Frequently Asked Questions

Any Boston-based visual artist who makes artwork by hand can apply.

All artwork must be handmade by you.

You must be present at the show yourself for the entire weekend.

“Boston-based” means living within the I-495 loop of Boston.

No T-shirts, no imports, no mass produced items, no canvas tote bags, no baby clothes or similar items.

Fill out the application form online, which includes info about you and how you create your work.

You will need to upload photos for the jury, including a photo of your booth set up at an outdoor show with your work displayed.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If accepted you will receive an invoice to pay online for the $250 booth fee. Pay within 30 days to hold your space.

A white, straight-legged 10×10 tent. (The tent product label should say “rain” on it. If it doesn’t then it is meant for backyard parties and not waterproof or meant to withstand winds.)

A public safe, 40 lbs weight for each tent leg.

Tables must have covers going to the ground to hide everything you store underneath.

No. Artists will need to bring their own white, straight-legged 10x10 tents, plus 40 pound weights attached to each tent leg.

We do not supply any display furniture, either. You must bring your own tables, easels, chairs, etc.

Mesh panel walls are allowed and encouraged. You may rent them from us for $10 each, if requested ahead of time.

The booth fee for artists is $250.

There is no longer a jury fee.

Mesh panel rental is $10.

Once accepted, payment must be submitted within 30 days to reserve your space.

No refunds once accepted and paid.

The Jury Committee will review all COMPLETE applications on a rolling basis.

Artists will be juried and accepted based on availability in their medium. All media categories will be limited to ensure a balanced event.

Artists will be accepted until all space is filled. Jewelry slots fill up quickly.

Accepted artists will receive a Square invoice to pay online. Pay within 30 days to guarantee your spot is reserved.

Some artists in crowded categories may be waitlisted to ensure a balanced show.

Note: There are no refunds once your application is accepted and you have paid.

If you do need to cancel for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible.

You may request to be placed near a fellow artist who is also applying.

You may also request “trellis side” or “rose garden side,” or “near the bathroom.” Please note that on your application.

We will try to accommodate your requests, but make no guarantees on space assignments.

We will use the photos and biographical information you submitted with your application to promote your participation in this year’s Festival on our website.

The Participating Artist list will remain up all year long – customers often email us later looking for a particular artist.

Artists will be added to the website in the order they were accepted.

The Festival will take place rain or shine.

In the event of severe weather, such as hurricane-force wind or rains, an email will be sent to Participating Artists and the cancellation will be posted on our website and social media platforms ASAP.

You will be given your Festival location when you arrive that morning.

There will be volunteers to assist you in finding your space and watching your belongings while you park. Note we are not permitted to let you park your vehicle at your tent.

You will be emailed a setup arrival time the week before the event. If you have not received that email by that time, please reach out to us.

Drive up Atlantic Ave and stop in the right lane along the edge of the park.  

No double parking is allowed. If there is no space available at the curb, drive around the block and wait for a spot. 

You must move your car immediately after unloading. Carts and dollies will be available to borrow, and there will be volunteers to help you move your cart/dolly to your space and to watch your belongings while you park.

You must unload your cart completely and return it for the next artist before you begin to set up your booth.

No.

To retain the integrity of the Festival and respect your fellow artists, you may NOT break down your tent before 6PM. Artists who pack early will be banned from future events.

Veteran artists of the Festival know that they see many visitors browse the entire show but then sales are common at the very end of the day.

There are public restrooms outside the Marriott, to the right of the hotel entrance. (To the left of Tia's.)

No.

There is no smoking of any substances on City park property.

No, only email. If your question is not answered here, email us.

YES!

We ask neighbors, spouses, and friends to assist with load in, load out, or booth sitting for bathroom breaks throughout the event. Reach out to us online.

Any Boston-based artist or band with past live performance experience. 

We are seeking bands that have an established following in the greater Boston area and that are capable of quickly and professionally setting up and breaking down.

Some covers are allowed but your set must me primarily original.

Preference will be given to musicians living and working within the I-495 loop.

We strive to create a diverse set list that spans a variety of musical genres. However, as an open, family-friendly event, performances that integrate lyrics or themes that are meant strictly for older audiences would not be accepted.

We are looking for musicians with original songs because this festival is all about original art. A limited number of covers during your set is allowed.

Fill out the application form online, which asks for info about you/your band, your genre of music, your ties to Boston, your new releases, and any upcoming shows.

You will need to include a photo for marketing purposes, and also links for the jury to review your original music on Spotify, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, or Apple Music.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and musicians notified in a timely manner.

Please note any preferred performance dates and times, and the committee will do its best to accommodate.

Please be in touch as soon as possible if your circumstances no longer allow you to attend.

Absolutely!

There will be a musician’s showcase tent next to the stage strictly for band merchandise.

Our events team will handle sales for you if you don’t have someone with you. Please let us know in your application or as a follow-up email.

Waterfront stage artists typically enjoy a 45-minute set, but this will be finalized closer to the event.

There is no fee to apply for a showcase performance slot at the Festival.

With large sponsorships or donations, the Festival has been able to pay the performing artists in the past. However, please understand that compensation is not guaranteed year to year. We do guarantee to market and showcase each performer across our many platforms and audiences.

Only apply if you are okay with this. We are looking for people who understand and appreciate the mission of this Festival.

We will have a lane closed for drop off and pick up, but you will need to move and park your vehicle after unloading.

No artist’s vehicles are allowed in the park during the event.

Specific info will be emailed to you closer to the event.