Seattle Chinatown-International District

Vendor Guide to CID Events

Events

Vendors / Exhibitors

Welcome to the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) Vendor Guide to CID Events.

This guide is designed to provide you with simple, step-by-step information to help you effectively plan your participation at the Lunar New Year Celebration or CID Night Market. 

We strongly believe in the potential of small businesses to contribute to our local economy. We understand the importance of foot traffic for vendors and invest an allocated budget for social media and digital advertising for every single event. Our aim is to increase sales for our vendors and create an enjoyable experience for the neighborhood.

The events team is also available to assist you with any queries you have. Email us at events@cidbia.org

Lunar New Year Celebration - January/February

Celebrate Seattle’s Chinatown-International District’s annual Lunar New Year with cultural entertainment, lion and dragon dances, and a Food Walk that introduces visitors to the diverse and delicious cuisines of the district.

C-ID Night Market - September

As the sun sets over the Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, the historic neighborhood awakens to a vibrant Mid-Autumn Night Market. Thousands of festival goers take to the streets to feast on a variety of street food from food trucks, and explore handmade goods from vendors.

Application Process & Guidelines

By submitting your application, you are taking the first step in our team reviewing your interest in the event. This DOES NOT GUARANTEE your spot at the event and does not mean you are accepted to the event. Please allow our team the review process and you will hear from us within 15 business days to qualify. Once applications are processed, we will send an online invoice that must be paid by the deadline on it in order to reserve the space. 

FAQs

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When do vendor applications open?

Vendor applications open 2-3 months before the event. Spaces sell out very quickly. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @cidseattle, check this website regularly, and fill out our vendor interest form here.

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How will I know when vendor applications open?

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @cidseattle, check this website regularly, and fill out our vendor interest form here.

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How do I apply?

  1. Click on the vendor application link. (Will be posted in Early April)
  2. Fill out the application.
  3. Accepted Sellers will be invoiced for their booth fee within 15 business days. The invoice must be paid by the deadline on it in order to reserve the space. 
  4. Your booth space is reserved!
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How do I ensure my booth space is reserved?

Once you submit your application, please allow our team the review process and you will hear from us within 15 business days to qualify. Accepted Sellers will hear from us with an acceptance invoice. The invoice must be paid by the deadline on it in order to reserve the space. 

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Can I request a specific booth location?

Please make any specific location notes in the application. We do our best to accommodate but please know that full payment must be made before booths are placed on the floor plan and sponsors have priority locations. 

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Can I receive a booth discount?

Exhibitor Booth Discounts:

  • CIDBIA member businesses (businesses who pay the annual assessment) are eligible for a 50% discount off of exhibitor booth rates. 
  • Non-profit organizations are eligible for a 20% discount.  
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Do I need a Seattle Business License?

To vend at this event you will need either:

  1. Seattle Business License as required by the City of Seattle - apply here.
  2. Pay an extra fee of $10 to be covered by the temporary event Tradeshow License. Please select this option in the vendor application.
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Do I need Event Insurance?

All exhibitors are REQUIRED to provide proof of insurance prior to the event.

You can either:

  1. If you do not have insurance, we can provide it for you for an additional fee of $185 per event. We know this is a significant increase from the past, but this is the best price we've been able to negotiate due to rising costs and inflation and this is a direct pass through, we do not mark this up. Please select this option in the application.
  2. Procure insurance on your own.
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Do I need a Temporary Food Permit from Public Health - Seattle & King County?

Every vendor who is selling food is REQUIRED to have a Temporary Food Permit. Apply at the website here. If you are unsure if you need a permit, please contact Public Health - Seattle & King County at 206-263-9566

If you do not have the correct permit or an updated permit, you could be shut down during the event.

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Do I need a Fire Permit from Seattle Fire Department?

Every vendor who is cooking with propane, wood, or charcoal is REQUIRED to have a fire permit from the Seattle Fire Department. Apply at the website here.  If you have questions, please contact Lt. Keith Wyatt at Keith.Wyatt@seattle.gov or (206) 386-1209

If you do not have the correct fire extinguisher or the correct permit, you could be shut down during the event.

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Do I need a fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers are required by the City of Seattle for any booth conducting cooking operations. Fire extinguishers must be affixed with a tag that indicates they have been serviced within the past 12 months. 

Learn more at the website here.  If you have questions, please contact Lt. Keith Wyatt at Keith.Wyatt@seattle.gov or (206) 386-1209

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I've been accepted, when will I know where my booth is?

The floor plan and exhibitor guide will be sent via email 1 week out from the event. 

Application Dates

CID Night Market - September

  • Early April: Applications for the CID Night Market open to past vendors
  • Early May: Applications for the CID Night Market open to the public

LNY Celebration - January/February

  • Early November: Applications for the LNY Celebration open to past vendors
  • Early December: Applications for the LNY Celebration open to the public

OUR EVENTS SELL OUT EXTREMELY QUICKLY.

Exhibitor Information

If you are already signed up as a vendor, reference the links below:

Fire Permit Link

Temporary Food Permit Link  

Seattle Business License Link

All events are RAIN OR SHINE. Vendors are required to attend if the market is not cancelled.

Cancellations are permitted ONE MONTH (30 days) prior to an event with a full refund and must be done via email to: info@cidbia.org. On/after the 30 day window, the company will forfeit the exhibitor application and booth fees.

Still have questions? Email us at events@cidbia.org