FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is the Festival of Lights (FOL)?

Check out our video or read our story!

What are the two fundraisers organized by the FOL?

The Beer and Wine Tasting Festival is a festive food and wine event for adults. It takes place at the Foothills Golf Club in the spring.

The family-friendly Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party occurs in November and signifies the kick-off to the lighting down Chandler Blvd in the Foothills.

When do the lights turn on and off on the medians of Chandler Blvd.?

The lights will be illuminated the Monday before Thanksgiving and turned off in early January.

Is there an admission charge to see the lights?

No! It’s simply a mile-long drive down Chandler Blvd. between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway in Phoenix.

What is the “Kick-Off Party”?

The “Kick-Off Party” occurs on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, from noon to 8 pm and is a large, family-friendly festival in Desert Foothills Park. There is no fee to attend. There are 16 restaurants, a large beer & wine tavern, live music on 2 stages, 100+ Marketplace vendors, visits with Santa, a cornhole tournament, inflatables and rides. The food and drink, tournament, inflatables, and rides do have costs attached.

How many people typically attend?

Generally, we look forward to seeing 8-10,000 friends and neighbors!

How can I apply to become a Marketplace vendor?

Spaces begin selling in the fall. To learn more, you can scroll down to the Marketplace Street Fair FAQ or complete a Marketplace vendor application.

How can someone apply to be a food vendor?

These spots are typically hosted by local restaurants/food trucks. You are welcome to apply to become a food vendor.

What is the parking situation?

There is limited street parking surrounding the park. Please plan to arrive early and walk a bit to get to the party.

Is there handicapped parking?

There is handicapped parking on Marketplace (entrance off Desert Foothills Pkwy) just before the vendors’ tents.

Is there a rain date?

Unless the FOL cancels the event due to unbearable conditions, the event goes on rain or shine. All fees are nonrefundable.

How can someone apply to be a charitable beneficiary?

We accept applications beginning late August and September. To apply, please complete the charitable beneficiary form.

When is the Kick-Off Party?

For 2022, the Kick Off Party will take place on Saturday before Thanksgiving: November 19 from 11am-10pm.

Where is the event held?

The event is held at Desert Foothills Park, which is located just southwest of the corner of Desert Foothills Parkway and Chandler Blvd. in the Ahwatukee Foothills of Phoenix, Arizona.

How many people do you expect?

Based upon past attendance, we anticipate at least 8-10,000 will attend the event at some point during the day.

What time is the event?

The event runs from 11 AM to 10 PM, but vendors are required to sell between 11 AM and 5:30 PM (you can stay later if you want). check in for setup is between 7-10 AM. No cars are allowed on the street after 10 AM.

How much are booth spaces this year?

When reserved and paid by October 28, a standard interior 10×10 booth is $150. Any submission received after 10/28/22 will incur a $25 late fee; submissions after 11/14/22 incur a $50 late fee.

Any special requirements for vendors?

Yes. This year’s contract includes a donation from each vendor of an item from their booth valued at $25 or greater. The items will be used in our silent auction on Marketplace Street Fair and proceeds benefit our chosen charity.

How big are the spaces?

Each booth space is 10’ x 10’. You may purchase more than 1 if desired.

What is included with my booth space?

You receive a 10’ X 10’ space and the electricity to power lights. While each vendor is responsible for providing their own booth amenities, extra tents and chairs can be rented from FOL if needed. Contact marketplace@folaz.org. The Festival of Lights does provide generator, operated overhead lighting along the street to ensure safety in the early morning and early evening hours. This lighting is sufficient to allow attendees to safely walk the Marketplace area before sunrise and after sunset. Vendors may not bring their own portable generators.

Do I need a business/tax license from the State of Arizona and/or City of Phoenix to participate as a vendor?

We do not require that you provide us a copy, but The Festival of Lights is required to report a list of all vendor business names and phone numbers to the State of Arizona.
To apply for a business tax license:
City of Phoenix
State of Arizona

Does the Festival of Lights require photos of our display booth and/or the items we are selling?

No, however you are required to have a neat and clean display.

What is the deadline for applying to be a vendor?

Payment is due at the time of reservation and we strongly suggest you apply by October 28 to take advantage of early bird pricing. Spaces sell quickly, and there is no guarantee that space will be available. Applications received from October 29 to November 14 must include an additional $25 late fee. Submissions received starting on November 15 will incur a $50 late fee.

Are non-profit organizations provided booth space for free?

As a rule, the answer to this question is no.

Can we purchase more than one booth?

Yes you may, but there is no price break to do so.

Can we share a booth?

Unfortunately, it is not allowed.

How will I know what booth space I am assigned?

Approximately one week before the event, you will be emailed your booth space number. When you arrive to set up your booth you will be given directions to the space.

Can I request a specific booth space?

No. However, if you want to be located next to a specific vendor, such a request will be honored if possible.

Will there be specific instructions given to vendors on accessing their booth space to setup and tear down their booth?

Yes, a map will be sent to you along with your booth number. This will show your booth space location. As well, you can find more information on the Rules and Regulations page.

Do we have to stay for the entire event?

You may not tear down while the Marketplace Fair is still going on (11AM-5:30 PM). No cars will be allowed into the vendor area until after 5:30 PM.

Is there an assigned parking area for vendors?

No, vendors need to park in the same public area as attendees. You are there early in the day to setup and chances are you’ll get a pretty good spot in the dirt lot.

Is there Handicap Accessibility parking?

Yes, we have a limited number of handicap spaces available on the south end of the street near Desert Foothills Pkwy. We encourage you to leave those spaces for the attendees of the event and park in the dirt lot near the Chandler Blvd. intersection.

Is this a juried curated event?

Yes, this year all submissions undergo a review for relevancy to gift and holiday relevant merchandise. Our goal is to provide a marketplace filled with unique and popular gifts for the holidays. Of course, there will be no offensive or sexually explicit items allowed (this is a family-oriented event). We also closely screen novelty items.

Why do you limit jewelry vendors?

Jewelry seems to be a very popular craft and in order to make this event enjoyable for both the shoppers and the vendors, we limit the number of jewelry booths. Shoppers don’t want to be inundated and the jewelry vendors don’t need excessive competition. If there is too much jewelry to choose from, shoppers have a hard time making a decision and end up not buying anything from anyone. Jewelry spots in this event are usually filled up in September.

Will I be allowed to sell food?

You can sell packaged food that is intended to be taken home. This can be in a basket or standalone. You will be required to have a “temporary food service establishment” permit which can be obtained at the Maricopa County website.

What do we do if it rains?

You may get wet. You may melt. Bring an umbrella. Unless The Festival of Lights cancels the event due to completely unbearable conditions, the event will go on rain or shine. Booth fees are non-refundable.

What if I have a question that is not addressed on this FAQ sheet?

Submit your question via email to marketplace@folaz.org.

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623.349.7985

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Festival of Lights Association

4435 E CHANDLER BLVD STE 200
Phoenix, AZ. 85048

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