Food Vendor Application

All applications must be submitted electronically. Notifications of acceptance/denial will be sent by August 10, 2023. Applications are not considered complete until we have received payment.

Sunday, September 17th (rain date September 24th)

11:00am to 6:00pm - Park Ave, Worcester, MA

Food Vendor Sizing and Fees

*Temp food permits must be submitted online directly to the city this year. You will be asked to submit once your application has been approved (if you do not have a yearly permit)

• Tented street food vendor - $350 (15’x15’)
• Food Truck - $400
• Food Cart - $200 (Under 8’)

Questions? Email food [at] startonthestreet.org.

General Guidelines

• By applying you are committing to both the September 17th date and the September 24th rain date.
• Application is not considered complete, until your space fee is received.
• If chosen, your application and payment serve as your acceptance of your space. No refunds will be given after the notification deadline if you can not accept your space for some reason. Applicants not chosen will be refunded their space fee.
• Event organizers reserve the right to reject any application at their discretion.
• You are required to staff your space during the entire festival.
• stART carefully maps out sound as well as visual elements of the festival. As such, unless pre-approved by stART Coordinators, no live or amplified music will be allowed in vendor spaces.

Space & Equipment

• If using a tent, it must be 10ft x 10ft or smaller, and weighted with 20lbs per leg. For safety of people and property, stART Coordinators will require any tent not properly weighted to be taken down.
• Vendor is responsible for any supplies needed - stART does not supply tables, chairs, tents, or electricity. Contact food [at] stARTontheStreet.org if you will be using propane or a generator.
• You must provide utensils and napkins for your customers. stART will provide tables, chairs, and trash receptacles for customers in dining areas.
• Vehicles will not have access to the food court/festival route during the festival (11am - 6pm). Arrangements must be made in advance if you require deliveries to your space.
• Local businesses allow stART use of their parking lots and streets during the festival for a fee, or out of good will. Treating these spaces with respect is non-negotiable.
  • Trash must be bagged and disposed of in a location specified the day of the event. All trash MUST be bagged.
  • A $100 refundable trash removal fee will be required at registration for all food vendors in the form of a check. This check will be returned to you at the end of the festival once coordinators have inspected the space and confirmed proper waste disposal. No exceptions.

Vending & Menu Guidelines

• We suggest you provide a few specialty items rather than an extensive menu with numerous items for sale. If your application lists a food item that is already being provided by another vendor, you may be asked to substitute another item to ensure variety.
• Preference will be given to local food vendors, though acceptance is generally on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Vendors must display clear and concise menus with prices and a sign with your business name

Food Safety & Permits

• Vendors are required to hold and serve food at appropriate safe temperatures. An inspector from the City of Worcester will be on hand inspecting all vendors during the event.
• Participating vendors must currently be licensed to prepare and serve food in the City of Worcester. Food vendors will not be allowed to vend without the completed temporary permit from the City of Worcester or a copy of your existing permit issued by the City.