20 Essential Tips for Selling at Art Festivals: A Guide for Artists and Entrepreneurs

Posted by Lisa Ramos on Sep 01, 2025

Since launching my handmade handbag and jewelry business, MONOLISA, in 2017, I’ve learned countless lessons as an independent artist. After participating in over 200 art festivals and pop-up events across California, I want to share the practical tips I wish I knew when I first started.

Whether you're an emerging artist, craftsperson, or entrepreneur looking to sell at your first show—or an experienced vendor aiming to streamline your setup—this guide will help you navigate the art festival world more efficiently.

Picture of MONOLISA Booth at An Art Festival from Blog Article: 20 Essential Tips for Selling at Art Festivals: A Guide for Artists and Entrepreneurs

My Best Art Festival Tips for New Artists & Entrepreneurs

1. Apply Early to Festivals

Popular art shows fill up fast. Submit your applications early and research each show thoroughly. Understand the jury process, booth fees, expected audience, and your competition. Check out resources like The Art World - Getting Your Work into Art Shows to learn how to get accepted into juried events.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle in Advance

Check your vehicle several days before the show: service it regularly, ensure tire pressure is correct, and always fill your gas tank beforehand. A reliable vehicle is essential for a smooth weekend.

3. Arrive Early for Setup

Early arrival reduces setup stress and avoids traffic jams with other vendors. Give yourself extra time to unload, park, and curate your booth without feeling rushed.

4. Always Use Heavy Tent Weights

No matter how calm the weather seems, strong popup tent weights are essential. I use four sandbag weights totaling 124 lbs. Lightweight tents without proper weights can—and do—blow away.

5. Carry Cash and Keep It Secure

Always have cash on hand and wear it securely (fanny packs or crossbody bags work great). Sadly, theft happens at shows, and it’s smart to be prepared.

6. Dress for Comfort, Not Fashion

Festivals are physically demanding. Wear comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and layers for changing weather. Compression socks help reduce leg fatigue and swelling during long days on your feet.

7. Bring Essential Booth Equipment

Your core setup should include:

Collapsible tables with clean table coverings
Lightweight product displays
Comfortable chair and back support pillow
Rubber floor mat to ease the strain of standing on pavement

8. Pack Food & Water

Stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day. I bring snacks and two 50 oz water bottles, especially during summer events.

9. Charge All Devices Beforehand

Charge your phone, iPad, and credit card reader the night before. Bring backup power banks—your tech is your lifeline for sales.

10. Invest in Backup Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi can be unreliable. I use a SOLIS portable Wi-Fi hotspot with pay-per-GB data that works across the U.S. Having your own Wi-Fi reduces sales lost to connectivity issues.

11. Secure Your Products from Wind

Wind can topple displays or blow your products away. Make sure your items are stable and secure. In extreme cases, be prepared to remove some products from display temporarily.

12. Have a Rain Plan

Rain happens—sometimes unexpectedly. Know whether your products can withstand wet weather and protect your booth with waterproof covers. Keep in mind: most events are rain or shine, and booth fees aren’t refundable.

13. Overnight Security Awareness

If an event spans multiple days, consider whether you feel comfortable leaving products overnight. I personally pack up all my handbags and jewelry each evening to avoid theft. Large sculptures or paintings may be harder to move but plan accordingly.

14. Prepare for Hot Weather

A battery-powered fan, sunscreen, and lightweight clothing can make summer shows much more bearable. I use a Dewalt portable fan, which my customers appreciate as much as I do.

15. Save Time During Load-Out

I keep a dolly tucked away in my booth to quickly transport bins and displays to my car. This simple tool makes a big difference during hectic tear-down times.

16. Curate Your Booth Layout

Experiment with how your booth is arranged. Adjust table placement, product displays, and walk-in space to create an inviting, accessible shopping environment. Continually tweak your setup based on what draws customers in.

17. Adapt for Physical Limitations

If you have mobility or joint issues, consider using an electric scooter or other assistive devices to reduce strain during long load-ins. I've personally used a scooter at large venues where parking was far from my booth.

18. Stay Vigilant Against Theft

Unfortunately, theft is a reality at public events. Keep your valuable items secure and pay close attention to customer interactions. Thieves come in all forms—don’t let friendly faces fool you.

19. Invest in a High-Quality Dolly

The RocknRoller Multi-Cart R18RT "Mega Plus" dolly changed my life. This heavy-duty cart holds up to 700 lbs and collapses down for easy transport. Fellow vendors often ask about it at shows!

20. Add an Awning for Shade & Comfort

An awning helps keep your booth cool and comfortable for both you and your customers. I use the CamelBack Displays 10ft Standard Tent Awning Kit, and it’s been one of the best investments for my booth setup.

Final Thoughts

Art festivals are filled with learning opportunities, long days, and unexpected challenges—but they are also one of the most rewarding ways to connect with your customers and showcase your work. With thoughtful preparation and the right mindset, you’ll feel more confident and ready to succeed.

If you’re serious about growing your creative business, these tips will help you save time, avoid common mistakes, and make your shows run more smoothly.

Learn from My Journey: Podcast Interviews on Art, Business & Selling at Shows

Featured on the Jewellers Academy Podcast

I’m excited to share my first podcast interview with Jessica Rose, founder of the Jewellers Academy. In this episode, “How to Grow a Jewellery Business Through Fairs and Events ”, I talk about my journey starting MONOLISA, and the lessons I've learned selling my work at art shows.

When I launched my business five years ago, resources on participating in art fairs were limited—so much of what I’ve learned has come from firsthand experience, having now exhibited at over 130 shows. I hope this conversation offers helpful insights to fellow artists and entrepreneurs navigating their own creative paths. A big thank you to Jessica for the opportunity to share my story on the podcast.

Featured on the EM/POWEREDbyWMN Podcast

This year, I stepped away from the studio to speak with Krystal Jugarap, founder of EM/POWEREDbyWMN, about my business journey with MONOLISA. In our conversation, I shared insights on building a handcrafted brand, the unique value of pop-up storefronts, and key lessons I’ve learned about succeeding with face-to-face sales in today’s crowded online marketplace. Thank you to Krystal for the opportunity to share my story on episdoe #54 of the EM/POWEREDbyWMN podcast.

Featured on the Dyslexia Explored Podcast

In recognition of National Dyslexia Awareness Month this October, I was honored to be a guest on the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosted by Darius Namdaran, founder of BulletMap Academy. During our conversation, I share my personal journey with dyslexia, the challenges I’ve faced, and how working with my hands has helped me better understand my learning differences. My hope is that by sharing my story, others navigating similar experiences will feel encouraged and supported. I truly enjoyed the conversation and hope listeners find it meaningful.

"Thank you for reading about my journey."

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Handbag & Jewelry Designer, Lisa Ramos | 20 Essential Tips for Selling at Art Festivals: A Guide for Artists and Entrepreneurs

This blog post is written by California Handbag Designer, Lisa Ramos who has featured her handmade MONOLISA collection at over 180 events in California.

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