Get Involved
Build the Legend. Mill Race Monster Festival will come to life through the creativity, energy, and participation of our community.
BECOME A VENDOR
Complete this form if you are a:
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Artist, maker, and merchandise vendor
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Food truck and food or beverage vendor
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Service provider (face painting, tarot card reading, tattoos, etc.)
Creative, cryptid-inspired, spooky, mysterious, and Mill Race Monster–themed offerings are especially encouraged.
All vendors are required to fill out this form to apply for space at the festival. All applications must be completed by August 28, 2026. Once your application is submitted, we will review and respond to the contact information provided below. Vendors are not confirmed until approved by Mill Race Monster Festival. We will reach out to you by September 14, 2026.
Vendors are responsible for bringing everything they need. You will be allotted a maximum of 12' x 12' space. We recommend you bring a tent, table, and chairs. The applicant is responsible for set-up, staffing, and tear-down for all activities.
Food and beverage vendors will be required to submit proof of day-of-event insurance once accepted. Other vendors may be required to provide proof of insurance.
Vendor Fees:
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Food & beverage vendors: $150 per day
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Artists: $50 per day, scholarships available
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All other vendors & experiences: $100 per day
Vendor Requirements:
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Day-of-Event Insurance. Food and beverage vendors will be required to submit proof of insurance once accepted. Other vendors may be required to provide proof of insurance.
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Bring everything you need. We recommend tents (tent weights are required), tables, and chairs. Please be prepared for the weather - including lots of wind or sun!
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Be prepared to load/unload and set up your own booth.
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Vendors must remain open, staffed, and operational for the full required vendor hours on each day they are registered to participate. Friday: 4:00–9:00 pm, Saturday: 12:00–9:00 pm, Sunday: n/a
Elev8 Events sells drinks at an event on the 6th Street Arts Alley in Columbus, IN.
Christopher Pitts performs on 6th St. Arts Alley in Columbus, IN.
Taylor Goldsmith & MC Taylor perform at The Lex in Columbus, IN.
PERFORMERS & SPEAKERS
We are seeking a broad mix of voices and creative perspectives to bring the festival to life. Programming will take place across two stages, with space for everything from intimate talks and storytelling to high-energy performances. Emerging and established artists from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Fill out this application if you are a:
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Musician, poet, dancer, performer
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Paranormal expert, podcaster, researcher, speaker
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Storyteller and folklorist
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Monster hunter and other wonderfully strange talent
ACTIVITY HOST
Help make the festival a monstrous experience. We’re seeking artists, educators, organizations, and creative community members to create experiences.
Cryptid, spooky, mysterious, and Mill Race Monster–inspired ideas are especially encouraged.
Fill out this application if you want to host a:
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Activity or workshop
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Demonstration
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Game and competition
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Participatory experience
LOCAL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION
Columbus Area Arts Council invites local businesses to help build excitement around the Mill Race Monster in ways that feel creative, welcoming, and fun. We encourage you to work with local artists and the creative community to bring your ideas to life. We recognize the time and imagination participation requires, and we want to celebrate the businesses that help shape the experience.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Entertainment, Food, and Beverage
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Mill Race Monster cocktail or mocktail
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Green dessert or pastry
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Show classic monster movies on the screen
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Monster trivia night
Storefronts & Displays
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Engage local artist to create custom merch
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Monster-themed window display
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1970s theme camping scene
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Green merchandise in windows
On Sunday, the Mill Race Monster Festival will move into Downtown Columbus. We are looking for restaurants, shops, bars, hotels, and community spaces to help keep the festival energy going throughout the day. Participation could include brunch, themed specials, film screenings, trivia, pop-ups, podcast recordings, live music, artist activations, or other creative experiences.
If your business is interested in hosting an activity, offering a special, or simply being open that day, please let us know. Participating businesses may be listed on the official festival schedule and included in festival promotions.
Elev8 Events sells drinks at an event on the 6th Street Arts Alley in Columbus, IN.
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