Marketplace Vendor Information

FOOD VENDORS DO NOT APPLY ON THIS PAGE! Please go to “TASTE OF ASIA

Please read through all the information before applying.

For any questions please email our Marketplace Coordinator, Jay Kim, at marketplace@cdbf.org.

Application Information & Requirements

"An annual highlight for many visitors to the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF) is the bustling Marketplace, where attendees discover culturally inspired goods, specialty products, and creative businesses. While the Marketplace prioritizes Asian and AAPI-owned businesses and products, it also includes a curated selection of diverse, BIPOC, and woman-owned businesses that complement the festival’s cultural mission.

Do you want to share your products or services with over 200,000 engaged and appreciative festival attendees over a summer weekend?"

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!


Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 (Friday)

Applications received after May 1, 2026 (Friday) will be treated as a rolling acceptance.

EARLY BIRD APPLICATION DISCOUNT!

Apply between now and January 31 and receive 10% off your registration fee, up to a maximum discount of $50.

2026 Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Dates

Hours of Operation:
Saturday, August 29th & 30th, 2026, 10am - 7pm
Sunday, August 29th & 30th, 2026, 10am - 5pm

Vendor Area Setup
Friday, August 28th, 2026, Afternoon

Vendor Area Tear Down
Sunday, August 30th, 2026, 5:30-8:30pm

Booth Category Fees


Please note that CDBF can offer payment plans for vendors in need. Please contact our Marketplace Coordinator at Marketplace@cdbf.org for more information.

  • Craft Vendor Incubator - A Shared Craft Tent

    The Craft Vendor Incubator is intended for makers and business owners who are early in their journey and may not yet be ready for a full 10' x 10' booth in the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Marketplace. This shared tent is part of our commitment to increasing access and creating opportunities for micro and first-time vendors to participate in the festival.

    Commercial companies and businesses with a brick-and-mortar storefront are not permitted in this area.

    Participation Guidelines:

    • Vendors must be present for the full festival on both Saturday and Sunday.

    Each vendor is provided:

    • One 6 ft table

    • Two chairs

    • Placement under a shared 20x20 tent provided by the festival

    • No additional setup is required.

    Two-Year Participation Limit

    To ensure this space continues to serve new and emerging businesses, vendors may participate in the Craft Vendor Incubator tent for a maximum of two festival years.

    This tent is intentionally designed as a temporary, introductory space for small businesses. The two-year limit allows us to rotate in new businesses each year and uphold the original purpose of offering a low-barrier entry point.

    Vendors who reach the two-year limit are welcomed and encouraged to apply for a standard booth within the Asian Marketplace.

    Graduating to a Full Booth

    Vendors who have participated in the Craft Vendor Incubator tent for two years are considered to have graduated from this space. Graduation reflects business growth and readiness for a standard booth experience.

    Our team is happy to provide guidance on next steps, including booth options, pricing tiers, and placement opportunities across the festival marketplace.

    Fees:

    • 6 ft table in shared tent

    • 2026: $250 for the weekend

  • This space is reserved for nonprofit organizations.

    The Non-Profit Community Tent provides a shared, turnkey space for nonprofit organizations to participate in the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. You may also apply for a stand alone space, should your organization need a larger space. (Your business/organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You will need to provide a copy of your IRS Letter of Determination 501(c)(3) non-profit status when you submit your agreement, if accepted).

    The shared Non-Profit Community Tent is highly recommended for nonprofits participating in the festival for the first time, particularly those with limited staff, resources, or equipment.

    Participation Guidelines for the Shared Non-Profit Community Tent:

    • Vendors must be present for the full festival on both Saturday and Sunday.

    • Each organization is provided:

      • One 6 ft table

      • Two chairs

      • Placement under a large shared community tent provided by the festival

    • No setup is required.

    Participation Guidelines for a stand alone booth space:

    • Vendors must be present for the full festival on both Saturday and Sunday.

    • Each organization is provided one 10’x10’ OR one 10’x20’ space (based on your request)

    • NO TENTS or TABLES are provided for the stand alone booth spaces.

    Fees for the shared Non-Profit Tent:

    • 6 ft table in shared tent

    • 2026: $250

    Fees for a stand alone booth:

    • 10’x10’ space: $300

    • 10’x20’ space: $400

  • This category is reserved for official government agencies, state departments, and public institutions that provide services, resources, or outreach to the community. Examples include state health departments, public safety agencies, municipal offices, and other government-affiliated organizations.

    FEES:
    10’ x 10’ Space - 2025 was $450, 2026 TBD
    10’ x 20’ Space - 2025 was $550, 2026 TBD 

  • This category primarily features businesses and organizations offering goods and services that showcase Asian culture, both in its modern and traditional forms. Additionally, we have a secondary category with limited space available for diverse, BIPOC, and woman-owned businesses that highlight a variety of other cultural backgrounds .

    Please note that there are payment plans available. Please email marketplace@cdbf.org for details.


    FEES:
    10’ x 10’ Space - 2025 was $600, 2026 TBD
    10’ x 20’ Space - 2025 was $800, 2026 TBD
    10’ x 30’ Space - 2025 was $1000, 2026 TBD
    10’ x 40’ Space - 2025 was $1200, 2026 TBD
    20’ x 20’ Space - 2025 was $1400, 2026 TBD

  • This category is designed for independently owned and operated brick-and-mortar community businesses or consultants selling products and services. Space in the community business area is limited, particularly for companies offering non-Asian products/services.

    Chain or franchise businesses do not fall under this category and must contact Executive Director Sara Moore at Sara@cdbf.org for information on sponsorship opportunities.

    FEES:
    10’ x 10’ - 2025 was $1500, 2026 TBD

  • For booth needs larger than 20×20 please call or email for more information: marketplace@cdbf.org or 303-953-7277

Vendor Requirements & Policies

  • Application Fee
    $35 non-refundable. Separate from booth fee.
    Damage Deposit
    $50 (in check form) refundable after event – provided there are no issues with your booth during the festival.
    Electricity
    If electrical is needed there is an additional cost of per 20 amp/110 volts (standard household outlet), and 220 volt service( larger dryer style plug outlet). Pricing for 2026 TBD.

    No personal generators are allowed. Electrical order forms will be sent with agreements to those accepted. Payment required at time of agreement submission.

  • Vendor Responsibilities:

    • Vendors are responsible for set-up, operation, maintenance and tear down of their booth area.

    • Vendors are responsible for providing all equipment INCLUDING tent (canopy with sides), tables, chairs, etc. Please be advised that Sloan’s Lake Park has a strict “No Staking” rule, so all tents (no matter what size) must be secured with weights (concrete weights, water barrels, sand bags, etc.). If you need to rent tents, sidewalls, tables, chairs or other equipment, CDBF will offer a suggested rental company in your acceptance packet.

    • TENTS THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY WEIGHTED WILL INCUR ADDITIONAL FEES. Each tent leg must be weighted with a minimum of 50 lbs. Weights will be inspected on both days of the event to ensure they meet the required weight and are securely attached to the tent. If tents are not secured with enough proper weight, you will be charged onsite.

    • Vendors are expected to comply with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, and shall have all appropriate licenses, permits and other required documentation. You must have a City of Denver sales tax license or a Special Event Sales Tax account if you are selling merchandise/goods. Vendors are responsible to report, collect, and pay all applicable city and state sales tax after the festival concludes. Here is a link to the City of Denver’s eBiz Tax Center for more information regarding the proper licenses: https://www.denvergov.org/ebiztax/_/

    • Vendor must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $1,000,000, naming the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival as additional insured. If your business/organization does not have insurance, CDBF can assist in finding insurance companies that can provide economical insurance for a weekend event.

    • Subletting or booth sharing is not permitted without prior permission of CDBF.

    • The vendor shall comply, and shall direct all vendor affiliates to comply with, any and all local and state regulations with respect to health and safety regulations and/or temporary orders, including, but not limited to, any regulations or orders related to COVID-19 or any other health concerns.

  • All vendors will be required to review and sign a detailed Letter of Agreement, which outlines additional rules, policies, and expectations for participation. This document will cover essential guidelines, operational details, and compliance requirements. Vendors must review, sign, and return this agreement prior to the event.

  • Vendor Cancelation Policy

    The $35 application fee is a separate, non-refundable charge that does not count towards your total booth fee.

    Cancellations by June 1st will receive a 100% refund minus a $50 cancellation fee and any processing fees.
    Cancellations from June 1st - 12th will receive a 50% refund minus a $50 cancellation fee and any processing fees.
    Cancellations after June 12th cannot be refunded.

  • Apply. Be Accepted. Receive Acceptance Packet. Fill Out Agreement and Forms & Pay Fees.

    • APPLY NOW – Pay the non-refundable application fee and be considered for selection as a 2026 Marketplace Vendor.

    • FROM NOW UNTIL JANUARY 31st, 2026– Early Bird 10% Discount, up to a maximum discount of $50.

    • MAY 1, 2026 (Friday) – APPLICATION DEADLINE.

    • MAY 9th, 2026 – Acceptance notifications and Vendor Handbook Packets will be emailed. Packets will include vendor agreement, equipment rental form, electrical request form and other important information.

  • CDBF’s goal is to provide a wide variety of Asian products and services to festival-goers and to provide a profitable and enjoyable experience to vendors. CDBF actively promotes and markets to an ethnically diverse and well-educated customer base. CDBF provides security, staff patrols and trash pick-up to maintain a clean, well-run, family oriented festival.

    CDBF can offer payment plans for vendors in need. Please reach out to our Marketplace Coordinator at, Marketplace@cdbf.org, for more information. 

  • The Selection Committee, will evaluate and select applicants to participate as vendors. Selection criteria is based on appropriateness to the festival mission, development of a diverse Marketplace, past history of festival participation and adherence to regulations set by the state, city and festival management.

    Please note, due to the family atmosphere of our festival, we are unfortunately not accepting vendors of THC or hemp products. We appreciate your interest and support!

  • How to Avoid Fines through Licensing & Compliance Recording (Highly Recommended for all Vendors to watch)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAT2-TgYSgo

  • Vendor Coordinator
    E-mail: marketplace@cdbf.org
    Phone: 303-953-7277

    Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
    3000 Youngfield Street, Suite 140
    Wheat Ridge, CO 80215

    www.cdbf.org
    Email: info@cdbf.org
    Office Phone: 303-953-7277

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!