2023 Festival Vendor FAQ – Reference Only
PLEASE NOTE, ALL INFORMATION HERE IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY – IT PERTAINS ONLY TO THE 2023 FESTIVAL AND IS NOT CURRENT INFORMATION – SEE THE 2024 VENDOR FAQ HERE
IMPORTANT VENDOR PACKET PICKUP INFORMATION
Vendor (Booth & Food) & Sponsor Packet Pickup:
June 14 10 AM – 8 PM
June 15 10 AM – 8 PM
June 17 10 AM – 4 PM
Packet pickup will be at the TCPride Office at 1618 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
ANYONE WITH A BOOTH in the Festival well need to “pick up a packet” IN PERSON and complete the Initial check-in on June 14th , 15th or 17th.
The packet will contain your Entry Pass for June 23rd setup. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY you will be able to get into the park for setup. We will also confirm your Booth Placements, Review Load In procedures, and answer any final questions you have for the festival.
Load-in/Out Maps
Route 1 – Entry and Queue | Park Load-in/Out
Route 2 – Entry and Queue | Park Load-in/Out
Route 3A – Entry and Queue | Park Load-in/Out
Route 3B – Entry and Queue | Park Load-in/Out
Route 4 – Entry and Queue
Festival Vendor Load-in Information Sessions
Download Slide Deck PDF from Festival Load in Information Sessions
May 21 – Watch Recording on YouTube
May 25 – Watch Recording on YouTube
We will be covering all the details you will need to know on how to:
Pick up your Packet on June 14, 15, or 17 (will contain Entry Pass)
Setup information for June 23rd
Info on Street Closures and how to get into the park for setup (Load-in)
Festival Times and what to expect during the festival
Safety Briefing
Info for Sunday end of festival, getting into park for Load-out
First Time Vendor – “What I Wish I Knew” Virtual Meeting for first-time vendors at Pride
Download Slide Deck PDF from First Time Vendor Meeting
May 11 – Watch Recording on YouTube
May 14 – Watch Recording on YouTube
Come hear how our panel of returning vendors (from 2 to over 20 times at Pride) answered these 4 questions:
Looking back on your first time at Pride – What do you wish you would have known?
What Suggestions (tips and tricks) would you share with a first-time vendor at TC Pride?
What would you recommend a first-time vendor NOT DO?
What would you recommend a first-time vendor ACTUALLY DO or PLAN FOR?
We are recommending all vendors (food and booths) attend one of the Vendor Registration Office Hours prior to registration (or a recording of it) to learn about the many changes taking place this year as part of the registration process and at the Festival on June 23-25, 2023.
The application process will be Juried this year with the ability to request your booth space preferences. Last year we turned away over 100 vendors due to space limitations and we expect to sell out. Registration is on a first come / first serve basis.
The festival will be expanding beyond Loring Park with booth space and extra opportunities for qualified artisan vendors to be promoted during the year. Some of the other changes include a Youth Focused Zone, Expanded Pet Area, new programming across the festival to pull in more people, and changes in food vendor point of sales.
Download Slide Deck PDF from Vendor Information/Registration Meeting
View Current Map of Available/Requested Vendor Locations
Download PDF Map of Current Festival Layout (will not show location requests)
Jan 7 Saturday – Watch Recording on YouTube
Jan 10 Tuesday – Watch Recording on YouTube
Jan 12 Thursday – Watch Recording on YouTube
Jan 14 Saturday – Watch Recording on YouTube
Twin Cities Pride’s Theme for 2023 is Elevate and Amplify. In the political and social climate we live in today, it is more important than ever to understand and act with intentionality and purpose to draw attention and highlight the voices and work of members of our community. We hope you will join us this June to help us Elevate and Amplify this wonderful community.
Frequently Asked Vendor Questions
General Questions
Q) What are the dates and locations for the 2023 Twin Cities Pride Festival?
A) Dates are June 23-25, 2023
June 23-25, 2023 (2.5 days) in Parade Park (with the Beer and Wine Dabbler) and June 24-25, 2023 (2 days) in Loring Park.
Q) When can vendors apply for Pride?
A) Registration will open January 16th, at 8 AM and will close when sold out or March 16th 11:59 PM.
Q) As the 16th is a federal holiday, do we anticipate booths to still be available after that day for government workers who cannot do so on holidays?
A) There will likely still be plenty of spaces available for following day applications.
Q) What is the application process and how long should vendors wait before following up on the application status?
A) The process for applying is as follows:
- Submitting an application will require a $50 non-refundable application fee
- TCPride has a Jury process and final decision will occur no later than 2 weeks after your application has been submitted.
- You can contact [email protected] 2 weeks after submission of your application if you have not received notification or have questions.
Q) Will Wi-Fi be available in the park?
A) Booths in certain areas of park may be able to access a special network we are setting up and supporting for the food court POS systems. The application will ask about your interest in paying for a supported system as cell and hot spots become extremely overloaded and are not reliable when 200,000 people are in the park. Details are still being worked on.
Q) Will Loring Park be resurfacing walkways at any point to make them more accessible?
A) Not that we are aware of; any plans from MPLS Parks & Rec. Concerns should be addressed to the MPLS Parks and Rec. Board
Q) Is the Elevate and Amplify area for all LGBTQ and BIPOC artists or only those who fall under both categories?
A) The specific criteria for the Elevate and Amplify area is still being finalized and will be part of the Call for Artist and the Vendor Application. At this point the intent of this space is to highlight the local LGBTQ or BIPOC artists or Custodians of Tradition.
Q) Can artists apply for all three Loring Park, Parade Park/Sculpture Garden, and Artist Residency?
A) Yes, when doing so please let us know if you are planning for a presence in all three areas (keeping in mind your ability to staff a booth in each area) or if you have a preference as to which area you would prefer to be in.
Q) What formats are acceptable for submitting required images and paperwork on the applications?
A) PDF, Word Doc, jpeg or png for images
Q) What type of programming is being planned for the expanded pet area?
A) We plan to have an off-leash area, and a doggy drag show is being planned. Sponsors and vendors may plan additional activities reach out to us with ideas we are putting together a small team to coordinate this.
Q) Will the fenced youth area have restrictions on entry?
A) Media will not be allowed in this area. All other people are allowed in and out at will. This area will have youth specific programming and activities.
Booth Location Questions
Q) If approved, what do I get for my as part of my booth registration?
Can tents be rented? Will tables and chairs be available on request?
A) Booth registration includes the following:
- Online Marketplace
- Listing in Lavender Magazine Pride Section in June 15 Issue. (If approved by April 15th)
- A 10×10′ space (tent not included
- One 8′ table. (NO CHAIRS ARE PROVIDED)
- You are responsible for providing your own tent and chairs. You may rent them from Après Party & Tent Rental. They will set up and take the tent down for you. Click here to contact them by email or by phone at 952-942-3399. A LIMITED number of 10×10 pop up tents are available for rental from TC Pride for $300 with a $200 charge for damage / or if not returned.
Q) What is the booth or space size?
A) Your Booth or Food vendor fee provides the following space:
- Booth vendors are 10×10′,
- Food vendors are usually a Truck, Trailer or Booth size 10×10′ and we ask what size your setup is in the application – this is why we don’t let Food Vendors pick a booth spot – just the area so that we can fit you in with other vendors in a space efficient way.
Q) Is there a limit to the number or configuration of booths I can have?
A) All vendors are limited to a maximum of 2 booth locations. At a location you may have multiple booths (different sizes of booths), i.e. 1-10×10’ or 2-10×10’. Please be specific if your need is for 2 booths side by side or front to back. We have limited availability in the park to accommodate larger booth sized so please ask if you are interested in exploring other options.
Q) Are two adjacent booth spaces considered two locations?
A) No, two adjacent booths are 1 location, however booth spaces are sold in units of a 10×10’ space. So this would be 1 location and paying for 2 booths. Two non-adjacent booths would be considered 2 locations if they are in the same section or in different sections.
Q) Can vendors share a booth?
A) Yes. When registering please indicate that 2 vendors will be in this space so that we can list you both separately. Also indicate contact information for both and who is taking the primary responsibility financially.
Q) How can vendors request that their booth be located beside another organization’s as well as preferred location?
A) It is important that both organizations apply at the same time – we cannot hold space for someone who has not applied. Place the request on the application and we will review the placement of both organizations together. If the other organization hasn’t applied another option is for you to pay for both spaces to reserve them together and we can allocate the other booth space to the other organization when they apply. Please contact us if you choose to do this and make sure it is noted on the application form.
Q) What should vendors submit if they do not have a photo of their booth?
A) A diagram or photo of it is acceptable. You can upload images, a pdf or word document.
Q) Can vendors request a booth space outside of the Color Section or Zone associated with other similar organizations?
A) Yes, keep in mind that attendees may be looking in a particular area for similar organizations.
Q) What are the different Color Sections & Zones? Is there a list of what each area focuses on?
A)
- Section – the different color sections are simply a way to break the park down specific areas and do provide a macro view of grouping similar businesses or interests.
- Zone – the zones have a very specific focus, a micro view if you will, that lets people know what the area is all about. Often these will have specific sponsors and/or programing associated with them.
| Section Color | Section Description |
| Pink | Artisans, Art Organizations, NSGRA Dance Tent, Businesses Food Trucks, Pedestrian Bridge to Pride |
| Purple | Religious & Political Organizations, Stonewall Stage, Food Court, Beer Garden, Bike Check, ADA Platform, First Aid |
| Blue | Community Organizations, Businesses, Community Tent, Our Space, P2P Stage, Food Court & Trucks |
| Green | Businesses, Pride Organizations, Pride Sports Fields & Organizations, Sober Pride, Volunteer Check-in, Vendor Central, First Aid |
| Light Blue | Escape Space, Family Services, Universal Changing Place, Clothing Exchange |
| Yellow | Pride Youth Hangout, Gender Affirming Clothes Closet Businesses, Schools, Rainbow Stage, Pride Merchandise, Food Court, ADA Platform |
| Orange | Pet Zones, Dog Park, Living Well Park, Beer Garden, Loring Stage, Quorum Village, ASL |
| Red | Home Improvement Zone, Adult Zone, Businesses |
Note: The color sections macro grouping will shift as we let vendors pick spaces in areas that make more sense for why they attend Pride. We are trying to accommodate flexibility for vendors to be in a location that makes sense for you, while also helping people attending the festival know where to find the things they are interested in.
Food & Beverage Questions
Q) Will food or booth vendors be allowed to water, sell lemonade and other similar drinks?
A) No sales of water, soda or alcohol from any vendors are allowed. Certain specialty drinks (lemonade and juices) will be permitted for food vendors who make the request and are approved in the application process.
Q) What is the POS system that will be provided to food vendors?
A) Clover system will be provided along with cash drawer and card reader(s). Wi-Fi and assistance with setting up POS system will also be available.
Q) Can food vendors request multiple card readers for the POS system?
A) Yes, you’ll be able to request this on the application.
Q) Where is power provided for food vendors?
A) Power Rental is Required (and provided 24/7) in:
– Stonewall (Purple Section with beer garden) | 15 Vendors
– P2P (Blue Section lakeside and hillside) | 13 Vendors
– Loring (Yellow Section near beer garden – RELOCATED) | 12 Vendors
Power Rental IS NOT AVAILABLE in: (Food Trucks Only / Self Powered)
– Parade Park Parking Lot (Trucks only) | 15 vendors
– P2P (Blue Section – Trucks only on Willow Street) | 3 vendors
– Harmon (Pink Section – along Harmon Drive) | 3 vendors
Pricing & Payment Questions
Q) What are the fees for being a vendor
A) The fee structure is based on the type of business or vendor you are and for booth vendors your annual revenue
- Food Vendor – All Locations $2500, plus 20% of gross revenue and any additional fees for rental or additional services required
- Booth Vendors – Fee Structure listed below and any additional fees for rentals or additional services
All Businesses/Organizations (based on total gross annual revenue)
Business Level 0 Under $150,000 $350
Business Level 1 $150,000 – $500,000 $625
Business Level 2 $500,000 – $1,000,000 $1125
Business Level 3 $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 $1875
Business Level 4 $5,000,000 -$15,000,000 $2500
Business Level 5 $15,000,000 + $3750
Non-Profits / Government Agency
Nonprofit Level 1 Under $100,000 $190
Nonprofit Level 2 $100,000 – $1,000,000 $625
Nonprofit Level 3 $1,000,000 – $5,000,000 $1125
Nonprofit Level 4 $5,000,000 +: $1875
Q) Our organization is LGBTQ or BIPOC focused, and we can’t afford those fees
A) Please reach out to [email protected] if you have limited budget this would exclude you from the event. We have limited scholarships and will work with you to determine the need and find a solution.
Q) What is the application process and refund policy?
A) The process for applying is as follows:
- Submitting an application will require a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- If approved all remaining fees based on your application selections are due at the time of approval and will be charged based on the ACH or credit card information you provided during the application process. Mailed-in checks will not be accepted and will be returned to you.
- After approved and charged you have 2 weeks to submit the ST-19 and Proof of Liability Insurance, or your approved status will be cancelled and no refund provided.
- After approved you also have 2 weeks to cancel and a full refund of all the remaining fees less any payment processing fees will be refunded.
Q) How is revenue level determined for government agencies?
A) We are working on guidance for this now.
Q) Will purchase orders for government agencies be accepted as a form of payment?
A) To streamline the process we are moving to Credit Card or ACH Payment for all Application and Fees, if however, an organization like a government agency needs another form of payment please email [email protected] or [email protected]
Q) What is the selling surcharge for?
A) This fee is a pass-through fee that is paid to the MPLS Parks and Rec Board and had previously been included in the cost of booth registration for just Artisans. We eliminated the Artisan registration category and created a smaller revenue band in the business / organizations category to simplify the application options and pricing structure.
Power/Electrical Questions
Q) Are portable generators allowed?
A) No Portable Generators will be allowed in either park. Portable Generators will only be used by TCPride for Operations & Sponsors when tapping into larger electrical systems are not available.
Q) How can vendors get power if no generators can be used?
A) The Food Courts in Blue, Purple and Yellow are powered, there are some booth spaces near these areas that would require Power Rental. We are also looking into the possibility of providing different levels of battery power packs for rental that could be exchanged for recharged units at vendor central.
Q) What food court areas will be powered, and which require power rental?
A) Power Rental is Required (and provided 24/7) in:
– Stonewall (Purple Section with beer garden) | 15 Vendors
– P2P (Blue Section lakeside and hillside) | 13 Vendors
– Loring (Yellow Section near beer garden – RELOCATED) | 12 Vendors
Power Rental IS NOT AVAILABLE in: (Food Trucks Only / Self Powered)
– Parade Park Parking Lot (Trucks only) | 15 vendors
– P2P (Blue Section – Trucks only on Willow Street) | 3 vendors
– Harmon (Pink Section – along Harmon Drive) | 3 vendors
Insurance Questions
Q) What is required for Insurance?
A) ALL Vendors are REQUIRED to obtain Liability Insurance for both TCPride and Fanfare Attractions.
As we continue to increase the accessibility, safety, and security of attendees, vendors, and staff, we must ensure every vendor has submitted a current Certificate of Liability insurance. Your coverage must be in the amount of $1,000,000 (minimum) or more. Twin Cities Pride and Fanfare Attractions must be named as additional insured on the policy of the proof of insurance (Certificate of Liability Insurance).
Addresses for your providers:
- Twin Cities Pride, 1618 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
- Fanfare Attractions, 1215 East 22nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
Required insurance may be obtained from your normal insurance provider or Pam Petersen at [email protected].
Q) How can vendors address issues with insurance companies not getting a COI within the two-week window?
A) Required insurance may be obtained from your normal insurance provider or by contacting Pam Petersen at [email protected]. Pam is offering TCPride Vendors a Liability Policy at a cost of $50 ($1MM policy for five days) and will ensure you have this back within a few days.
Promotion
Q) What will be listed in Lavender Magazine?
A) Your listing in Lavenders Magazine Pride Section
Twin Cities Pride is collaborating with Lavender Magazine to create special 2023 Twin Cities Pride section in Lavender’s June 15, 2023 issue. All Twin Cities Pride booth vendors, registered and approved before April 20th, will receive a complimentary listing in this issue. These listings will feature the name of the organization and business vendors and will be categorized alphabetically by color-coded location within the park.
Towards the end of this application, you will also have the opportunity to express your interest in purchasing an ad in Lavender’s June 1, 2023 and/or June 15, 2023 Pride issues. A portion of these ad sales will benefit Twin Cities Pride.
