BECOMING A FOOD VENDOR
Applications will be accepted until February 1, 2026.
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 vendor rows in Centeroo and Main Venue 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 Main Venue, in Centeroo and in the campgrounds (AKA Outeroo). 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 30 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 $16 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 beverage 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 Wednesday/Thursday 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 15, 2026.
Main Venue Booth
Required Arrival Day: Tuesday June 9 and Wednesday June 10
Required Hours of Operation (subject to change):
- Thursday June 11: hours TBD
- Friday June 12: 1:00pm –Midnight
- Saturday June 13: 1:00pm – Midnight
- Sunday June 14: 1:00pm – Midnight
Centeroo Booth*
Required Arrival Day: Tuesday June 9 and Wednesday June 10
Required Hours of Operation (subject to change):
Thursday June 11: hours TBD
Friday June 12: 10:00am – Sunday June 14 10:00pm
Campground Booth*
Required Arrival Day: Tuesday June 9
Required Hours of Operation (subject to change):
Wednesday June 10 4:00 pm - Monday June 15 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 Tuesday or Wednesday the week of the festival depending on location. Centeroo and Main Venue vendors will be open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Because of the extensive schedule of music and activities, Centeroo and campground vendors could be expected to be open for 14 – 20 hours. 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 15.
Accepted vendors must obtain the following permits:
- City of Manchester Business License/Land Use Permit
- Coffee County Business License
- 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. Fees for equipment rental and program administration will apply in addition to credit card/ wristband 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 2026.
HOW TO APPLY
The 2026 Food Vendor Application has closed.
Have a question? Email bonnaroofoodvendors@festemails.com