Pumpkin Festival Vendor Sign-Up 2026

Description

Celebrate fall at the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival at Main Street Square!

📅 Saturday, September 19 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Main Street Square to Memorial Park

The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival is Rapid City’s largest and most beloved fall tradition, drawing thousands of attendees to the heart of Main Street Square and extending into Memorial Park. This free, family-friendly event is a full day of autumn fun, pumpkin-themed activities, shopping, food, and live entertainment.

Festival highlights include the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, pumpkin carving contests, jumping castles and a Kidz Zone, and the always-popular pumpkin trebuchet launches by the South Dakota School of Mines. Live music and a Beverage Garden at Main Street Square add to the festive atmosphere throughout the day.

Vendors play a key role in the success of this event, with attendees eager to explore local makers, artisans, food vendors, and small businesses as they move throughout the festival footprint. The Pumpkin Festival offers excellent exposure and strong foot traffic, making it a great opportunity for vendors looking to connect with a wide and diverse audience.

Important vendor notes:

• This is a large-scale event with structured load-in and booth assignments
• Trailer vendors and on-site power are not permitted unless prior authorization is granted by Main Street Square
• Vendors may sell food, retail items, crafts, and other approved products

Whether you’re a food vendor, artisan, or business looking to be part of Rapid City’s signature fall celebration, the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival is the perfect place to showcase your offerings and be part of a long-standing community tradition. 🎃🍂

 

Main Street Square – Vendor Rules, Regulations & Waiver (2026)

By submitting a vendor application and participating in a Main Street Square event, vendors agree to the following rules, regulations, and legal terms.

1. Acceptance & Communication

• If you do not hear from us regarding your application, consider yourself accepted (unless otherwise specified).
• Only vendors not selected will be contacted.

2. Booth Setup, Load-In & Tear Down

• Vendor maps, booth locations, and load-in times will be sent the Wednesday before the event.
• Vendors are responsible for setting up and tearing down their own booths according to these times.
• All booths must be cleared by the stated tear-down time.

3. Tables, Tents & Equipment

• Only equipment purchased directly from Main Street Square will be provided.
• Vendors using their own tents or equipment must provide adequate weights or other secure methods and ensure setups are safe, stable, and compliant with event requirements.

4. Electricity & Power (if applicable)

• Electrical access is not guaranteed and may be limited at some events.
• If electricity is not listed as available in the application and it is essential for your setup, please email or call in advance to see if accommodations can be made.
• Generators must be approved, quiet, safe, properly contained, and operated at a volume that does not interfere with music, announcements, or the overall event experience.

5. Vendor Fees & Payment

• All vendor fees must be paid in full prior to the event.
• Certain events will not allow day-of equipment rentals. In events where day-of rentals are allowed:
  • A $50 day-of convenience fee applies.
  • The cost of the equipment needed plus the day-of fee must be paid prior to receiving the equipment.

6. Sales Expectations

• Some events are community-focused, not sales-driven.
• Vendors may sell items where permitted.
• No guarantees are made regarding sales volume, attendance, or customer spending; therefore, vendor fees are non-refundable and discounts will not be offered if sales are not as expected.

7. Behavior & Staff Interaction

• Vendors must act professionally and courteously toward guests, staff, and other vendors.
• Mistreatment of staff will not be tolerated. Vendors who violate this rule:
  • Forfeit all vendor and equipment fees
  • Will be asked to leave immediately
  • Will not be invited back to future events

8. Booth Size & Appearance

• Vendors must remain within their assigned booth space.
• Displays and signage must not block walkways or neighboring booths.
• Booths should be clean, organized, and family-friendly.
• Trailer vendors are not permitted without prior approval from Main Street Square.

9. Food Vendors, Permits & Liability

• Vendors selling or distributing food or beverages are responsible for all required permits, licenses, and health compliance.
• All food trucks must be registered with the city and follow all Department of Health and food safety requirements.
• Main Street Square reserves the right to request proof of compliance prior to the event.
• Vendors are responsible for their own equipment, products, and any damages.
• Main Street Square is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
• Vendors must comply with all city, county, and state regulations, including permits, licensing, and health codes.

10. Weather, Attendance & Event Cancellation

• We are an outdoor venue, and events will proceed in any weather deemed safe by event staff.
• If the event occurs and a vendor chooses not to attend, all fees are forfeited and cannot be applied to another event.
• Main Street Square reserves the right to cancel, delay, or modify events due to weather, safety, or unforeseen circumstances.
• If an event is canceled, reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule.
• Vendors unable to attend the rescheduled date will have fees refunded. No additional compensation will be provided.

11. Cancellation Policy

• 30+ days before event: Full refund
• 20–29 days before event: Fees may be applied to another event within the same calendar year (except last event of the year, when fees are forfeited)
• Less than 20 days: All fees are forfeited
• No refunds outside these terms

12. Vendor Waiver & Release of Liability

By participating as a vendor, you agree to the following:

1. Assumption of Risk: You acknowledge that participation involves risks, including injury, illness, or property damage, and you voluntarily assume all such risks.
2. Release of Liability: You release and hold harmless Main Street Square, Visit Rapid City, and their employees, volunteers, officers, and representatives from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your participation, setup, use of equipment, or sales at the event. This includes claims caused in whole or in part by negligence.
3. Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and defend Main Street Square and Visit Rapid City from any claims, damages, or expenses resulting from your participation, including injuries to yourself, your staff, customers, or other vendors.
4. Compliance: You agree to follow all applicable laws, permits, licenses, health regulations, and Main Street Square rules. You are responsible for your own equipment, products, and insurance.
5. Acknowledgment: You understand that this waiver is legally binding. By submitting a vendor application, you agree to these terms.

Date & Time

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Venue Details

Main Street Square

526 Main Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

Downtown Rapid City