Food Truck - (04/25/26 & 05/09/26)

This application is for food truck vendors interested in participating in our upcoming market(s). Eligible vendors operate fully licensed mobile food units offering prepared meals, beverages, or specialty food items that comply with all Washington State and local health department regulations. Please indicate any special requirements, such as electricity, parking space needs, propane use, or accessibility considerations. Booth fees will be automatically charged to your card on file upon approval. If you prefer to receive an invoice, this is still an option! We just ask that you please indicate that you would prefer an invoice under the "Special Requests" section of the application. All invoices are due within five days of receipt unless formally communicated and approved. We understand times are tough, especially for small business owners. We're willing to work with you! You will receive an email notification if your application is approved. If you're denied or placed on the waitlist, your card will not be charged. Accepted vendors will receive load-in instructions and booth assignments at least one week before the event date. All applications are reviewed to ensure a balanced, high-quality market experience. The application deadline is 03/14/2026 at 11:59 PM.

By applying to the Northwest Metaphysical Market (NWMM) as a food truck vendor, you agree to the following guidelines and expectations (please read):

General Information:
All food truck operators and on-site staff must be 18 years of age or older.
Applications are reviewed for menu fit, safety compliance, and overall market curation. Acceptance is not guaranteed.
All food trucks must hold valid permits required by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and comply with all Washington State mobile food unit regulations.
 
Food Truck Spaces:
Food truck spaces are assigned based on layout needs, traffic flow, and safety regulations.
Space allocations may vary depending on truck size; please provide accurate truck dimensions (including service window side).
Generators must be quiet-rated and in good working order. Vendors must bring all necessary equipment for safe operation.
Trucks must be fully self-contained for cooking, heating, refrigeration, and food storage as required by local health codes.
All operations—including customer service areas, signage, and equipment—must remain within your assigned footprint.
 
Set-Up & Tear-Down:
Load-in: 8:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Market Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Load-out: 5:00 PM - 6:45 PM (no early teardown unless otherwise approved by NWMM in advance).
Vendors must follow their assigned load-in group and time:
Group A (8:15 AM): Park Plaza North Garage, 4th floor skybridge
Group B (8:30 AM): 9th & Broadway
Group C (8:45 AM): 11th & Broadway

Vendors must complete setup by 10:45 AM and remain for the entire duration of the market unless otherwise approved.

If you do not arrive by 10:15 AM, your booth will be forfeited (no refunds), and neighboring vendors will be authorized to spread out.

Vendor Parking & Traffic Notes:

To help ease parking concerns in downtown Tacoma on a Saturday (yikes!), FREE, secure-access parking is available for vendors and volunteers on the top two levels of the Park Plaza North Garage, located just steps from the event space, following load-in!

The transit tunnel is NOT available for public parking.

Do NOT park in the “DO NOT ENTER” transit tunnel.

The transit tunnel is listed on Google Maps as “Pierce Transit Tunnel.” Please be mindful of this when navigating.

 
Payments & Refunds:

Booth fees will automatically be charged to your card on file upon approval.

If you prefer to receive an invoice, this is still an option! We just ask that you please indicate that you would prefer an invoice under the "Special Requests" section of the application.

All invoices are due within five days of receipt unless formally communicated and approved.

We understand times are tough, especially for small business owners. We're willing to work with you!

All fees are non-refundable, including for no-shows, mechanical issues, staffing problems, or weather conditions.
Spaces are not transferable without prior approval.

Print Materials:

Vendors may display print materials only if they directly relate to the products or services they are offering at NWMM. Marketing for individuals or businesses not registered as approved vendors is not permitted.

 
Products & Compliance:
All food and beverage items must be prepared and served in compliance with Washington State and Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department rules for mobile food units.

THC product sales are prohibited.

All prices must be clearly visible.
Vendors are responsible for their own tax reporting and any required licensing.

A Tacoma Business License is only required if you anticipate earning more than $2,000 in Tacoma during the calendar year.

If you plan to attend just a few Northwest Metaphysical Market (NWMM) events, you do not need to apply for a Tacoma Business License.

However, if you plan to attend four (4) or more NWMM markets, a Tacoma Business License is required, as you are more likely to exceed the $2,000 annual threshold.

If you initially plan to attend only a few markets and later decide you’d like to participate in more, you can apply for the Tacoma Business License at that time and submit a copy to us once it’s approved!

This approach allows vendors flexibility while remaining compliant with City of Tacoma requirements.

A Tacoma business license is $37.50 for a one-year term.

If you don't already have a Tacoma Business License, you can apply here: https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/Default_FileLocal.aspx 

Plastic Bag Ban:

All vendors and food trucks must comply with the City of Tacoma’s plastic bag ban. Single-use plastic carryout bags are not permitted. Vendors may only provide approved paper bags or compliant reusable bags to customers. Any allowed bags must meet city requirements and may be subject to the state-mandated bag fee where applicable. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their packaging and checkout materials follow all local laws.
 
Conduct & Safety:
Be respectful toward fellow vendors, staff, and attendees.
Keep your space clean, safe, and free of hazards.
NWMM is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment.
This event is held rain or shine. Please prepare for weather changes.
Generators, propane tanks, and other equipment must be secured and operated safely in accordance with fire and health regulations.
Leashed pets and service animals are allowed at the event but must remain outside the truck and away from food preparation areas.
 
Photography:
By participating, you consent to NWMM capturing photos and video of your truck and operations for marketing and promotional use.

Non-Discrimination & Zero Tolerance Policy:
NWMM maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or hate. Vendors must treat all attendees, staff, and fellow vendors with respect and will not discriminate based on race, color, sex, gender identity/gender expression, religion, nationality, creed, marital status, sexual orientation/sexual preference, age, veteran/military status, or handicap. Any conduct involving hate speech, intimidation, or discriminatory actions may result in immediate removal from the event without refund.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Vendors must keep their space accessible and free of obstacles so all attendees can safely approach and interact with their booth.

 
Agreement:
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to follow these terms designed to help us create a smooth, enjoyable, and well-organized market experience for everyone.