Juried Artisan - Gloucester, MA - August

The Gloucester Waterfront Festival is one of New England’s most established and well-attended juried arts & craft festivals, set against the stunning backdrop of Gloucester Harbor at historic Stage Fort Park.

Now in its 45th year, this flagship summer event draws tens of thousands of engaged shoppers over two days and has built a loyal following of visitors who come specifically to support handmade, American-made work. The festival is widely known for its strong sales potential, solid organization, and its emphasis on quality craftsmanship.

Produced by Castleberry Fairs & Festivals, the Gloucester Waterfront Festival features a carefully curated mix of artists and craftspeople working in a wide range of media, including (but not limited to) fine art, jewelry, glass, fiber, wood, ceramics, photography, mixed media, and specialty handcrafted goods. Category balance is intentionally maintained to ensure a strong shopping experience for customers and fair exposure for exhibitors.

Exhibitor Notes

Only Preregistered RV and overnight parking is permitted at this venue.

• Setup: Friday 2:00–8:00pm and Saturday 6:00–8:00am

  Show Hours: Saturday 9am to 6pm / Sunday 9am to 5pm

• This is a drop-and-go setup. Vehicles may drive onto the event grounds to unload (weather permitting). Exhibitors must unload efficiently and move vehicles promptly.

Parking: Designated exhibitor parking is located within the gated festival grounds

• Arrive before 8:15 AM on both days to park on-site for the entire day for free.
  • After 8:30 AM, the gate is closed, and vehicles will NOT be allowed to drive in or out during show hours.
• If you need to leave during event hours, YOU MUST park outside the gated event grounds at your own expense.

Outdoor Setup & Safety:

• This is a fully outdoor, high-wind waterfront location with uneven terrain, including grass, sand, and rocky areas.
• All canopies must be properly secured with stakes and weights. A minimum of 40 lbs per leg is required; heavier weights are strongly recommended due to coastal wind conditions.
• All canopies must be fire-rated or flame-resistant. Proof of fire rating must be attached to the canopy or available on site upon request.

Tent Rental: If you need to rent a tent for this event, please contact:

The Event Co.
Email: info@rentent.com
Phone: (978) 283-4884

Application Deposit:
A $100 non-refundable deposit will be charged upon approval. The remaining booth balance will be charged separately according to the payment schedule below.

Payment Timing:
Remaining balances will be charged on or after July 1, 2026. Applications submitted on or after this date will be charged the full booth amount upon approval.

Insurance:
A Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) is required for exhibitors offering consumable goods, including food, candles, personal care, aromatherapy, and similar products.

 
Specialty Food & Food Vendor Requirements

• An additional Ciry of Gloucester food permit fee is required
  • Deadline for Health Permits are July 31, 2026
• Specialty food exhibitors must create an account, submit documentation, and submit payment through the City of Gloucester Health Department online permitting system
  • Apply Online: Choose your application below 
    • Specialty Food Exhibitors that are selling pre-packaged foods - Temporary Food Establishment Permit:  https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1073/record-types/1006401
    • Food Vendors from a licensed food truck - Mobile Food Unit Permit: https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1073/record-types/1006396
• Questions may be directed to the Gloucester Health Depatment 

  • Sophia Vorias Health Inspector, City of Gloucester, MA

    • 978-325-5260 svorias@gloucester-ma.gov

• The Gloucester Health Department will be on-site for inspections at 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
• Specialty food exhibitors must bring the following documentation onsite:
  • Current health permits or licenses
  • ServSafe certification
  • Allergen Awareness certification
  • Copies of product labels for all items being sold
  • Printed document: Gloucester Health Department Guidelines

Propane Permit Requirement:

• Food Vendors using propane must obtain a Propane Permit through Gloucester Fire Prevention. Cost: $100.00
• Apply for a Mobile/Temporary Propane Permit here: https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1076/record-types/1006439
• Fire Prevention will be on-site Saturday, 8/15/2026, for inspections.
  Questions? Contact Gloucester Fire Prevention at (978) 325-5315

Transient Vendor Permit

All Artisans are required to have a Transient Vendor Permit - Castleberry Fairs will obtain this permit for all Non-Food Exhibitors.

• All exhibitors must agree to comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements of the City of Gloucester Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11 (Transient Vendors), and the City of Gloucester’s Transient Vendor Application, available for reference here: https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4416/Transient-Vendor-Application-2025?bidId= 
  DO NOT FILL OUT OR SUBMIT THIS PERMIT.

CASTLEBERRY FAIRS & FESTIVALS

2026 Exhibitor Terms, Rules & Regulations

Acceptance of Rules & Release Agreement

By submitting an application and participating in any 2026 Castleberry Fairs & Festivals event, I/we agree to the following:

1. To abide by all 2026 Castleberry Fairs & Festivals Rules and Regulations, as well as all venue-specific rules applicable to the event location.
2. To accept full responsibility for my/our conduct and the conduct of staff, helpers, and representatives.
3. To be responsible for all property brought onto the premises.
4. To hold Castleberry Fairs & Festivals, its producers (Christopher and Teresa Mullen), agents, employees, volunteers, and the owners of show sites harmless from any damages, losses, or injuries caused by unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, theft, fire, or other Acts of God.
5. To acknowledge that in the event a show is canceled or show hours are changed due to weather or circumstances beyond our control, no refunds will be issued.
6. To permit the use of my/our business name, images, videos, descriptions, pricing, and likeness for promotional or informational purposes as outlined below.

Media Release & Promotional Use

• By submitting an application and participating in any 2026 Castleberry Fairs & Festivals event, I/we irrevocably grant Castleberry Fairs & Festivals, its producers, agents, representatives, and assigns the unrestricted right to photograph, record, videotape, and otherwise capture my/our image, likeness, voice, booth, products, displays, and business identity.
• These materials may be used for promotional, advertising, marketing, educational, editorial, archival, and informational purposes, in any media now known or hereafter developed, worldwide, in perpetuity, without compensation or further consent.
• I/we waive any right to inspect or approve the finished materials and release Castleberry Fairs & Festivals from any claims, demands, or causes of action arising from the use of such materials.

Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in removal from the event and exclusion from future Castleberry Fairs & Festivals events.

Overview

Castleberry Fairs & Festivals produces juried events celebrating unique, handmade arts, crafts, and specialty foods made in the USA. All exhibitors are expected to uphold the integrity, quality, and standards of our events by adhering to these guidelines.

We do not accept:
– Buy-sell or imported items
– Kits, “seconds,” clearance products
– Tumblers, sublimation on blanks, 3D-printed items
We do not allow:
– Sales reps, MLMs, commercial vendors
– Financial services, home improvement, or vacation marketing booths

Sublimation printing is permitted only if the design and imagery are created entirely by the exhibitor. Items featuring pre-manufactured designs, clip art, or third-party artwork are prohibited. Documentation from material suppliers may be required if questions arise.

 
General Requirements

• All items displayed and sold must be handmade by the exhibitor.
• No mass-produced, imported, or buy-and-sell items are permitted.
• Once accepted, no additional product lines may be added without prior written approval.
• Booth sharing is prohibited unless approved in writing.
• The Castleberry Jury reserves the right to remove work that does not meet event standards.
• Exhibitors must be present at their booth during all event hours.

Applications & Payment

• Applications must include clear, accurate images of work and booth display.
• A $100 deposit will be automatically processed upon approval.
• The remaining balance will be automatically processed 45 days prior to the event.
• All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• A $100 fee will be assessed for any returned checks.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals reserves the right to assign or reassign booth locations.

Specialty Food Applicants

• All specialty food items must be made by the seller.
• Proper labeling and packaging must comply with all state and local regulations.
• All required licenses and permits must be submitted and accepted prior to the event.
• A Certificate of Liability Insurance listing Castleberry Fairs & Festivals as Additional Insured is required.

Specialty Food & Food Vendor Requirements

An additional Cirt of Gloucester food permit fee is required

• Deadline for Health Permits are July 31, 2026
• Specialty food exhibitors must create an account, submit documentation, and submit payment through the City of Gloucester Health Department online permitting system
• Apply Online: Choose your application below Specialty
  • Food Exhibitors that are selling pre-packaged foods - Temporary Food Establishment Permit:  https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1073/record-types/1006401
  • Food Vendors from a licensed food truck - Mobile Food Unit Permit: https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1073/record-types/1006396
• Questions may be directed to the Gloucester Health Depatment Sophia Vorias Health Inspector, City of Gloucester, MA 978-325-5260 svorias@gloucester-ma.gov
• The Gloucester Health Department will be on-site for inspections at 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
• Specialty food exhibitors must bring the following documentation onsite:
  • Current health permits or licenses
  • ServSafe certification
  • Allergen Awareness certification
  • Copies of product labels for all items being sold
  • Printed document: see file "Gloucester Health Department Guidelines"

Liability & Insurance

• Exhibitors are responsible for their booth, merchandise, and belongings at all times.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals is not responsible for loss, damage, or injury.
• Exhibitors selling consumable items (including food, candles, and personal care products) must provide proof of insurance.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals is not liable for damage caused by weather or Acts of God.

Overnight Security
Overnight security will be present on-site following show closing. Exhibitors are required to fully cover and/or enclose their booth at closing each day. Security is provided as a deterrent only.

Booth Setup, Presentation & Equipment

• Exhibitors must provide their own tables, chairs, displays, and booth equipment.
• All tables must be covered to the floor on all sides. No visible boxes, back stock, or dollies.
• Booths must be professional, neat, safe, and staffed at all times.
• Booth displays must remain within assigned space; no items may extend into aisles.
• All items must be clearly priced.
• Wi-Fi and/or cellular service are not guaranteed.
• No attachments to trees, fencing, signage, or venue structures are permitted.
• Vehicles must be moved to designated parking areas immediately after unloading.
• Vehicles left in unauthorized areas may be towed at the owner’s expense.
• Booths must be secured and covered during closed hours.
• Setup must be completed prior to event opening.
• Exhibitors not present 60 minutes prior to opening may forfeit their space without refund.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals reserves the right to open the show up to 30 minutes early.
• Absolutely no early breakdowns. Dollies are not permitted during public show hours.
• All booths and materials must be removed within four (4) hours of show closing on the final event day.

Failure to comply may result in penalties, including late breakdown fees and exclusion from future events.
 
Trash Management

• Exhibitors are responsible for removing and disposing of their own trash.
• Public trash receptacles are for shoppers only.
• Failure to leave the area clean will result in a $100 cleanup fee.

Conduct & Compliance

• No hawking or calling out to customers.
• Exhibitors are responsible for collecting and remitting all applicable taxes.
• Compliance with all venue rules, fire codes, and municipal regulations is required.
• Smoking and vaping are prohibited within event areas and near entrances.

Venue-Specific Terms

Stage Fort Park – Gloucester, MA

• This is a fully outdoor, high-wind waterfront location with uneven terrain, including grass, sand, and rocky areas.

• All canopies must be properly secured with stakes and weights. A minimum of 40 lbs per leg is required; heavier weights are strongly recommended due to coastal wind conditions.

• All canopies must be fire-rated or flame-resistant. Proof of fire rating must be attached to the canopy or available on site upon request.

• This is a drop-and-go setup. Vehicles may drive onto the event grounds to unload (weather permitting).
  • Exhibitors must unload efficiently and move vehicles promptly.
• Exhibitor parking is located within the gated festival grounds:
  
  • Behind the food court, in the outfield.
  • Behind the last row of canopies at the far perimeter (if space weather and allows).
  • Arrive before 8:15 AM on both days to park on-site for free.
    
    • After 8:30 AM, the gate is closed, and vehicles will NOT be allowed to drive in or out during show hours.
  • If you need to leave during event hours, YOU MUST park outside the gated event grounds at your own expense.
    
    • Free parking is available at Gloucester High School.
    • Paid parking is available (at your own expense) in the lot across from the event grounds (Beach Parking).
  • Cargo trailers may be parked on the ball field perimeter or behind your booth if weather and space allows.
  • Only Preregistered RV and overnight parking is permitted at this venue.
• Transient Vendor Permit
  • All Artisans are required to have a Transient Vendor Permit - Castleberry Fairs has obtained this permit for all Non-Food Exhibitors. 
  • These permits will be distributed by the Cape Ann Chamber on Saturday morning and must be kept visible within your booth during the event.
  • Only the artisan making sales is required to have a Transient Vendor Permit. Assistants or staff working within the booth are not required to obtain a separate permit.
  • All exhibitors must agree to comply with all terms, conditions, and requirements of the City of Gloucester Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11 (Transient Vendors), and the City of Gloucester’s Transient Vendor Application, available for reference here: https://www.gloucester-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4416/Transient-Vendor-Application-2025?bidId=
    DO NOT FILL OUT OR SUBMIT THIS PERMIT.

Propane Permit Requirement:

• Food Vendors using propane must obtain a Propane Permit through Gloucester Fire Prevention. Cost: $100.00
• Apply for a Mobile/Temporary Propane Permit here: https://gloucesterma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1076/record-types/1006439
• Fire Prevention will be on-site Saturday, 8/15/2026, for inspections.
  Questions? Contact Gloucester Fire Prevention at (978) 325-5315

Outdoor Booth Requirements & Safety

• This is a fully outdoor event held on grass.
• All exhibitors must provide their own canopy.
• All canopies must be fire-rated or flame-resistant.
• Proof of fire rating must be attached to the canopy or available onsite upon request.
• Due to windy conditions, all canopies and displays must be securely weighted.
• A minimum of 40 lbs per canopy leg is required; heavier weights are strongly recommended.
• Exhibitors are responsible for securing their booths against weather conditions at all times.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals reserves the right to require additional weights or adjustments if a booth is deemed unsafe.

Electrical, Internet & Utilities

• No electricity is available at this venue.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals does not provide Wi-Fi.
• Exhibitors should plan accordingly with battery power, hotspots, or offline payment options.

Cancellation Policy

• All fees are non-refundable.
• Cancellations must be submitted in writing through Eventeny.
• Booth reservations are non-transferable.
• If you are unable to attend, you must notify Castleberry Fairs & Festivals as soon as possible by calling our office at 603-332-2026.

Weather Policy

• Events are held rain, snow, or shine.
• In extreme cases, show or setup hours may be adjusted due to weather.
• Exhibitors are responsible for securing their booths against weather conditions.
• Castleberry Fairs & Festivals is not responsible for weather-related damages.

Pets Policy

• Friendly pets on a leash are permitted at outdoor events.
• Exhibitors are responsible for ensuring pets are well-behaved and do not interfere with neighboring booths or guests.

Final Acceptance

By submitting this application, I/we acknowledge that I/we have read, understand, and agree to all 2026 Castleberry Fairs & Festivals Terms, Rules, and Regulations.