Application Information
Thank you for considering participation in The Sterling Renaissance Festival as one of our juried Artisans. Please read the following information carefully, as this will answer many of your questions regarding our Festival and the application process. We look forward to working with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Renaissance Festival?
Our Renaissance Festival is a dramatic recreation of an Elizabethan village at festival time. It is a Renaissance styled theme park, a 16-stage performance venue, a 35-acre interactive/environmental theatre, an arts and crafts faire, an Armored Jousting Tournament, a food festival and tavern, all rolled into one non-stop, day-long, family adventure!
Is my craft suited for a Renaissance Festival?
We try to keep our crafts within the Renaissance theme. We are not a flea market, street festival or outdoor mall. We specialize in handmade crafts only.
How do you decide who is accepted?
The Artisan Jury Committee evaluates crafts based on quality, existing representation at the show, and the likelihood that his or her participation in the show is successful. Only the items submitted for jury evaluation are permitted for sale.
Are onsite accommodations available?
The Sterling Renaissance Festival does have a private campground facility available to participants only. The campground offers both tent and RV sites. RV sites include water and electricity and are limited in quantity.
How much money do I send with this proposal?
Please remit your non-refundable payment of $50 for your application fee. Your participation fees will be determined once approved.
Festival Fact Sheet
Festival Dates
Saturdays and Sundays July 6th - August 17th, 2024
Festival Site
Sterling, NY. Just 45 minutes north of Syracuse and one hour east of Rochester
Tickets
Gate prices are: $37.95 for Adults and $19.95 for Children (ages 5–11), Children 4 and under are free. Parking is free. We have a very aggressive marketing program that begins at the close of the prior years’ Festival. We offer our Stocking Stuffer Program in the months of November and December with heavily discounted prices and our Early Bird Pricing runs January to May.
Patrons
Approximately 100,000 annually
Number of Shops
95
Application Deadline
May 30th
Application Fee
$50 non-refundable
Fees
$425/ Weekend (Weeks 1, 2, and 3) AND $495/Weekend (Weeks 4, 5, 6, and 7).
Full season participation
$1,695
What to expect upon acceptance
If accepted, you will receive two copies of a Guest Participant Agreement. Both copies must be completed and returned to SRF along with the appropriate fees, by the deadline set forth therein. After both copies of your contract are received, they will be signed and fully executed and a countersigned copy will be returned to you for your records.
Crafters may sell their products out of SRF owned guest booths, or approved period tents, or carts. Decision of specific location and type of set up will not be available until after the May Artisan Jury Committee meeting.
You are required to have a $1 million Liability Insurance policy naming The Sterling Renaissance Festival as “Additional Insured”. A copy of your Certificate of Liability Insurance must be on file before opening day of the Festival. Crafters not holding Liability Insurance will not be permitted to open their shop. You may choose to participate in the Sterling Renaissance Festival Insurance Program at a weekly or seasonal rate, depending on the terms and duration of your participation. Information on obtaining Liability Insurance through the Sterling Renaissance Festival Insurance Program will be available in May 2024.
You must obtain a NYS Tax ID Number. A copy of your NYS Tax ID certificate must be on file in the SRF office. Crafters not holding this certificate prior to opening day will not be permitted to open their shops. Temporary numbers and applications for numbers will not be accepted. The ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE must be kept in your shop during Festival hours. Information on obtaining a NYS Tax ID number is available through the SRF office.
This juried show provides an exciting marketplace for art and craft wares made by Artists in attendance. We are all members of the cast. Everyone is expected to create the illusion of the historic time period with costumes, shop structures, decorations and displays, products, sales and speech patterns. Dialect workshops and/or print materials are available in the SRF office. All of our Artisans are required to participate in this live theatrical event as colorful characters, dressed from head to toe (hat to shoes) in Renaissance style costumes. The SRF staff is here to assist new crafters in making their entrance into the SRF Marketplace as smooth as possible. We are available to answer questions, participate in conversations about product lines and shop locations, or address any other concerns. We are excited to celebrate our 45th Anniversary with you and are looking forward to a great year!
General Information
The Sterling Renaissance Festival Artisan Program maintains its integrity by holding their crafters to the highest of standards. It is the intention of the Festival to have the best handmade crafts and Artisans. Crafts must compliment and blend with our 16th century theme.
Products
The Artisan selling the product (s) must design, produce, and finish the products. All items to be displayed and sold must receive approval from the Artisan Jury Committee. Imported or products made by someone other than the applicant (referred to as buy/sell products) are not permitted. All crafts must be representative of the Renaissance time period in both medium and subject matter. Only one craft category is allowed per booth.
Demonstrations
A demonstration of your craft is certainly the most effective way to promote your sales at the Festival. Demonstrating crafters will be notated in the Festival Gate Program.
Costumes
All participants are required to be in period costume during Festival hours that they themselves provide. Costumes must be approved by the Festival. Costume rental information is available upon request.
Booths
Festival owned guest booths are available, but on a limited basis. Temporary sites for tents and/or carts are also available. Renaissance themed tents or decorated carts will be considered on a case-by-case basis. “KD” pop-ups and most temporary art show set-ups will not be acceptable. Festival approval on temporary structure is required. Electricity may not be available in all spaces. Booth status and/or locations will not be determined until after the final jury meeting in May. Ample time is required to effectively, fairly and properly place our Guest Artisans. We must take into consideration the craft or product, theme, duration of participation, etc.