Community Row

Join Us at the Baltimore Book Festival!

Community Row celebrates the organizations that strengthen Baltimore every day. We're inviting nonprofits, community organizations, educational institutions, and mission-driven partners to engage festival-goers through interactive exhibits, educational resources, and meaningful conversations that inspire connection, learning, and civic engagement. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates storytelling, literature, and Baltimore’s creative spirit. Attendees will enjoy author talks, book signings, panel discussions, youth activities, and a vibrant marketplace of books and literary organizations.

With strong attendance and an engaging atmosphere, the festival is a great opportunity to showcase your culinary offerings while serving readers, families, and visitors from across the region.

The Baltimore Book Festival

The Baltimore Book Festival brings together nationally recognized authors, local writers, publishers, bookstores, and literary organizations for a weekend dedicated to the written word. Festival programming includes author readings, panel discussions, youth literacy activities, book signings, and a marketplace featuring books, literary vendors, and community organizations. Visitors of all ages are invited to discover new stories, connect with authors, and celebrate Baltimore’s vibrant literary culture. The Baltimore Book Festival welcomes residents, families, educators, and visitors from across the region to gather in celebration of books, ideas, and community.

COMMUNITY ROW FEES AND ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Community Row is for nonprofit organizations, community associations, educational institutions, and city and state agencies.

1. TAX, PERMITS, AND RESTRICTIONS

Sales Tax:

• Each vendor must obtain a 30-day temporary Maryland Sales Tax License if they do not have an existing Maryland Sales Tax License.
• Vendors must comply with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.
• The Festival will not permit any vendor who has not paid their taxes in full to the Maryland State Department of Taxation.
• Vendors without the necessary permits and/or licenses will forfeit their space rental fee and will be asked to vacate the event site.
• The Maryland Sales Tax License must be displayed clearly in the designated tent space.
• No refunds will be issued if a vendor is forced to close due to missing permits/licenses.

2. VEHICLES ON THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS

• Vendors will be assigned designated times for the LOAD IN / LOAD OUT ZONE.
• Vehicles that remain on-site after being instructed to leave will be towed at the owner's expense.
• All vendors must adhere to Baltimore City Fire Marshal regulations, including:
  • Fire-retardant tents and sidewalls.
  • Correct and visible fire extinguishers.

3. STAFFING

• Vendors are responsible for providing all labor for set-up, maintenance, and service during the Festival.
• Appropriate staffing must be provided to adequately serve Festival guests.

4. MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS

• Loudspeakers, phonographs, sound movies, or megaphones that interfere with other vendors will not be allowed.

5. LIABILITY OF THE FESTIVAL/SECURITY

• Private security will be on-site, but vendors are responsible for their own goods and property.
• The Festival will not be liable for theft, loss, damage, or personal injury.
• Vendors may arrange for personal security at their own cost.

6. ELECTRICAL POWER

• Vendors with special electrical needs must describe these needs during the application process.
• Vendors must request electrical service if operating a cash register.
• Additional fees may apply for electrical support, and 220-Volt connections will not be provided.

7. CLEAN-UP

• Vendors are responsible for keeping their area clean and free of debris.
• Recycling and trash dumpsters will be provided for use during the Festival.
• Vendors must clean their area and vacate the premises immediately after the event each evening.
• On the final day, vendors must return their space to its original condition. Failure to comply may result in the vendor being prohibited from future Baltimore Book Festivals.

8. VENDING SPACE

• Vendors are encouraged to personalize their space; however, no materials or decorations are permitted outside the assigned space or in the aisles.
• Any use of the rental space beyond the assigned area (including adding tables outside the space) is prohibited without prior written authorization from the Festival.
• Palettes are recommended for storage to prevent damage from damp/wet ground.

9. SUB-LETTING

• Vendors agree not to assign, sublet, or share any part of their assigned space.
• Violations of this policy will result in immediate removal from the event, with forfeiture of rental fees and deposits. No refunds will be issued.

10. NO SHOW POLICY

• A "no-show" is defined as not arriving by the assigned arrival time.
• No refunds will be issued for no-shows.

11. SOLICITATION BY VENDORS

• Firms or representatives not assigned a vendor space are prohibited from soliciting business in any form.
• Vendors agree not to assist in any unauthorized solicitations during the Festival.

12. APPROVAL INFORMATION PACKETS

• The approval process begins upon receipt of the completed application packet.
• Do not obtain a Certificate of Insurance before receiving an approval notice.
• Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Approval packets will contain:
  • Letter of Acceptance
  • Vendor Load-In/Out Information
  • Festival Grounds Map (if available)

13. CREDENTIALS & ACCESS (I.E. BADGES, PARKING PASSES, ETC.)

• Credentials will be distributed onsite to vendors who have fully completed all requirements.
• There is no onsite parking; vendors must unload at assigned areas and then move their vehicles to approved parking lots.
• Vendors must have a stamped copy of this agreement on-site at all times. Failure to present it may result in expulsion from the Festival, with forfeiture of fees and deposits.

14. LOGOS/TRADEMARKS

• Vendors are not permitted to sell Baltimore Book Festival merchandise or any merchandise featuring Festival artists.
  • Any vendor found selling these items will be fined $1,000 and must pay immediately or risk having their booth shut down.
• Vendors acknowledge the City of Baltimore’s ownership of all intellectual property related to the Baltimore Book Festival name and logo.
• Vendors cannot use, publish, or display any of these intellectual property elements without written permission from the Mayor & City Council of Baltimore.

15. AGREEMENT

• By completing the application, the vendor agrees to all terms outlined in this document and acknowledges that the terms govern the vendor’s participation in the Festival.

16. COMMUNITY ROW SET UP

• Set-up for Community Row will take place on Saturday, September 19th ONLY.
• Vendors must ensure they are able to set up on this date before completing the application.