Become a Vendor
Maritime Festival 2026
OCEAN INSTITUTE’S 42nd ANNUAL
MARITIME FESTIVAL!
A celebration of visiting tall ships!
Friday, Sept 11 – Sunday, Sept 13, 2026
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in participating in Ocean Institute’s Annual Maritime Festival!
This is a fun-filled weekend event with educational maritime and ocean science activities, visiting tall ships, beer gardens, mermaids, pirates, live music, a sailor camp, food trucks, and more! Like years past, we will have a “Peddler’s Village” section of the festival—an area where local craftsmen and businesses can showcase their goods. 100% of proceeds benefit Ocean Institute’s operations and educational programs.
Estimated # of Visitors: 8,000-10,000 visitors over 3 days
Vendors will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Vendor Information
Peddler's Village Vendors
Peddler’s Village is the festival’s main marketplace. Located in the parking lot in front of the Dana Point Pier, it is right in the middle of the action.
Peddler’s Village Hours:
Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Important Dates:
- Applications open: Monday, April 6, 2026
- Applications will be awarded on a rolling basis- first come, first served
- Applications close: Friday, July 31, 2026
- Payment due: Friday, July 31, 2026
- The payment link will be sent in the acceptance email
- Vendor/Event Packets will be emailed on Friday, August 28, 2026
Important Information:
- There is no designated vendor parking. Vendors can unload in assigned spaces, but cars must be moved to other lots in the harbor/street parking or festival-designated parking, and use the festival shuttle.
- Load-in is Saturday AM from 7:00 am – 9:00 am
- ALL cars must be out of the parking lots by 9:00 am
- Vendors must be ready to open at 10:00 am
- Tents/tables/chairs can be left overnight; we will have on-site security.
- Clean up: Sunday, Sept 13th, after 7:00 pm. Must be out by 8:00 pm.
- Requirements:
- Tent, weights for tents (sandbags), product, signage, staff, and POS system.
- Vendors must be present on both Saturday and Sunday.
Pricing:
- Peddler’s Village Premier Artist Space (10×10) – $425
- Peddler’s Village Premier Commercial Space (10×10) – $950
Educational Vendors
As an educational non-profit, we love to collaborate with our fellow educators. Educational organizations can participate in the festival at no additional charge! Educational vendors will set up in Ocean Institute’s parking lot, which is a free area with games, crafts, and more!
Festival Dates: Sept 11 – Sept 13, 2025
- Educational Vendor Hours:
- Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Timeline:
- Applications open: Monday, April 6, 2026
- Applications will be awarded on a rolling basis- first come, first served
- Applications close: Friday, July 31, 2026
- Payment due: Friday, July 31, 2026
- The payment link will be sent in the acceptance email
- Vendor/Event Packets will be emailed on Friday, August 28, 2025
Special Notes
- There is no designated vendor parking. Vendors can unload in assigned spaces, but cars must be moved to other lots in the harbor/street parking or festival-designated parking, and use the festival shuttle.
- Load-in is Saturday AM from 7:00 am – 9:00 am
- ALL cars must be out of the parking lots by 9:00 am
- Vendors must be ready to open at 9:00 am
- Tents/tables/chairs can be left overnight; we will have on-site security.
- Clean up: Sunday, Sept 13th, after 5:00 pm. Must be out by 6:00 pm.
Requirements:
- Tent, weights for tents (sandbags), signage, and staff.
- Vendors must be present on both Saturday and Sunday.
Premier Vendor Package
New this year!
New this year, we are offering our vendors the opportunity to elevate their brand with our Premier Vendor Package.
We want to ensure your message is seen by a steady stream of guests throughout this festival in one of our most heavily trafficked areas. For an additional $250, 2026 vendors can secure a high-visibility banner placement in our of our busiest areas, for both those on land and sea, on both days of the festival (Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13).
This premium location offers an opportunity to stand out, attract attention, and connect with potential customers in a dynamic setting lining the perimeter of the festival.
Banners not provided.
