Handcrafter

All art must be handcrafted, no exceptions! "Handcrafted," means it was made entirely by hand or with the use of simple tools (e.g., knife, needle, paintbrush.) Hence, there was no machine involvement in the creation of the goods otherwise you are considered a "Merchant".

ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN ADDITIONAL $200.00 PROCESSING FEE. PLEASE NOTE ALL APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO ACCEPTANCE AND AVAILABILITY.

Please note that upon your acceptance to the festival, your credit card on file will be automatically debited and processed for the full amount owed within 24hrs. 

Taste of River North RULES & REGULATIONS 2026

Contract Cancellation: Special Events Management - CRSEM, LLC (hereinafter “SEM”) reserves the right to cancel a contract at any time for the good of the festival, or by the direction of the River North Residents Association  (AKA “Host Committee'').  Any cancellations by management will be refunded only if ALL rules and regulations have been followed. Cancellation or suspension due to lack of proper city licensing or failure to meet or maintain guidelines will not be eligible for refunds.

Water: Running water is not provided on-site.  You must supply your own fresh water.

Electricity: No small portable generators or car batteries are permitted within your booth.  All electricity on site, if paid for, is portable and provided by a third-party supplier. Any service disruptions and/or blackouts from electricity provided by SEM will not result in a rebate or refund.

Music: This event STRICTLY prohibits the playing of recorded or live music in your booth.

Laws: Drilling in the street is not permitted to secure your tent or equipment.  Violators will be subject to a city of Chicago fine and or a space cancellation at the event. You are directly responsible for city violations and fines. 

*All CBD and Delta 8/9 based products are prohibited from being sold at the event.

The sale of THC- beverage based products is allowed and must participate as a Sponsor of the event.

 For Sponsorship pricing, please contact Karyn Terrones at karyn@chicagoevents.com, or at 773-584-6625.

Set-up and Tear-down: Each participant is responsible for setup, take down, and clean-up of his/her booth space. Vehicles are allowed on the street only for setup prior to the event and tear down once the festival closes. You will be notified when it is safe to bring your vehicle onto the street. Unless otherwise noted, parking is not provided to any participant but is available for an additional fee if arranged prior to the event.  Load-in/set-up times will be provided to you by email one week prior to the event.  You must remove your vehicle immediately after unloading your merchandise. You are allotted 2 hours from the closing time of the event to vacate your booth space after the event.

No-Show Policy: Participants who have not checked in by 11:00 AM on July 17th, the first day of the festival, will be considered a “no-show.” No Show exhibitors will NOT be eligible for refunds and assigned booth space will be forfeited. 

Trash Disposal:  Each space must be left clean throughout the event and each night. Trash receptacles and bags will not be provided, this is your responsibility. Trash (in bags) will be picked up from booths.  May be subject to additional fees if your space is not maintained as delivered, upon vacating your event space.

Indemnification: River North Residents Association, CRSEM, LLC aka Special Events Management, its employees, festival service providers, or any participating sponsors will NOT be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur to the participant or exhibitor (artist, merchant, or food vendor), any of the participant’s employees or any property prior to, during or after the period covered by the participation exhibitor contract. This signed contract states that you agree to the terms and indemnify all parties working and producing the event from any liability or claim.

Booth Space: Each vendor must use only the space that they are granted.  Only a three-foot entryway is permitted. Sidewalks must be left unobstructed at all times. It is strictly prohibited to store items on the sidewalk. We reserve the right to relocate a participating artist/Merchant or food booth when necessary, even after a space has been assigned – based upon approval of the festival committee. CRSEM,LLC and The River North Residents Association (The Host Committee) are not responsible for any loss or damage to exhibitors equipment , or any of its contents. We highly recommend removing all items of value off -the premises each evening

Third-Party Vendors: You cannot resell or lease any space to a 3rd party to participate in the event in your booth.

Event Hours:  All vendors must remain open during festival hours each day, and a company representative must be manning the booth at all times during Festival hours