ARTS Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Guild of Artists will present the annual Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market on December 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Market will be held outdoors in the plaza and parking lot of Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks Street, in historic downtown Wake Forest. The event will take place rain or shine in conjunction with the Town of Wake Forest’s popular Downtown Holiday Open House.
This juried market will feature a wide selection of original artwork and handcrafted items offered at a variety of price points. Participation is limited to artists and skilled artisans. All items offered for sale must be original works created by the exhibiting artist or artisan.
A non-refundable application fee of $10 is required. Outdoor 10′ x 10′ booth spaces are available for $65. Shared booth spaces are available for $35 per artist/artisan; each participant in a shared booth must submit a separate application and be juried independently.
Holiday Market Applications will be accepted online from July 1 to September 1, 2026 using the EntryThingy Call for Entries System.
**How to Apply for the Holiday Market:**
- Click on this EntryThingy link: https://app.entrythingy.com/calls/public/13771/
- Sign up for an account or log in to your existing account.
- Provide the requested application information. You must pay the application fee before you can submit your application.
- Click here for a guide to submitting your application using EntryThingy: Step-by-step instructions.
Please ensure that we receive your application with fee payment by September 1, 2026. If you have any questions, feel free to email the Holiday Artisans Market Team. We hope to see you at the market!
Holiday Artisans Market FAQS
Important Dates
- Applications open on EntryThingy 07/01/26
- Applications close on 09/01/26
- Nonrefundable $10 application fee must be received by 09/01/26
- Applicants are notified of Acceptance or placement on the Waitlist by 09/27/26
- Booth Fees are due by 10/19/26
- Booth assignments and final instructions will be emailed to market participants by 11/22/26. (Booth placement is determined solely by the Holiday Artisans Market Team).
Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Market Team. Any late applicants will be placed on the waitlist and notified if space becomes available.
Photo File Requirements
- Number of photos of artist work: 5 – 7 (include 1 booth photo if available)
- Only one entry per artist
- Maximum file size: 500 MB per image, must be 1000 px width.
- Accepted file types: JPG, PDF, PNG
Accepted Media (Categories)
Candles/Soaps/Lotions – Ceramics/Pottery – Fabric/Fiber Art – Furniture/Woodwork – Glass/Metal – Graphics/Photography – Home Décor – Jewelry – Needlecraft – Painting/Drawing – Paper Goods – Sculpture
Jury Process
Participation in the Holiday Artisans Market is juried. Applications will be evaluated based on several factors, including:
- Artistic quality and craftsmanship
- Originality and uniqueness of work
- Variety and balance of vendor categories
- Price range and market appeal
Artists applying in a category other than jewelry who intend to sell jewelry must submit jewelry images for separate jury review. Additional photographs may be requested.
The jury will consist of representatives of the Holiday Artisans Market Team and the Wake Forest Guild of Artists.
The Market Team reserves the right to require removal of any items that were not included in or approved through the jury process.
Fees
Application Fee: A non-refundable $10 application fee is required at the time of application submission.
Booth Fees
- Individual 10′ x 10′ outdoor booth: $65
- Shared booth: $35 per artist/artisan
Each artist participating in a shared booth must submit a separate application and complete the jury process independently.
Refund Policy
Application fees and booth fees are non-refundable. Please direct any questions to the Holiday Market Team before submitting your application.
Sales Requirements
- Artists/artisans must be present at their booths during all market hours (10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.).
- The Market Team hopes to provide volunteers to assist with brief breaks.
- All sales transactions are the sole responsibility of the artist/artisan.
- Artists are responsible for collecting and reporting all applicable sales taxes.
- A valid North Carolina Sales Tax ID is required. If you have an older ID format, enter 600000000 and contact the Market Team for instructions.
- Participation does not guarantee any level of sales or profit.
Setup (8:00–10:00 am)
Setup begins at 8:00 am
- Booths must be completely set up by 9:45 am
- Vendors must provide all booth materials, including tents, tables, chairs, coverings, displays, and weights.
- All displays must remain within the assigned booth space.
- Vendors are responsible for the setup, maintenance, and breakdown of their booths.
- Vehicles must be removed from the unloading area immediately after unloading and no later than 9:30 am
- Additional setup information will be provided to accepted participants by 11/22/26.
Breakdown (4:00–5:00 pm)
- Breakdown may not begin before 4:00 pm
- All booths and merchandise must be removed from the event site by 5:00 pm
Application Checklist
- Please ensure the following items are submitted by 09/01/26:
- Completed application through EntryThingy
- $10 non-refundable application fee
- Valid North Carolina Sales Tax ID
- Five high-quality digital images (minimum 100 KB each)
- Four product images
- One booth image (if available)
- For best results, photographs should clearly showcase your work and avoid distracting backgrounds.
- Brief description of your work and creative process
- Website and/or social media links (if applicable)
Submission of an application confirms that you have read, understood, and agreed to all application requirements, terms, and conditions including the following Liability & Photo Release:
By submitting this application, the artist agrees to release and hold harmless the Wake Forest Guild of Artists, ARTS Wake Forest, the Town of Wake Forest, Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., and their respective employees, volunteers, officers, and board members from any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from participation in the Holiday Artisans Market, including setup and breakdown activities.
Artists further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the above organizations from claims arising from the actions of the artist, their employees, assistants, or representatives.
ARTS Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Guild of Artists reserve the right to photograph and record the event and to use such images or recordings for promotional, educational, fundraising, archival, and marketing purposes without additional permission or compensation.
