Food Vendor Expression of Interest

• READ the information provided about the selection process and vendor fees.
• TALK to us if you have any queries. Midsumma can be reached on [email protected] or 03 9296 6600.
• PREPARE clear images of your vehicle, a copy of your menu (with prices and dietary/allergy information), and a copy of your Public Liability Insurance to go with your application.
• SUBMIT online. Submissions with incomplete information will not be considered.

Please Note: Due to logistical requirements of the event, applications are only open to trucks, vans, or trailers. We are unable to accept vendors who operate out of a marquee or similar.

Successful food vendor applications are based on a range of criteria presented to a selection panel for suitability to Midsumma Festival.

Menu Options / Dietary Requirements

At Midsumma Festival we aim to have a broad range of food options at our events. We appreciate the diversity of our audiences as well as the food available to them!

Previously, selected Food Vendors have demonstrated a variety of food options within their menu. Menus with a number of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free or nut-free options are highly regarded. Menus generally must at least have a vegetarian main meal option in order to be considered. 

Affordable pricing options

Midsumma Carnival and Midsumma Pride March are both free events and we have members from the community attending from all walks of life. Food Vendors with menu items at a broad range of price points are more likely to be successful.

Sustainable / 'Green' practices

Midsumma Festival, as well as our event partners City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip, have strict guidelines around sustainability.

Vendors with sustainable practices around packaging, straws, landfill, recycling, food waste, and water usage are at an advantage. Midsumma strongly discourages the use of single-use plastics. 

Adherence to public health guidelines

In light of government restrictions and public health guidelines, we are looking at how our vendors work within these for the safety of Midsumma Festival audiences.

History with Midsumma Festival

Midsumma Festival takes into consideration previous interactions with Midsumma Festival staff, volunteers and customers and encourages EOIs from Vendors who share in our values.

Bonus Tips

• Shake it up! It's a competitive industry that is constantly changing and we love seeing new vendors applying, or vendors changing up their menus and truck designs. No need to re-invent the wheel, just to perhaps change the tyres every now and then.
• Be flexible. As the event grows and improves each year, there are changes that are made across all aspects of the event. We are appreciative when our vendors are open minded about new elements of the events and not set on what has happened in previous years.
• Many vendors at our events run out of their vegetarian/vegan option early in the day. Don't underestimate the queer community's love for a plant-based diet.
• Midsumma Festival is a not for profit organisation run by a small team of arts and events management professionals. We hold each event's best interests at heart and may be able to offer more tips to best facilitate your success on the day. We know that all our vendors are experienced, dedicated, and prepared to do an amazing job - we look forward to working with you!

Make sure you give us as much information as you can to ensure we see you at your best!

Successful applicants will be contacted shortly after registrations close to confirm their acceptance for Midsumma Carnival and/or Midsumma Pride March. Other event opportunities may arise during the festival for which your contact details will be kept for reference.

Please note that due to the volume of submissions received, incomplete applications will not be considered. The outcome of this process is decided by Midsumma Festival and will not be reconsidered.

Food Vendor fees to be announced for the 2025 Festival.

Power Fees to be announced for the 2025 Festival.

1. Contact details
2. Menu details (item, price, allergy information, dietary requirement)
3. Vehicle and coolroom (if required) dimensions, and total footprint required
4. Power requirements
5. Overview of business practices
6. Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency
7. Promotional photos

Please note in Victoria, all organisations or individuals that prepare, sell or serve food are regulated by local councils under the Food Act 1984 (Food Act).

All food traders are required to apply for Foodtrader registration or notification under the Food Act.