Midlands Festivals for Vendors: Fees & How to Apply

Food trucks, makers, businesses and non-profits: here's how to get a booth at festivals around Columbia, SC, with published fees where festivals share them.

Updated October 5, 2026 · Dates checked against official sites and local news in October 2026

Festivals around Columbia, SC that take vendors include the Irmo Okra Strut (food vendors pay $300 per 12×12 space plus a $450–$650 privilege fee; exhibitors $50–$185), the Columbia International Festival (exhibitor, bazaar and food vendor applications), the SC State Fair (about 80 concession spaces), Jubilee, the Cayce Fall Fest, Tartan Day South and Newberry Oktoberfest. At the Sharpvue Irmo International Festival (Sunday, May 2, 2027, Moore Park, Irmo) you pick your exact spot on an online map, with booth spots from $100 ($115 with electricity).

Book a Spot at Our Festival

Sunday, May 2, 2027 · 11 AM – 7 PM · Moore Park, Irmo · free admission for everyone who comes.

Pick your exact spot on the festival map and pay online in a few minutes.
Booth spots from $100 ($115 with electricity).
Food vendors, merchandise and crafts, cultural booths, businesses, non-profits and Kid Zone activities are all welcome.
Send your logo and a short bio when you book, and we'll feature you on our website and social media before the festival.

Book a Spot All Registrations

Tips Before You Apply

Apply early. The SC State Fair gives returning vendors priority for its roughly 80 concession spaces, and when we checked this fall, the Okra Strut's 2026 food vendor applications and Jubilee's 2026 vendor applications were already closed.
Have photos ready. The Okra Strut asks every new applicant for a photo of their unit.
Food vendors: plan for inspections. At the Okra Strut, food vendors are inspected by DHEC and the Irmo Fire Marshal.
Add up the extras. Electricity, extra space and drink sales can be separate fees; the Okra Strut charges $75–$125 for electricity.

How to read the dates: “Confirmed” means the festival has announced its 2027 date. Otherwise we show when it usually happens and when it happened last time, until the new date is announced. Plans and prices can change, so check the festival's own website before you go.

Festivals That Take Vendors

Tartan Day South

When: April 1–4, 2027 Confirmed
Where: Cayce and the Columbia area
Admission: A mix of free and paid events; $5 parking at the Speedway on Saturday
For vendors: Vendor information on the festival website

A multi-day celebration of Scottish and Celtic heritage.

Columbia International Festival

When: Saturday, April 17 (10 AM – 7 PM) and Sunday, April 18 (noon – 7 PM), 2027 Confirmed
Where: South Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia
Admission: Two-day admission $10 adults, $7 teens (13–19); free parking
For vendors: Applications on the festival website for national exhibitors, bazaar vendors, food vendors, service organizations and entertainers

A two-day festival of the foods, songs, dances, clothing and traditions of the many cultures that call the Midlands home.

Sharpvue Irmo International Festival

When: Sunday, May 2, 2027 · 11 AM – 7 PM Confirmed
Where: Moore Park, 7473 Church Street, Irmo, SC 29063
Admission: Free admission & free parking
For vendors: Pick your exact spot on the festival map and pay online: food vendors, merchandise and crafts, cultural booths, businesses, non-profits and Kid Zone activities

One day of international food trucks, music and dance from around the world on the Prisma Health Amphitheater stage, cultural booths, international vendors, a free Kid Zone, a car show and a helicopter display.

Festival details Book a vendor spot

Jubilee: Festival of Black History & Culture

When: Usually: Mid-September
2026: Saturday, September 19
Where: Historic Columbia, downtown Columbia
For vendors: Food and marketplace vendors apply each year; 2026 applications are closed, and Historic Columbia keeps a 2027 vendor outreach list

Historic Columbia's celebration of Black history and culture, with storytelling and family activities.

Irmo Okra Strut

When: Usually: Late September
2026: September 25–26
Where: Moore Park and Irmo
Admission: Free live entertainment
For vendors: Food vendors: $300 per 12×12 space plus a $450–$650 privilege fee (by number of items sold). Exhibitors (12×12): $185 commercial, $115 handmade art and crafts, $50 non-profit. Electricity $75–$125. 2026 food vendor applications are closed

Irmo's hometown festival, with concerts at the Prisma Health Amphitheater in Moore Park and a 5K.

Newberry Oktoberfest

When: Usually: Early October
2026: October 2–3
Where: Downtown Newberry
For vendors: Vendor information on the festival website

German brews and bites, an artisan marketplace and live music.

Cayce Fall Fest

When: Usually: Early October
2026: October 3
Where: Granby Gardens Park, 1800 12th Street, Cayce
Admission: Free admission
For vendors: Online vendor application through the City of Cayce

Live music, food and drinks, vendors and a free kids' area.

South Carolina State Fair

When: Usually: Mid-to-late October
Where: South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia
For vendors: About 80 concession spaces; returning vendors get priority, and new concession applications are welcome each year

The state's big annual fair, with rides, food and exhibits; the fair says it draws about 400,000 visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to be a vendor at the Okra Strut?

For 2026, food vendors paid $300 for a 12×12 space plus a privilege fee of $450 to $650 depending on how many items they sell. Exhibitors paid $185 (commercial), $115 (handmade art and crafts) or $50 (non-profit) for a 12×12 space. Electricity was $75 to $125 extra.

How do I become a vendor at the Sharpvue Irmo International Festival?

Go to our Book a Spot page, choose your type of booth, pick your exact spot on the festival map and pay online. Booth spots start at $100 ($115 with electricity).

How do I become a vendor at the SC State Fair?

The South Carolina State Fair takes concession applications each year for about 80 spaces. Returning vendors get priority, and new vendors are considered for open spots in the order complete applications arrive.

How do I become a vendor at the Columbia International Festival?

The Columbia International Festival posts applications on cifonline.org for national exhibitors, bazaar vendors, food vendors, service organizations and entertainers.