Vendor Spaces | CRAA Fest

Prospective Vendors

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Chesapeake Regional Authors & Artists Festival (CRAA Fest), a 3-day celebration of creativity scheduled for May 15-17, 2026. Vendor sales are Saturday and Sunday. This event takes place at The APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College.

This inaugural 2026 event showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of 120+ authors, artists, and artisans in the Chesapeake region. Additional related activities for both visitors and vendors take place throughout the weekend, beginning with a Friday evening ticketed event with featured authors and artist presentations, along with entertainment from an improv troop. All accepted vendors receive one guest ticket to the Friday evening activities. Friday night sales are limited to presenting vendors or guest speakers only.

Available Vendor Spaces

10’ x 10’ spaces for artists,
6′ table spaces for authors
8′ table spaces for authors (limited number available for an additional fee)

Artists may request additional space if needed (additional space fee applies). All participants are to adhere to their allotted space. If your display requires access to electricity, please indicate this in your application.

Vendor fees: $165 per space (includes both Saturday and Sunday) For 8′ author tables, add $15.

Saturday & Sunday Extra Experiences

We are seeking authors and artists interested in sharing readings/storytelling, teaching a basic writing or art technique, or other activities related to your books or artwork.

Sunday AM Pre-sale Activities

Still in the planning stages, these activities may include yoga, plein air painting (other media welcome), and some type of presentation for vendors on the business/marketing aspects of their craft.

Enhanced Vendor Sponsorship opportunities

$300 consisting of space fee of $165 plus either cash or in-kind donations of $135 (or greater) value. We will be running a Chance Auction and offering a minimum of 10-15 prizes/prize packages. Additional publicity offered for all who contribute.

Applications will be accessible online via the provided link from December 6, 2025 to January 10, 2025. No payment is due until you have received an acceptance letter. Acceptance/non-acceptance notifications, distributed via email, are anticipated to be sent by February 15, 2026. Upon acceptance, vendors will have a two-week window to remit payment via a secure online payment link that will be provided in your acceptance email. Those applicants not initially selected may opt-into be placed on a waiting list.

Please bear in mind that the CRAA Fest organizing committee operates entirely on a volunteer basis, and all vendor application fees are processed by Komodo Dragon Books, LLC. Unfortunately, we are unable to issue refunds for cancellations. However, in the event of government-mandated cancellation due to public health concerns, we will endeavor to extend your invitation and payment fee to the following year.

We request vendors, who are selected to participate, assist in promoting the event on their respective social media platforms. Additionally, we kindly ask for your cooperation in providing us with short videos (30-40 seconds) and product images for promotional purposes. Vendors selected to participate will be given further instructions on providing the requested media materials.

Who we are and where the proceeds will go to: This event is organized by an all-volunteer group of authors and artists in partnership. CRAA Fest is currently in process of seeking registration as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Part of the proceeds from CRAA Fest will go to aid authors and artists non-profit organizations in the region. See our website for more info about the organizers and beneficiaries of any funds raised during this event.

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2026 Chesapeake Regional Authors and Artists Festival. We eagerly anticipate your application and look forward to showcasing your talents at our event.

Local Authors & Artists

We are seeking vendors from the Chesapeake region. All applicants must reside in or operate out of a location in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

Completed Application

Please ensure that your application includes a comprehensive listing of the products you intend to offer for sale. It is imperative to note that all items for sale must be written, designed and/or crafted by the vendor themselves. Prints of the artists’ own work are permitted These criteria will aid us in curating a diverse and original selection of products for our attendees.

Require Weekend Attendance

Vendors are expected to stay for the entire Saturday & Sunday portion of the event. Friday night participation is optional. Additional tickets for the Friday evening event are available for purchase.

Submit Vendor Application

Are you a regional author or artist? Showcase your work at the inaugural CRAA Fest in May 2026! Applications are open now—don't miss this opportunity to connect with your community.

Submit application today

Questions?

We anticipate a high volume of interest this year. If you're a regional author or artist and need help with your application, please reach out! Contact VendorRelations@craafest.com. We appreciate your patience as we respond to all inquiries.

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