Vendor FAQ

What are the event dates?

2025 Dates: Los Angeles, CA - March 9 Dallas, TX - March 23 Los Angeles, CA - April 13 Los Angeles County Fair - May 17 Los Angeles Juneteenth Festival + 4 Year Anniversary - June 15 Detroit, MI - July 20 Los Angeles, CA - August 17 Houston, TX - September 7 Atlanta, GA - September 21 Washington, DC - October 19 Dallas, TX - October 26 Charlotte, NC - TBA
How do I become a vendor at Black on the Block?

Vendor applications are available exclusively on the Black on the Block Vendor Portal. Create an account to apply to be a vendor and stay updated on all upcoming events. Please read this FAQ before you apply for more detailed vendor information. Applications are not first come, first serve. This is a curated market, so all vendors must go through an approval process. For more insight on our selection process, please read the "How are vendors selected" tab next. After you apply, you will receive an email within 2 weeks if you have been accepted with further instructions. Black on the Block does not send decline emails or application status updates to applicants. Requests from applicants regarding the status of their application may not be answered. If we contact you and do not hear from you within 72 hours, your spot may be given to another vendor on the waitlist.
When do Vendor Applications go live?

Vendor applications become available exclusively on our Vendor Portal per event. Be sure to make a Vendor Portal account to be prepared to submit your application. Follow us on Instagram, download the Black on the Block App or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when vendor applications go live for your city!
Do I need a Sellers Permit?

Approved vendors participating in Black on the Block must comply with all permit requirements specific to the county where the event is held. If your business meets the necessary sellers permit requirements (also known as a Sales Tax permit), you must submit proof of your permit on the Black on the Block Vendor Portal. It is your responsibility to ensure you are fully compliant with local regulations. Please note that Black on the Block is not responsible for any failed vendor inspections during the event due to the vendor lacking the proper permits.
Do I need to obtain a Food Permit?

All accepted food, beverage, and pre-packaged vendors participating in Black on the Block must comply with all Health Department permit requirements specific to the county where the event is held. It is your responsibility to ensure you are fully compliant with local regulations. If your business meets the temporary food establishment permit requirements, you must either submit your food permit application or proof of permit to Black on the Block. Instructions and deadlines will be communicated to accepted vendors. Failure to submit by the deadline will result in additional fees administered by the Health Department. Please note that Black on the Block is not responsible for any failed vendor inspections during the event due to the vendor lacking the proper permits.
How are the vendors selected?

Due to limited space and a high volume of applications, our acceptance process is selective. To maintain variety and help each vendor succeed, we aim to avoid too many vendors within the same category. Each market also features a curated mix of returning favorites and exciting new vendors. Your social media following does not have an influence on our decision-making. Instead, we prioritize vendors who demonstrate professionalism, intentional branding, and offer high-quality, original products. Preference is given to those selling their own creations rather than reselling items. To be considered, you must provide a website or Instagram account showcasing a range of your products or services. Our team carefully reviews every application to ensure each vendor aligns with the overall vibe and quality of our market.
Do I need to bring my own tent, tables, and chairs, etc?

Yes, as a vendor you are responsible for your entire setup. This includes tents, tables, chairs, generators, extension cords, and anything else you may need for your setup.
I just applied. When will I hear back?

We get back to all selected vendors within 2 weeks of application. Black on the Block does not send decline emails or application status updates to applicants. Requests from applicants regarding the status of their application may not be answered. Please be sure to check your email and spam for your acceptance email. If we don't hear from you within 72 hours, another vendor on the waitlist will take your place.