Chicago Vendor Instructions

Event Overview

  • Vendor Flyer - Flyer Link

  • Vendor Flyer - Tutorial

  • Complete - Vehicle Registration Form

  • Location: Burnham (Daniel) Park (1199 E Oakwood Blvd, Chicago, IL 60653)

  • Lake Shore Drive and Oakwood Blvd

  • Event Time: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

  • This is an outdoor event

  • Scroll to bottom for maps

Vendor Check In

  • All vendors must check in at the Shop Black Fest booth upon arrival

  • Check in is located at the green tent near the stage (see vendor map below)

  • You must check in before setting up

Vendor Rules

  • No early breakdown. Vendors must remain set up for the full duration of the event (1:00 PM to 6:00 PM)

  • $50 Fine for breaking down early

  • Event is rain or shine

  • Vendors must follow all setup times and instructions

  • All vendors are responsible for their own setup, materials, tents, and staffing

Vendor Map

  • View your assigned booth number and location below

  • Booth spaces are 10x10

  • Your booth number will be marked on the ground at your space

  • Please set up within your assigned area and align with neighboring tents

Setup Times

  • Food Trucks: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM

  • All Other Vendors: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

  • Please arrive during your group window

    • Food Trucks (7:30-8:30am)

    • Group 1 (8:30-9:15am)

    • Group 2 (9:15-10am)

    • Group 3 (10-10:30am)

  • Hard cutoff for setup: 12:15 PM

  • Please arrive only during your assigned load-in window.

Parking and Load In

Complete Form

  • Before event day, complete the Vehicle Registration Form Here.

    LOAD IN

  • Pull into an available parking space and unload your booth as quickly as possible.

  • The parking lot offers a 15-minute free unloading period. After 15 minutes, parking fees begin.

  • Once you finish unloading, immediately move your vehicle to another parking location before returning to your booth.

    PARKING

  • Vendor parking is not permitted in the event parking lot. We are reserving those spaces for attendees.

  • If you have a handicap placard or license plate, you may park in lot. (Complete Vendor Load In Form)

    Vendor Parking Options

  • FREE: Street parking (Neighborhoods west of Lake Shore Drive)

  • PAID: Public parking lot north of the event (Near 31st St Beach)

  • PAID: Public parking lot south of the event (Cornell and 47th Street Parking Lot)

  • (Approximately a 3-10 minute walk)

  • A Few Tips

    • Bring a helper if possible. One person can stay with your booth while the other parks.

    • Pack your booth so it can be unloaded quickly.

    • Have a cart or wagon if you're bringing heavy items.

    • Give yourself extra time. This is a busy beach area on a Saturday morning.

  • Please Come Prepared

    This event takes place next to Oakwood Beach on a summer Saturday, so traffic and parking will be busier than at some of our other events.

    Our goal is to get all 100+ vendors unloaded quickly while keeping parking available for attendees. If everyone unloads efficiently and moves their vehicle promptly, the process will run smoothly for everyone.

    Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and positive attitude. We appreciate your help in making load-in a success.

What to Bring

  • Tent (10x10)

  • Tables and chairs

  • Tent weights/Stakes (required due to wind)

  • Products and display setup

  • Generator if you need electricity

  • Be prepared for outdoor weather conditions (sun, wind, etc.)

  • Water

  • Helpers if needed

Important:

  • No electricity is provided

Event Day Expectations

  • Be fully set up by 12:30 PM

  • Be ready to serve customers by 1:00 PM

  • Stay engaged with customers do not sit back or stay on your phone

  • Have a plan to collect customer information for follow up

VIP Swag Bags

  • Bring 5 to 10 small items for VIP swag bags or giveaways

  • Drop them off at the Shop Black Fest booth

  • Not required, but great way to get your products in influencers hands