Community Booth Applications Now Open - Apply by July 1

Apply for a 2026 Community Booth

The City of Gainesville invites community organizations to participate in the Downtown Festival & Art Show on November 14-15, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival offers charitable and not-for-profit organizations the opportunity to connect with the public and share information about their services. Proof of 501(c)(3) or not-for-profit status is required with your application. Booth space is limited and fills quickly, so early application is encouraged.

Festival Requirements
Application & Acceptance

1. Applications must be submitted by July 1 and include proof of charitable or not-for-profit status. Applications submitted after the deadline will automatically be placed on the waitlist.
2. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by email by July 15. 
3. A $56 booth fee is due by August 1. Checks should be made payable to the City of Gainesville. Booths not paid for by the deadline will be offered to organizations on the waitlist. 
4. Acceptance is a commitment to show. Booth fees are non-refundable.

Booth Requirements

1. Organizations must provide their own tent, tables, and chairs.
2. Each organization is limited to one booth space. Requests for double booths must include strong justification and will be considered but are not guaranteed.
3. The primary purpose of each booth must be to provide information. Limited fundraising is allowed, but the Festival Committee reserves the right to prohibit certain sales.
4. Booth spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. A community group packet with booth assignments and setup details will be emailed by October 31.

Set Up

1. Setup will take place Saturday morning from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. All vehicles must be out of the festival site by 9:00 a.m.
2. Organizations are responsible for keeping their booth area clean and orderly throughout the event.
3. Booths must be staffed at all times during the festival. Organizations that fail to attend both days will be ineligible for future participation.
4. Activities must remain within the assigned booth space. Roving is not permitted.

Guidelines

1. Vehicles are not permitted in the show area after 9:00 a.m. Saturday. The streets will remain closed overnight and will re-open to vehicular traffic at 8:00 p.m. Sunday. Community groups must be packed and out of the Festival area on Sunday by 8:00 p.m.
2. Overnight security will be on site Saturday night. Organizations, at their discretion, will be allowed to leave exhibitor displays on the street overnight on Saturday. The City of Gainesville is not liable for any loss and/or damage.
3. The festival is completely outdoors. The festival organizers and participants accept the risk that poor weather may occur. No partial refunds will be granted due to postponement or early closure due to rain/weather.
4. The Show Committee reserves the right to make a final interpretation of the rules.

See below for a draft of the 2026 map: