Vending in 2025: The 3 Festivals I’ll Always Come Back To
I officially checked off every vending event I planned for 2025 — which means it’s time to be honest with myself (and y’all) about what worked, what didn’t, what I’m keeping, and what I’m cutting as I grow this business with purpose.
After a full year of early mornings, late-night stitching, sunburns, sweat, and square readers, I’ve narrowed my “Must Vend” list down to three events I’ll keep doing every single year. Each one hits a different part of my brand: community, culture, and pure vibe.
🌸 1. Lovin’ Life Music Fest — Early May
We’re heading into Year 3, and I refuse to skip this one. Lovin’ Life is hands-down one of the happiest weekends Uptown has, and there is no better booth placement on earth than the steps of 7th Street Market. It’s central, it’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it’s pure Charlotte energy.
The foot traffic is wild, people are in a good mood, and the music floats through the city — it’s just a chef’s kiss experience. As long as they’ll have me, I’m rolling up.
🔥 2. Queen City HBCU Cookout — Peak Summer Heat
Listen… this event sits in the buttcrack of summer and I want y’all to understand something:
IT. IS. DISRESPECTFULLY. HOT.
But?
We’ll be there for Year 3 too. Because the vibes are unmatched and the sales always make it worth it. If the heat tries to snatch my soul, so be it. I’m coming prepared next time with:
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Cooling towels
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Big fan
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Buckets of ice water
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And most importantly… a mountain of D9 and HBCU towels, because the people show UP for those.
Recovery takes days, hydration takes planning, and sweat takes no breaks — but I’ll endure it again and again for my culture and my coins.
🌿 3. Feel Good Fest — Fall (September/October)
This one really does what it claims — you FEEL GOOD. The weather? Perfect. The crowd? Chill. The energy? Immaculate.
It’s not the biggest money-maker, but it feeds my spirit, and that matters too. The sales are steady, the conversations are genuine, and it reminds me why I love creating for community in the first place.
💸 Why I’m Scaling Back on Other Markets
Here’s the truth:
Vending is not my primary revenue stream.
And when you’re building a business with strategy — not burnout — you have to choose wisely. Smaller free markets like Common Market are great for fun, visibility, and community… but sometimes the sales only cover lunch — not even a hard cider.
So instead of vending everywhere just to say I did, I’m choosing events that give me:
✅ Content
✅ Connection
✅ Visibility
✅ Cultural alignment
✅ And a few coins, not crumbs
👩👧 My Favorite Part: Marley
One reason I still vend at all? Marley.
Vending is how she learns small business in the real world. My girl can now:
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Set up a tent
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Build a display
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Greet customers
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Run a phone-based POS
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And break down a booth like a pro
Those are life skills — not just event skills. Watching her grow and take ownership is worth more than any booth fee or sales total.
✨ Final Word
In 2026 and beyond, I’ll keep vending — but intentionally.
These three festivals feed my business in the ways that matter: visibility, culture, connection, content, and community.
And sometimes, that’s more valuable than a sold-out table.
Next Up on Cookout News:
🔥 How I Prep for Summer Events Without Passing Out: A Vendor Survival Guide