Standard exhibit size: 10’x 10’*
*Exhibitors must provide their own tents.
Standard exhibit price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225
Nonprofit exhibit price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175
International Bazaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300
Business Row Exhibitors* . . . . . . . . . . . $1000
Date & Time:
July 9 & 10, 2022 - 11am to 7pm
Expected crowd:
5,000+
Rolling Application Deadline:
Priority given to early applicants and past vendors.
Nonprofit vendors must provide proof of their 501(c)3 status.
Fee:
A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 is required. PayPal and checks are accepted. Information will be available on emailed invoices. Payment is due in full 30 days after acceptance into the festival. Failure to pay on time will result in loss of entry.
Our Review Committee looks forward to reviewing applications starting in January.
Booth Assignments:
Determined by the Artisan Coordinator in late May. Returning vendors will be given preference. Every effort will be made to separate those exhibitors with similar products. These items must also be handcrafted. Multiple artists are welcome to share booth space, but each artist must submit an application and website or images.
Vendors will receive booth number at vendor check-in on morning of set-up.
Date & Time: July 9 & 10, 2022 11am to 7pm
Expected crowd: 3,000+
Rolling Application Deadline: Priority given to early applicants and past vendors.
Applicants will be notified: 2 weeks after application submission*
*Priority is given to past vendors. A deposit of $100.00 is required to reserve your space after acceptance. Payment must be made within two weeks of final invoice or the space will be released to vendors on the waitlist.
Thank you for your interest. However, if you are interested in applying for a future festival, please read about the programming and qualifications for booking. Please do NOT send any information until the fall of 2022 for consideration for the 2023 festival.
The NBFF books professional folk, acoustic, blues and ethnic artists. We are particularly supportive of Anglo and Celtic artists and bands. Artists who perform traditional American material, including music and songs from Appalachia and New England, are encouraged to apply. Contemporary singer/songwriters with a strong sense of melody and strong musicianship, who are knowledgeable about traditional music, are also among our favored artists.
The NBFF is now held on the second weekend in July. The dates for 2022 are July 9-10, 2022.
The format of the festival is one of showcases and workshops. The workshops are the heart and soul of the festival and doing workshops is non-negotiable. A booking will include both days and will include one showcase and participation in 3-4 workshops over the two days. The workshops are NOT audience participatory nor are they teaching or “how to” or “learn to play….” sessions. We do NOT do songwriting workshops or educational workshops or workshops designed for schools. We do NOT program workshops around single acts or performers. In our workshops, artists, both contemporary and traditional, individuals and bands, are scheduled together with a common theme. Our intent is for all the participants and the audience to have a good time. Some past workshops have included:
“I Came to the City: Music of Urban Life”
“Out of the City and Down to the Seaside: Songs of the Sea”
“The Maid on the Shore: Songs of the Battle of the Sexes”
“Think of Loving Hannah: Songs of Life’s Passions”
There are eight (7) stages in the festival. The stages are set in the downtown and historic district of New Bedford, utilizing the Whaling Museum theater, gardens in the district, courts and environs and the Zeiterion Performing Arts Theater. All sites are covered for both artists and audience.
Our criteria for performers considered for the festival must be folk (contemporary or traditional), ethnic (Anglo/Celtic or World), and acoustic. Although we book some local musicians, most of the festival is made up of national and international touring musicians who generally do not perform in the Southcoast or Southeastern Massachusetts area. If you are a Southcoast performer interested in applying, we have our Southcoast Stage which features musicians from the thirteen towns of the South Coast of Massachusetts. Our criteria for this stage are a bit different so please email us for specifics.
The festival can support a limited number of acts, so in addition to the qualifying statements listed above, performers booked are also chosen based on the ability to participate in the our workshops; name recognition with the public; a following in New England; or some special contribution.
We prefer that qualified artists contact us first by email at korolenko8523@charter.net. We welcome the submission of CDs and promotional materials from interested artists with the understanding that we book a limited number of artists each year which means our booking process is very selective. However, we prefer CD’s and promotional materials be sent after confirmation of booking. We do appreciate links to youtube pieces which reflect live performances rather than recorded mp3’s.
Thanks, Helene & Alan Korolenko,
Artistic Directors
We invite you to be a part of the eclectic experience of the 25th Annual New Bedford Folk Festival by becoming a sponsor!
Presented by the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, the New Bedford Folk Festival is now in its 25th year as one of the premiere summer festivals in New England. The two-day music festival draws crowds of more than 20,000 to historic downtown New Bedford with more than 50 musical acts, a variety of local and international artisans, tasty food court and beer garden, and a fun-family atmosphere. Visitors come from around the country, as well as Canada and the Virgin Islands, for this weekend of continuous folk music. Local hotels and restaurants are inundated with these visitors, who contribute to the meaningful economic boost to local business over the course of the festival weekend.
The New Bedford Folk Festival is incredibly important for the City of New Bedford and the arts community. Not only does it draw large crowds to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the Seaport Cultural District, but it provides an opportunity to showcase local artisans and performing artists. The festival serves as a positive reflection of the thriving arts community in the area as well as our rich cultural heritage. A portion of the festival, including the Southcoast Stage, artisanal marketplace, and food court, is open to the public to ensure arts and culture are accessible to all.
Corporate sponsors are recognized in multiple ways and enjoy a host of special perks. For more information about sponsorship packages, click the button below.
Are you a fan of the Folkfest who wants to ensure the sustainability and longevity of this event? Why not consider becoming A Friend of the Festival? These donations allow us to continue bringing together world-class musicians to participate in unique performances, design never-before-seen workshop collaborations, and jurying high quality artisans, crafters, and food vendors, to offer an annual experience like no other.
Click below for more information on how you can give back to the festival you love!
Artist Supporters – $1,000 – $4,000
Friends of the New Bedford Folk Festival – $500
The New Bedford Folk Festival relies on volunteers like you to keep the two-day music festival humming along. From checking wristbands to breaking down stages, we’re seeking volunteers with all levels of interest and abilities for Friday, July 8, to Sunday, July 10, 2022.
In exchange for a four-hour shift, each volunteer will receive a weekend pass to the festival and a volunteer t-shirt.
Interested in volunteering? Great, click on the link to apply. After you’ve reviewed the volunteer position descriptions, select your preferences for the shift and ideal position.