SUPPORTING COMMUNITY

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Bass Coast Festival Food Vendor.

Bass Coast takes place from July 10-13, 2026, in Merritt, BC, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx people.

Food is integral to the Bass Coast Festival experience, serving 5,500 attendees, along with artists and volunteers. We seek vendors who offer delicious, nutritious options and share our commitment to minimising environmental impact. Please note that priority may be given to vendors who have previously contributed to Bass Coast Festival. To reflect the reduced capacity in 2026, we will decrease the number of food vendors.

STALL PRICES

Full Service Stall: $2,200 + 20% of daily sales + Leave No Trace deposit*, which includes:

  • Ten (10) Vendor tickets**
  • One (1) Food Vendor parking pass
  • Up to ten (10) Enviro Vehicle passes***
  • Camping (behind the stall or in General Admission camping)

Beverage / Snack Stall: $1,600 + 20% of daily sales + Leave No Trace deposit*, which includes:

  • Six (6) Vendor tickets**
  • One (1) Food Vendor parking pass
  • Up to six (6) Enviro Vehicle passes***
  • Camping (behind the stall or in General Admission camping)

Stall Fees Include:

  • Daily potable water hookup
  • Greywater removal
  • Garbage, recycling, and compost removal from the site
  • Power (30 amps or 50 amps)

Not Included: 

  • Internet access
  • Vendors are responsible for contacting their cell/ internet provider prior to the event to ensure adequate coverage. 

* A $200 Leave No Trace (LNT) deposit is required to ensure proper waste sorting and that the site is left spotless, in addition to the stall price.

** Vendors may request to purchase additional staff tickets. These must not be purchased through basscoast.ca, instead, a private link will be sent to approved vendors in early June.

*** Enviro Vehicle passes are issued as needed at the Staff Gate upon check-in. We encourage carpooling when possible to reduce environmental impact.

KEY DATES in 2026
Jan. 10: Applications closed at 11:59 PM PT
Feb. 1: All successful applicants contacted
May 15: Full payment and liability insurance due
June 15: Additional Staff ticket request deadline
July 8: Food Vendors arrive onsite at pre-assigned time
July 9: Food Vendors must open at 12 PM
July 13: Food Vendors must be off-site by 8 PM. LNT deposit is available upon exit.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Bass Coast is a 19-and-over event, and photo ID is required to enter the festival site. This includes all vendors and staff. No animals are permitted on-site before, during, or after the event.

SUSTAINABILITY
Food vendors must use only compostable, non-bioplastic serving ware. Napkins must be recycled, unbleached material, and all utensils and packaging must be made of compostable paper, cardboard, bamboo, or wood.

No individually wrapped items (e.g., condiments, seasonings) may be distributed. No disposable water bottles, glass bottles, or water in Tetra Paks may be sold on-site — free water is available throughout the site, and beverages in cans are preferred. Straws must be plant-based.

Vendors are encouraged to source products locally and to support patrons who bring their own reusable serving ware. 

Please see the Sustainability Agreement for full details on sustainability requirements, and take a moment to read our Sustainability Education Series.

ACCESSIBILITY
Please take a moment to read about our Accessibility services.  

CODE OF CONDUCT
Bass Coast is committed to fostering its safe and inclusive community. In order to do so, Bass Coast requires that its team, contributors, volunteers and attendees understand and agree to this Code of Conduct in relation to all activities regarding the Festival.

Please take a moment to read our Code of Conduct.

CULTURAL APPROPRIATION
It is important for everyone to take responsibility for researching and educating themselves on this issue. When wearing or selling items (including clothing, makeup, or stylings) for Bass Coast, consider the following questions:

  1. Does this hold traditional significance to a community or culture?
  2. Is this intended to express religious beliefs or political statements?
  3. Does this designate respect or status within that culture?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, or if there is uncertainty, reconsideration is encouraged.

Bass Coast’s harm reduction strategy includes a commitment to providing a culturally safe environment for the entire community. A culture of mutual respect is a fundamental part of the Bass Coast experience. Even if the intention behind sharing culturally significant items is respectful, other community members may find it insensitive or upsetting.

To maintain a welcoming and comfortable environment for all festival attendees, we ask that participants avoid wearing/selling such items.

Please take a moment to read about our Cultural Respect ETHOS.

ETHOS
Please take a moment to read more about our ETHOS:

INTERNET ACCESS & CONNECTIVITY INFORMATION
Bass Coast Coordinates: 50°05'24.0"N 120°47'43.9"W

Vendors are responsible for arranging their own internet access to support sales. Connectivity in the area during the festival can be limited, particularly for Telus users and other providers that rely on Telus Towers like, Bell, Virgin, Koodo and Public Mobile. Confirming coverage with a provider and preparing a backup plan is strongly recommended.

Rogers or Starlink have been identified as viable alternatives for internet access in this area. However, it may be beneficial to explore a backup provider in case connectivity issues affect any provider in the region.

The challenges of limited connectivity are recognized, and advocacy efforts for improved service in the region are ongoing, including initiatives by Bass Coast to address these issues. Feedback to providers as a consumer can complement these efforts and play a significant role in prompting change.

Provider Contacts:

  • Bell Mobility: 1-800-667-0123
  • Virgin Mobility (Owned by Bell): 1 (888) 999-2321
  • Rogers: 1-888-764-3771
  • Telus: *611 or 1-866-558-2273
  • Koodo (Owned by Telus): 1-866-995-6636
  • Public Mobile (Owned by Telus): *611

    Collective voices have the power to drive better connectivity in the area.

    PAYMENT INFORMATION
    Payment must be made in full by May 15, 2026. 

    This includes:

    • Stall fee + 5% GST
    • Leave No Trace (LNT) deposit of $200
    • Payment processor fees

    PAYPAL
    If you must pay with Paypal, their administration fee is your responsibility and must be added to the package amount and paid in full by May 15.

    20% DAILY GROSS SALES
    Daily Sales will be tallied with Bass Coast Management daily. The 20% owed to Bass Coast will be due upon the conclusion of sales for Bass Coast 2026. 

    LOCATION ONSITE
    The Food Vending Market is located in a busy hub near the Merch Store, The Brain Workshop stage, and the popular Cantina Stage & Bar. Vendors are encouraged to create a seating area around their stall. Attendees appreciate when vendors contribute to the artistic landscape.

    ENTRY / EXIT
    The Staff Gate opens for food vendors on Wed. July 8 from 9 AM to 8 PM—no late arrivals will be accepted. Each vendor will receive a specific arrival time for placement that day.

    Food vendors must be off-site by 8 PM on Mon. July 13. Late departures will result in the loss of LNT deposit.

    HOURS OF OPERATION
    Food vendors are encouraged to open early and stay open as long as they prefer. 

    The mandatory hours for all food vendors are:

    • Thurs. July 9: 12 PM to 10 PM
    • Fri. July 10 to Sun. July 12: 10 AM to 3 AM

    FOOD VOUCHERS
    All food vendors must accept Bass Coast-issued food vouchers (given to Bass Coast artists, staff, volunteers, etc). Food vouchers will be $13 face value vouchers (worth $13 cash at food stalls). Bass Coast will reimburse food vendors $10 for each $13 face value voucher.  The voucher types will be clearly communicated to the food vendors in advance.

    Bass Coast will reimburse all food vendors by cheque for the vouchers redeemed. The food vendor is responsible for collecting all of the vouchers and submitting them to the designated Bass Coast Food Vending manager. 

    WEATHER
    Be prepared for all weather conditions, including extreme heat, torrential rain, severe thunderstorms, and/or high winds. It is the responsibility of each vendor to ensure their stall and products are secure and prepared for the elements.

    CAMPING
    Camping for food vendors is located in the designated area behind each stall. One camper or sleeping vehicle is permitted in this area. Food vending staff may also camp in General Admission Camping.

    VEHICLES & PARKING
    Food vending stalls include one Food Vendor parking pass, with space for one camper or vehicle to be parked directly behind the stall (no in-and-out privileges). Additional parking requests or arrangements for General Admission camping may be made based on availability. No exceptions.

    SECURITY
    A strong and professional security team will be on-site, supported by a comprehensive security plan. Security will patrol all areas throughout the event. While every effort is made to ensure safety, theft can occur at festivals, so securing valuables is essential. Stalls are required to have front lighting that remains on throughout the night, even when the stall is closed, to help maintain a safe and secure environment.

    SIGNAGE
    Third-party advertising signage is not permitted. Vendors will be asked to remove any third-party logos or signs upon setting up at Bass Coast.

    WATER
    There is one potable water hook-up in the market area. Potable water hoses will be run to the water reservoir in each vendor's stall, but there is no water under pressure. Vendors must provide their own hoses to connect to the supply line. Disposable water bottle sales are not allowed on-site.

    GREYWATER REMOVAL
    Vendors are required to provide their own pump and hose for greywater removal.

    POWER
    An electrical cable will be provided to each stall, but exact power needs must be communicated in advance to plan for additional generated power if necessary. Special adaptors for plugs will not be provided, and vendors are responsible for bringing their own adaptors. Additional charges will apply if an adaptor is required.
    All vendors are responsible for having their own backup generator in the case of a power outage.

    REFRIGERATION/REEFER TRUCK
    A refrigeration truck is not provided. Vendors are responsible for their own refrigeration needs. For additional refrigeration space, please contact Steve Sheridan, the Food Court Manager, at SteveGSheridan@gmail.com.

    SITE & ENVIRONMENT
    All packaging from goods must be taken to the on-site depot and recycled by the vendor. A $200 Leave No Trace (LNT) deposit is required to ensure that waste is properly sorted and the site is left spotless. The LNT deposit will be returned on-site on Mon. July 13, after the plot has been inspected, approved, and any rented power adaptors have been returned.

    INSURANCE
    All food vendors must have active liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $2,000,000 in Comprehensive General Liability. Certificates must be submitted on or before May 15.

    Additional Insureds: as specified in contract. 

    Bass Coast Site Address: 1000 Midday Valley Road, Merritt, BC V1K 1L4

    RELEASE OF LIABILITY
    Please take a moment to read our Liability Waiver.

    PERMIT TO OPERATE
    Bass Coast is classified as a “Temporary Food Event,” and all vendors must have a permit to operate. After acceptance into the market, approval from Interior Health Authority (IHA) is required. Vendors are responsible for obtaining this permit. If a mobile unit is not registered with IHA, a permit to operate will need to be obtained. Please review the guidelines below. 

    INTERIOR HEALTH INFORMATION
    For information on obtaining a permit to operate a food service at a temporary event or festival, please refer to the following links:

    GAS SAFETY
    All units must pass a gas and electrical inspection by a safety officer on-site. It is recommended to hire a licensed gas contractor to inspect all equipment before arriving on-site. All aspects of each unit's assembly and safe operation must comply with regulations, including having the proper type and number of non-expired fire extinguishers.

    Each unit must display a Certification of Approval decal upon arrival in Merritt; otherwise, operation at Bass Coast Festival will not be permitted.

    For more information, contact Wayne Johnson, Provincial Gas Safety Officer Interior South Region, at: Wayne.Johnson@safetyauthority.ca. 

    STAFF TICKETS
    Additional staff ticket purchase requests must be received by June 15. These must not be purchased through basscoast.ca, instead, a private link will be sent to approved vendors in early June.

    COVID-19 GUIDELINES
    Bass Coast Festival will continue to operate in accordance with provincial and local health guidelines and recommendations. 

    APPLY NOW