Please review the following information prior to applying below.

Selection Criteria
Selection is based on, but not limited to

• Quality of offerings
• Experience
• Ability to serve thousands of patrons in summer weather
• Appearance of overall set-up
• Unique or regional cuisine
• Reasonable prices and value
• Willingness and ability to support the Low Waste Initiative

Low Waste Initiative

Cary Art Daze requires food vendors to serve from compostable serviceware. This includes ALL cups, straws, lids, containers, bags, liners, forks, knives, and spoons. Sealed beverages may be sold in recyclable containers such as bottles & cans.

Because of our dedication to the initiative, Lazy Daze will provide all necessary BPI-Compostable cutlery for food vendors, and BPI-compostable clear cups for beer vendors. Selected vendors will need to submit a list of appropriate serviceware items for approval by festival staff. Serviceware will be verified on the day of the festival.

Thank you for helping to reduce waste at Lazy Daze. Our compost partner for Lazy Daze is CompostNow.

Fire Safety

All tents used for food cooking or any other open flame are required to be flame retardant with either an attached label or certificate of flame retardancy available for inspection. All other cooking operations or open flames should be at least 10 feet away from any non-flame retardant tent.

Portable LP-gas containers of 500 gallons (1893L) or less capacity shall have a minimum separation between the container and tent of at least 10 feet. In addition, they shall be securely fastened in place to prevent unauthorized or accidental movement.

Health Department Requirements

Food safety inspections are coordinated by Wake County.  Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) Vendor applications must be submitted through the Wake County permit portal. Nonprofits vendors are required to submit a Wake County Documentation of Exemption form.  TFE rules and exemption information can be found on Wake County's website here. More information will be provided to selected vendors.

Lazy Daze Dollars

All food vendors must accept Lazy Daze Dollars in lieu of payment for products. Lazy Daze Dollars will be reimbursed to the food vendor at the end of the festival by the festival staff. The food vendor must honor payment for items sold to patrons at the Lazy Daze Festival who are using Lazy Daze Dollars. Lazy Daze Dollars are only used by a select few patrons. Majority of patrons will pay with card or cash. 

Security

The festival grounds will be monitored by festival security throughout Friday and Saturday night. Food vendors are responsible for securing all of their materials.

Cancellation Policy

Booth fees are refundable if festival staff is notified of cancellation in writing by Friday, July 25. Cancellations after July 25 will result in forfeiture of booth fees.

Application Materials 

Thank you for your interest in Lazy Daze! You will need to upload the following to complete this application:

• Event set-up picture
• Food glamour picture
• Power connector picture, if applicable
• NC Sales and Use Tax document
• Sanitation Score with date, or proof of exception

The 2026 food vendor application will be available March 2 - May 1.