Apple Fest Vendor Form of Interest

Interest in becoming a vendor at Apple Fest Chicago? Start by reviewing the application process outlined below.  Once ready, please review the Vendor Rules & Guidelines and submit a Vendor Form of Interest.

Application Process

STEP 1. Review Rules & Guidelines + Submit Form of Interest

All vendors interested in participating in Apple Fest Chicago must first review the Event Rules & Guidelines in full. Once reviewed, vendors may submit a Vendor Form of Interest, which serves as the initial step in the application process. Submission of the Form of Interest confirms that the Rules & Guidelines have been reviewed and understood.  It does not guarantee acceptance into the event.

STEP 2. Form of Interest Review & Vendor Selection

Vendors interested in participating in Apple Fest Chicago must submit a Vendor Form of Interest by the stated due dates. Forms received after the initial deadline may be reviewed on a rolling basis, depending on availability.

Vendor selection is based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:

• Completeness of the Form of Interest

• Vendor space availability

• Product mix and overall event needs

• Vendor’s positive history with the event (if applicable)

• Ability and capacity to attend scheduled event days

*Members of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce will be given higher priority in the vendor selection process.

STEP 3. Invitation to Apply & Acceptance Application

Applicants will receive confirmation from the Director of Special Events acknowledging receipt of their Form of Interest within approximately 10 business days of submission.  Vendors selected to move forward will be invited to complete a Vendor Application.

Accepted vendors will be required to submit the following as part of the Acceptance Application & On-Boarding Process:

• All Vendors
  • A 25% deposit of total vendor fee to secure booth space.
    (An invoice will be sent by Chamber staff shortly after a completed Acceptance Application is received.)
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) / Illinois Department of Revenue # (IDOR)
  • Description of Vendor Booth activities to take place at the event.
    (i.e., Product list for Market Vendors, Food Items for Food Vendors, Giveaways/Activities for Promotional and Kid Zone Vendors)
• Market Vendors
  • City of Chicago Pop Up Retail User License
    (Fee will be added to the vendor acceptance invoice. Event will secure license on vendor's behalf during the on-boarding process.)
• Food Vendors
  • City of Chicago Special Event Food License
    (Fee will be added to the vendor acceptance invoice, unless vendor has the 180-day license.)
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance
    (Must match City of Chicago requirements.  This will be collected during the on-boarding process.)
  • Illinois Summer Festival Sanitation Certificate
    (Must be taken within the same calendar year of event date.  The event production company can recommend how to register for classes, if needed.  The Certificate will be collected during the on-boarding process.)
  • Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Health Inspection Certificate
    (Must be conducted within six months of event date.  The event production company can assist in getting this scheduled, if needed.  The Certificate will be collected during the on-boarding process.)
  • Menu & Vendor Booth Layout w/ Hand Sink
    (Apple Fest Chicago requires sink rentals to participate in the event in order to meet the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements, unless otherwise coordinated with event production company.  Details will be confirmed during the on-boarding process.)

2026 Guidelines & Form of Interest

STEP 1.  Submit 2026 Apple Fest Form of Interest

STEP 2.  Wait to Receive Confirmation of Receipt and Next Steps

STEP 3.  If accepted, you will receive an Acceptance Application with the 2026 Apple Fest Rules & Guidelines