for any loss, theft, injury, or damage incurred by vendors.

Vendors agree to indemnify and hold harmless all event partners, organizers, and affiliates from any claims or liabilities arising from their participation.

9. Force Majeure

The festival is a rain-or-shine event. In the case of extreme weather, acts of God, or other emergencies, organizers reserve the right to alter or cancel the event.
No refunds will be given unless publicly announced by the organizers.

10. Data Use

Vendor information will be stored securely and used solely for Milwaukee Oktoberfest operations.
We do not sell or share your data without your consent.

By submitting this application and participating in Milwaukee Oktoberfest, vendors agree to all terms above in full.