How to Start as a Vendor at New York Street Fairs

New York City summer street fairs could be a profitable opportunity for your business. Discover how to obtain your street fair vendor license and participate in these vibrant events throughout the city.

How to Register to Sell at a New York Street Fair

To sell your products or services at New York street fairs, the first step is to register with a street fair’s producer or sponsor to become a vendor. Moreover, prior to the event, you will also need to obtain a street fair vendor permit through the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.

How to Contact Specific Street Fair Sponsors

For a current list of New York street fairs and festivals registered with the Mayor’s Street Activity Permit Office, contact the DCA Licensing Center at:

DCA Licensing Center
42 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
For more information, call 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside of New York City)

How Much It Costs to Become a Street Fair Vendor

Different street fair producers offer various options for participating vendors. Three key companies produce the majority of New York City summer street fairs:

• Clearview Festival Productions: Clearview manages over 100 street fairs and festivals across the five boroughs. Fees vary depending on the festival, type of vendor, and registration time (discounts apply for early registration). Fees for arts and craft vendors range from $55-$650 per festival, while food vendor fees can be between $195-$650, and merchandise (non-food) vendor fees also range from $55-$650. For additional details, register online as a Clearview vendor or call 646-230-0489.
• Mardi Gras Festival Productions: This company produces around 85 street fairs and festivals, mainly in Manhattan. To obtain current fee information, registration as a Mardi Gras member is required, including a $45 annual fee. Learn more about working with Mardi Gras Festival Productions online or contact them at 212-809-4900.
• Mort & Ray Productions: Mort & Ray organizes approximately 12 street fairs and festivals primarily on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Fees vary by festival, vendor type, and registration timing. Food vendor fees are between $275-$475 per street fair, while non-food vendor fees range from $125-$185. For details, register online as a Mort & Ray vendor (a $45 fee applies) or call 212-764-6330.

Do You Need A Street Fair Vendor License?

In New York City, having a Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit is essential to sell merchandise or provide services from a booth or stand at an authorized street fair (e.g., street fair, block party, or festival). It is crucial to note that only events authorized by the Mayor’s Street Activity Permit Office can utilize this permit.

Furthermore, before filing for your street vendor permit application, you will need to register with the street fair’s producer or sponsoring organization.

What Will You Need for Your New York Street Fair Vendor Permit Application?

When applying for your vendor permit, ensure you have the following documentation ready:

• Photo Identification (ID) of Permit Applicant
  Acceptable ID forms include:
  • Driver’s license or non-driver’s license identification from a State Department of Motor Vehicles
  • License or permit issued by a government agency
  • Passport
  • Alien card/green card
  • A City, State, or Federal employee ID card
• Current color passport-size photograph of Permit Applicant
  Applicants who have held a Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit within the last two years are exempt from submitting a new photograph. Permit applicants can have their photo taken at the DCA Licensing Center at no charge. Alternatively, an image file may be uploaded during the permit application process if applying online.
• Granting Authority to Act Affirmation
  If someone other than the license applicant is filing this application, a Granting Authority to Act Affirmation must be submitted.
• Sales Tax Identification Number
  This 9, 10, or 11-digit number can be found on your New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Certificate of Authority. Ensure this number is entered on the Temporary Street Fair Vendor Permit application. To apply for a Certificate of Authority, visit the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance at www.nystax.gov or call toll-free (800) 698-2909. Allow four to six weeks for its receipt.
• Child Support Certification Form
  Complete the Child Support Certification Form to confirm that you are meeting your child support obligations.
• Permit Fee of $10 for each month
  If submitting the application in person, the permit fee must be paid via credit card, money order, or check. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card. Checks or money orders should be made payable to NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.

How Do I Submit My New York Street Fair Vendor Permit Application?

You can apply for your Temporary Street Vendor Permit through the Department of Consumer Affairs either online or in person.

Online Application Process
You can apply online through New York City Business Express. As mentioned above, you will need to submit a photograph and can either upload it as part of the online application or send it via email or in person at the DCA Licensing Center within five days of your online application.

In-Person Application Process
You may file applications in person or by mail at the DCA Licensing Center (42 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004) during their operational hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Have you considered organizing a New York street fair or festival to support your cause or organization? Any group can orchestrate a street event; however, a permit from New York City is required.

The Mayor’s Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) is responsible for issuing permits for street fairs, festivals, block parties, green markets, commercial/promotional and other events occurring on the City’s streets and sidewalks.

Permit fees can range from $220 to $38,500, depending on the size and location of the event.

Event applications may be submitted online, by mail, or hand-delivered to CECM – Street Activity Permit Office, 100 Gold Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10038.

For more information, learn more about the permit requirements for different types of street events.