IMPORTANT NOTE: This application is only for YouthLit on Saturday, June 5, 2027, in front of the Berkeley Main Library on Kittredge Street. If you are interested in also exhibiting at our Bookworm Block Party on Sunday, June 6, you must apply separately. Please fill out the Bookworm Block Party application here.

Exhibitors at YouthLit on Saturday, June 5 must be promoting, offering, and/or selling products, programs, and/or services that are youth/family and book or literary related..

The YouthLit exhibitor row is a row of tables under tents or umbrellas that we will set up on Kittredge Street outside of the Berkeley Main Library. The row features 8′ (30″ × 96″) tables where exhibitors can share their books, art, products, programs, and services while festival attendees walk through, engage with exhibitors, and purchase works.

Exhibitors can purchase an entire 8′ table or share a table with another exhibitor and utilize 4′ of the table. Sharing a table is a great option if you have another author or illustrator you would like to be paired with, or if you would like to save some money and meet someone new.

You may identify as a/an:

• Indie press/publisher
• Community-based nonprofit
• Magazine/journal
• Literary organization or club
• Self-published author
• Independent illustrator
• Artisan with book-related art/crafts
• Other book- or literacy-related person/organization

FOOD VENDORS

If your application is approved, we will require three (3) documents from you in order for you to vend at our festival:

1. A valid City of Berkeley Temporary Food Facility permit
2. A Certificate of Liability Insurance (needs to have “Foundation for the Future of Literature and Literacy DBA Bay Area Book Festival” )
3. State of California Seller’s Permit

AT THIS TIME, THESE DOCUMENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED. But if your application is approved, you will receive a form to process payment and upload all required documentation. City of Berkeley Health Permit Fees are not included in our Food Booth Space Fee and you will be able to pay this on your payment form if your application is approved.

FOOD VENDORS

Food Vendor Space Options

• Food Booth Space (10′ × 10′ plus space for cooking; canopy not included): $450.00
• Food Truck Space: $450.00
• Food Booth Space for Desserts/Soft Drinks ONLY (10′ × 10′ space; canopy not included): $350.00

Optional Add-On:

• City of Berkeley Temporary Food Facility Permit: $182.00

Outdoor exhibitors are required to provide a California seller’s permit to ensure compliance with state and local tax laws. This is only required if you are selling items out of your booth. Information-only booths are not required to obtain this permit. Requiring a seller’s permit helps the City maintain fair business practices, supports accountability, and ensures that all exhibitors adhere to regulations that protect consumers and local businesses. Vendors can find information about how to obtain a seller’s permit through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) here.

Types of Spaces Available

• Author Pavilion 1/2 Table Space (includes 4′ of an 8′ table with one chair—you will share this table with another author or illustrator): $150.00
• Author Pavilion Full Table Space (includes an 8′ table with two chairs—you will have this table to yourself): $300.00

Thank you for applying.

When will we hear if our application is accepted, declined, or waitlisted?

This year, we will be informing applicants whether their application has been accepted, declined, or waitlisted in three waves:

• Wave 1 (December 1): Accepted / Declined / Waitlisted
• Wave 2 (January 1): Accepted / Declined / Waitlisted
• Wave 3 (February 1): Final acceptances and declines sent

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to space limitations, applying does not guarantee participation in our festival. We unfortunately need to decline a number of wonderful applicants.

After receiving this application, our team will review your information and documents. If your application is accepted, you will receive an email containing a secure payment link to complete your reservation. Please note that your space is not guaranteed until your payment is received.

Thank you again for your interest in participating in the Bay Area Book Festival.