Crafters

Seeking talented crafters offering unique, high-quality handmade items that fit the spirit of our Oktoberfest Street Festival. We especially welcome vendors featuring Oktoberfest, German-inspired, or fall-themed products, including seasonal décor, gifts, apparel, and home goods, and other festive offerings. Our goal is to create a fun, authentic shopping experience that celebrates the season and complements the festival atmosphere. 

Craft vendors applications are for 2 days (Sat & Sun) with the option to express interest in the limited spaces that are also available for Friday night.

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".  

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. 

OLD TOWN OKTOBERFEST 2026 RULES & REGULATIONS  

Contract Cancellation: CRSEM, LLC dba Chicago Special Events Management (hereinafter “SEM”) reserves the right to cancel a contract at any time for the good of the festival, by its sole discretion or by the direction of the Old Town Merchants Assn. (AKA “Host Committee”).  Any cancellations by management will be refunded 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 within your booth space.

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

Set-up and Tear-down: Each participant is responsible for setup, take down, and clean-up of your designated booth space. Vehicles are only allowed on the street for setup before the event and tear down once the festival closes. You will be notified when it is safe to bring your vehicle into the festival footprint. Unless otherwise noted, parking is not provided.  Load-in/set-up times will be provided to you by email one week before 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 5:00 pm Friday, September 18th, 2026 will be considered a “no-show.” No Show participants/artists will NOT be eligible for refunds and assigned booth space will be forfeited to a wait-list 
participant.

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:

The Old Town Merchants Assn., CRSEM, LLC dba Chicago Special Events Management(SEM), its employees, festival service providers, or any participating sponsors will NOT be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur to a participant (artist vendor or merchant), any of the participant’s employees or any property before, during or after the Oktoberfest Chicago Festival taking place on September 18th - 20th, 2026.
 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 across or adjacent to your booth. We reserve the right to relocate a participating artist/restaurant when necessary even after a space has been assigned – based upon approval of the festival committee. We reserve the right to relocate a participating vendor when necessary, even after a space has been assigned. CRSEM, LLC dba Special Events Management (SEM) and Old Town Merchants Assn. (Host Committee) are not responsible for any loss or damage to the exhibitor's equipment or any of its contents. We highly recommend removing all items of value each night.

*The sale of any THC, Delta 8 - 9, or additive-based products is strictly prohibited including smoke and liquid-based products at this event.

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.

By signing below, I hereby acknowledge and accept all terms of this vendor application which will be considered a legal contract between myself (Vendor) and  Old Town Merchants Assn.– Host Committee and or agent thereof, CRSEM, LLC dba Special Events Management -SEM) including all rules and regulations and understand that I am legally bound by this agreement.