Eddie Cotton performing at the 79th National Folk Festival in Salisbury, MD, 2019. Photo by Edwin RemsbergJACKSON — Local artisans, craftspeople, and specialty vendors are encouraged to apply for a spot in the Marketplace at the 83rd National Folk Festival, which returns to downtown Jackson November 13–15, 2026.
The Festival Marketplace features juried, handmade creations from artists and craftspeople, with priority given to Mississippi vendors. Organizers are especially seeking strong local participation as the early bird application deadline closes on April 10, and the final deadline is June 1.
Vendors selected for the Marketplace will be chosen based on artistry, distinctiveness, craftsmanship, traditionality when applicable, connection to state, regional or local traditions, relationship to their cultural or artistic community, and booth presentation.
The Marketplace will feature both traditional crafts and more contemporary artistic expressions. Eligible items include handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, pottery, folk and traditional crafts, and packaged made-in-Mississippi or Deep South food products. Commercial reproductions, manufactured items, kits, and molds are not permitted.
Eileen Ivers performing at the 81st National Folk Festival, Salisbury, MD, 2022. Photo by Edwin RemsbergTo support local participation, the Mississippi Arts Commission offers Mini-Grants for Individual Artists, providing $500 in funding to help offset the costs of professional development and participation in events like the National Folk Festival Marketplace. The application window for these grants is May 1 – June 1.
These funds can help make participation more accessible by covering expenses such as:
· Booth fees (Marketplace booths are approximately $350 for the weekend)
· Application fees (including the $35 non-refundable fee if accepted)
· Lodging and mileage to attend the festival
· Promotional materials such as custom tablecloths, business cards, labels, and packaging
Applicants are encouraged to review the Marketplace Vendor Guidelines before applying. Additional information and application details are available at:
https://www.nationalfolkfestival.com/marketplace-vendor-guidelines
Applications for both the NFF Vendor Marketplace and Mississippi Arts Commission Individual Artist Mini-Grants are available at:
www.arts.ms.gov/apply
For local vendors interested in sharing their work with thousands of festivalgoers, now is the time to apply.
