Literary Marketplace

Join Us at the Baltimore Book Festival!

The Literary Marketplace brings together the organizations that keep Baltimore's literary community thriving. We're seeking bookstores, publishers, literary nonprofits, independent presses, writing organizations, and book-related businesses to connect with readers, showcase their offerings, and celebrate the power of storytelling at the Baltimore Book Festival. 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.

Vendor Requirements:

• Must have a certificate of insurance.
• Ability to serve a high volume of guests efficiently.
• Must provide all necessary equipment and staffing.
• Set up and be ready to engage with festival goers by 9:00 AM.

What You'll Receive:

• Prime location in a high-traffic event area.
• Exposure to a large and enthusiastic crowd.
• Inclusion in event promotions (website, social media, etc.).
• A chance to boost sales while supporting a fantastic community event!

Spots are limited! Apply today to secure your space and be part of this literary celebration! Browse through our applications and let us know if you have any questions. 

Literary Marketplace Terms & Conditions

By submitting a Merchandise vendor application for the Baltimore Book Festival, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Vendor Eligibility & Application

• All vendors must submit a completed application form to be considered.
• Vendors must provide proof of all necessary licenses and certifications, and insurance coverage.
• The Event Organizer reserves the right to approve or deny applications based on event needs.

2. Vendor Responsibilities

• Vendors are responsible for the setup, operation, and breakdown of their booth.
• All vendors must arrive at the event site by the specified setup time and remain open until the event concludes or as otherwise instructed.
• Vendors must provide their own equipment, supplies, and staff to operate their booth.
• Vendors must comply with all local health, safety, and fire regulations, and ensure their operation adheres to event guidelines.

3. Payment & Refund Policy

• Payment for vendor participation is due upon approval of the application.
• Vendor fees are non-refundable, except in the event of a cancellation by the Event Organizer. 
• In case of event cancellation, the Organizer will notify vendors and provide options for refunds or rescheduling.

4. Vendor Insurance & Liability

• Vendors must have liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 and provide proof of coverage prior to the event (waived for independent authors).
• The Event Organizer is not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of vendor property.
• Vendors agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Event Organizer, venue, and affiliated parties from any claims or liabilities arising out of the vendor’s participation in the event.

5. Space Assignment & Setup

• Vendor spaces are assigned by the Event Organizer based on availability and event needs.
• Vendors must set up within their designated area and must not obstruct other vendors or event activities.
• The Event Organizer reserves the right to move vendors’ locations as necessary.

6. Conduct & Behavior

• Vendors must maintain a professional, friendly, and respectful attitude towards guests, other vendors, and event staff.
• No offensive, inappropriate, or illegal activities are allowed at the event. Any vendor found violating these terms may be asked to leave the event and will not be refunded.

7. Waste Management & Cleanliness

• Vendors are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment around their booth.
• All trash, food waste, and debris must be disposed of in the designated waste areas provided by the event.
• At the conclusion of the Festival each day, vendors must clean their space.
• On the final day (Sunday, September 20, 2026), vendors agree to break down and clean up their space and return it to the condition it was received.

8. Event Modifications & Cancellation

• The Event Organizer reserves the right to modify event details, including the schedule, location, or structure, with prior notice to vendors.
• In the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or a public health emergency, the event may be rescheduled or canceled. Vendors will be notified and may be offered alternative arrangements or refunds.

9. Media Release

• By participating in the event, vendors grant the Event Organizer permission to use their business name, logo, and images of their booth in promotional materials, including social media, websites, and marketing efforts.
• If a vendor prefers not to be photographed or featured in media, they must notify the Event Organizer in advance.

10. General Agreement

• By submitting the application, vendors confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
• Any disputes arising from the vendor’s participation in the event will be handled through negotiation; if unresolved, legal proceedings will take place in the jurisdiction of Baltimore City.

11. Tax, Permits, and Restrictions

• Sales Tax:
  Each vendor must obtain a 30-Day temporary Maryland Sales Tax License if they do not already have one. Vendors must comply with the Department of Assessments and Taxation. The festival will not permit any vendor to participate who has not paid their taxes in full to the Maryland State Department of Taxation.
  The Maryland Sales Tax License should be clearly displayed in the designated booth space throughout the festival. If a vendor is forced to close due to lack of necessary permits and/or licenses, that vendor forfeits the space rental fee and the festival will not be held accountable, nor will any refunds be issued.

12. Photos

• Vendors can submit up to three (3) photos displaying their setup.

13. Vehicles on the Festival Grounds

• All vendors will be assigned a designated time to deploy in the Load In/Load Out Zone.
• Once officials declare vehicles must leave the footprint, any remaining vehicles will be subject to towing at the owner’s expense.
• Vendors are required to meet all requirements set forth by the Baltimore City Fire Marshal, including, but not limited to: having labeled fire-retardant structures (Tents/Sidewalls, etc.), visible fire extinguishers, etc.

14. Staffing

• Vendors are responsible for providing all labor for the setup, maintenance, and service of their space throughout the Festival.
• Vendors must ensure they have sufficient staffing to adequately serve Festival guests.

15. Miscellaneous Regulations

No loudspeakers, phonographs, sound movies, or megaphones that interfere with adjoining vendors and rental spaces will be permitted.

16. CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE (COI)

• Vendors must provide a COI by Friday, August 28, 2026 with coverage of at least $1,000,000 for the 2-day event.
• The COI must include the following provision or its equivalent:
  • “THE BALTIMORE BOOK FESTIVAL, THE BALTIMORE CIVIC FUND, THE MAYOR & CITY OF BALTIMORE, ITS ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND VOLUNTEERS, ARE HEREBY COVERED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED WITH RESPECT TO LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INSURED AT THE 2026 BALTIMORE BOOK FESTIVAL.”

17. LIABILITY OF THE FESTIVAL/SECURITY

• Private security will be on-site, however 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. NO SHOW POLICY

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

22. 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.

23. 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)

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.