The Food Vendor Application for 2023 is now closed.
BECOMING A FOOD VENDOR
Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2023.
We are accepting applications for the following types of food vendors:
- Booths: A 10 x 10 space will be provided. Multiple spaces may be available. Power and water will be additional charges depending on individual vendor needs.
For some vendor rows the festival will provide facades in front of booths and artistic headers above the booths. These booths will be charged an additional fee for the premium space. - Mobile unit spaces: Self-contained vehicles or trailers that provide their own power and water systems.
- Carts: May sell pre-packaged, non-perishable items or cooked items.
There are vending spaces available inside the concert venues, in Centeroo and in Outeroo (the campgrounds). For the campgrounds, preference will be given to vendors that can provide breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night fare from Wednesday until Monday morning. Since we are expecting a large crowd for the weekend, it is imperative that each vendor has the experience and ability to serve large numbers of people quickly for extremely long hours.
The rent for each 10 x 10 space will be a $2,000.00 guaranteed flat fee or a percentage of gross sales, whichever is higher. All guarantees must be paid before the event. Percentages will be determined with each vendor individually. Percentage of gross sales will range from 25 percent to 35 percent depending on complexity of menu items. We require a $1000 deposit per booth payable upon acceptance in order to secure your spot. The balance of your guarantee, along with any fees due for power, water, trash deposit, tent rental and premium space fees must be paid in full in advance of arrival at the festival. All rent must be paid by the end of the event.
For some vendor rows the festival will provide facades in front of booths and artistic headers above the booths. These booths will be charged an additional fee for the premium space.
FOOD & BEVERAGE ITEMS
In addition to traditional festival fare, we would like to have a diverse array of interesting food items available, all at reasonable prices. Please consider your pricing carefully and try to keep your prices under $14 for any single entree item as well as including some lower priced items. Many people will prefer vegetarian options, so we encourage you to be creative in your menu offerings. Vendors may apply to sell homemade (nothing from concentrate or powder) beverages, but all pre-packaged beverages and bottled water must be purchased on site through our distribution system. Along with all food choices, any specialty beverages sold must be pre-approved by the festival or it will not be allowed.
VENDOR CONTRIBUTION TO FESTIVAL SUSTAINABILITY
A festival as large as Bonnaroo® can produce a lot of trash. We are very committed to reducing the amount of trash that is sent to the landfill and have been developing an extensive recycling and composting program. All vendors will be required to purchase compostable/recyclable Bonnaroo paper products and cups. A link to a complete list of what is available, and the pricing will be sent if you are accepted.
As part of our commitment to the environment we encourage vendors to buy food products locally and organically where possible. Not only will you be supporting the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and reduction of fuel consumption, your food will look and taste great!
FESTIVAL DATES & VENDING HOURS
All vendors must arrive on site on Monday or Tuesday the week of the festival depending on location. Main Venue vendors will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Because of the extensive schedule of music and activities, Centeroo vendors could be expected to be open for 14 – 20 hours Thursday through Sunday night. Campground vendors will be open Tuesday/ Wednesday through Sunday. Many vendors choose to remain open 24 hours. Hours of operation must be approved before the festival begins.
All vendors must attend a financial settlement appointment on Monday, June 19.
Main Venue Booth
Required Arrival Day: Tuesday June 13
Required Hours of Operation (subject to change):
- Friday June 16: 1:00pm –Midnight
- Saturday June 17: 1:00pm –Midnight
- Sunday June 18: 1:00pm – Midnight
Centeroo Booth*
Required Arrival Day: Monday June 12
Required Hours of Operation (subject to change):
Thursday June 15 10:00am – Sunday June 18 10:00pm
Campground Booth*
Required Arrival Day: Monday June 12
Required Hours of Operation (subject to change):
Tuesday June 13 4:00 pm - Monday June 20 10:00am
*Some booths in Centeroo and the Campground may elect to shut down for a few hours in the early morning.
REQUIRED PAPERWORK & TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
All vendors must arrive on site on Monday or Tuesday the week of the festival depending on location. Main Venue vendors will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Because of the extensive schedule of music and activities, Centeroo and campground vendors could be expected to be open for 14 – 20 hours Thursday through early Monday morning. Many vendors choose to remain open 24 hours. Hours of operation must be approved before the festival begins.
All vendors must attend a financial settlement appointment on Monday June 20.
Accepted vendors must obtain the following permits:
- Local Business License/Land Use Permit
- Health Department Permit
All vendors must adhere to festival trash, recycling and composting policies. You will receive a list of detailed guidelines in advance of the festival that must be observed.
All participating vendors must serve out of compostable products selected from a pre-approved list (details provided upon acceptance)
All vendors will be required to use Bonnaroo’s electronic point-of-sale system. A fee for equipment rental and program administration will apply in addition to credit card processing fees.
Each vendor will be required to have a certificate of liability insurance, proof of Workers Compensation coverage, a Tennessee sales tax certificate, Local Business License and Land Use Permit and a Health Department Permit.
Those vendors accepted to the festival will receive an outline of the necessary paperwork with your acceptance letter. Participation in previous Bonnaroo festivals does not guarantee a space in Bonnaroo 2023.
Have a question? Email bonnaroofoodvendors@festemails.com