Become a Vendor

For the 2026 festival, due to construction limitations at the new playground at Swan Lake Iris Gardens, vendors will have a different layout. If you have participated in the past, your regular booth space may not be available. While we will take requests for booth spaces, we cannot guarantee your location.

How to become a vendor at the Iris Festival:

STEP 1.

Download and complete your corresponding vendor application below:

ARTISAN/MERCHANT VENDORS APPLICATION (apply now)

In 2026, Artisan/Merchant Vendors will have the following options for set-up:
- Wednesday, May 13th, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. You must be out of the Gardens by 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, May 14th, between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. You must be out of the Gardens by 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 15th, between 7:00 AM and 9 AM. Limited drive-up space will be available on Friday morning; all vehicles must be unloaded and parked in their assigned parking lots by 9 AM
- Any vendor missing the set-up time will forfeit their space.
- Security will be provided each evening.
Artisan/Merchant vendors must be set up by Friday, May 15, by 9 AM and must be open all three days.
Please note: We do NOT accept information booth vendors. This event is for retail/sale of goods only.

FOOD VENDOR APPLICATIONs (coming soon)

In 2026, Food Vendors will have the following options for set-up:
- Thursday, May 14th, between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. You must be out of the Gardens by 3:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 15th, between 7:00 AM and 9 AM. Limited drive-up space will be available on Friday morning; all vehicles must be unloaded and parked in their assigned parking lots by 9 AM
- Any vendor missing the set-up time will forfeit their space.
- Security will be provided each evening.
Food vendors must be setup by Friday, May 15 by 9 AM and must be open all three days.

Taste at the Gardens Application (coming soon)

This event will be held in the green space beside the Heath Pavilion. Event is Thursday Night Only,
Vendors for The Taste must set up between 9 AM and 4PM on Thursday only.
Event starts at 6 PM. Open until 9 PM

The Iris Festival Commission is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals, including vendors, contractors, and participants, are treated with respect and are afforded equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We will base all engagement decisions solely on merit and qualifications, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout our interactions.

STEP 2.

Mail Application and all required info (Yes, it is required to be mailed, so we have a USPS postmark date). NO HAND DELIVERIES OR DIGITAL COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

If your application is accepted, the fee is non-returnable and you will receive a confirmation packet in the mail with all the details required for check-in, setup and booth location.

If your application is not accepted, your fee will be returned.

Once accepted, please continue the steps below...

STEP 3.

Complete SCDOR Form

SCDOR FORM 111

You must have Form 111 completed prior to the start of the festival. Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine from SCDOR.

Our Events & Festivals guide is a one-stop shop for information on:

Licenses & Registrations
Taxes
Food & Beverage
Alcohol
Nonprofits & Churches

Get the full details at dor.sc.gov/event-guide

STEP 4.

File for City of Sumter Business License.

DO NOT wait to get this the day of your check-in. The City's Business License office will not be open during the festival's check-in process times. Call 803-774-1601 to talk to a Business License professional at the City.

The City's Business License office is inside the Liberty Center, located at 12 W. Liberty Street.

STEP 5.

Bring all of the documents mentioned in the steps above with you, and anything mailed to you when you check in for setup at the festival.

Please, keep them handy, so you can reach them from your driver's seat, as you will need them to get into the gate before unloading.

Thank you!

OTHER APPLICATIONS:

Apply to be an entertainer at our festival (apply now)

We accept on-stage performers and roaming performers.
Friday 10 AM - 6 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM

Apply to participate in our parade (coming soon)

Parade is Saturday, May 16, at 10 AM
Parade Line-up starts at 9 AM, must be in line by 9:45 at USC Sumter on Miller Road
Parade starts promptly at 10 AM