This time of year, it's tempting to search by "2024 only" thinking everything is good and updated for the new year. It is not that easy nor possible!  Please be aware that event updates roll in 'year round' - sometimes 3-6 months before the event dates. Searching by 'all years' with your selected months in Pro Search will reveal updated and non-updated annual events!  

Also, we have relaunched our member forums; and they can use some action! Start and join event industry conversations today.

As a musician, booking events and selling merchandise is essential for building a successful and sustainable career. However, competing in a market with limited opportunities and networking challenges can be discouraging. In this article, we’ll guide you through actionable tips and suggestions to increase your chances of booking events, boost your merchandise sales, and establish a professional social media presence to excel your music career. 

Heading to an art fair can stir up a mix of excitement and nerves, especially when it's time to sell. But, with some know-how, you can handle sales and transactions at art fairs like a pro. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned artist, mastering the exchange from browser to buyer is crucial. In this post, we'll walk you through the steps to ensure your transactions go smoothly, leaving you to focus on what you do best—showcasing your art. Get ready to learn the ins and outs of handling sales and transactions at art fairs and turn those casual conversations into successful sales.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to enjoy it than by experiencing some of the best holiday events across the US? From Christmas lights to winter wonderlands, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this festive time of year. In this blog post, we've compiled a list of the top five holiday festivals in the US for you to explore and create unforgettable memories.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, New York City

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is one of the most iconic holiday events in New York City. Every year, the Rockefeller Center puts up a towering Christmas tree that is decorated with over 50,000 LED lights, making it a sight to behold. The lighting ceremony is accompanied by live music, dancing, and countless holiday decorations, making it a must-visit festival during the holiday season.

New York State is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage and vibrant art scene, and there's no better way to experience this rich blend of traditions than through its festivals. Here are our top five picks for festivals that truly celebrate the art, music, and community of the Empire State.

Adirondack Balloon Festival - Set against the stunning backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, this festival is a true spectacle of color and movement. With over 100 hot air balloons dotting the sky, guests can enjoy a weekend filled with live music, food and craft vendors, and a fabulous balloon glow.  (2024 dates not yet released at the time of this article.)

Art fairs and festivals are an ideal opportunity for artists to sell their creations to grow their audiences and brands, in addition to custom orders, e-commerce, and personal sales. Artists can create a community, build an audience, & attract the attention and curiosity of curators and galleries all while exhibiting at art fairs. If you are looking to make festivals one of the ways to develop your art career, the following tips will be helpful.

Music festivals are a fantastic platform for musicians to showcase their talent, connect with a diverse audience, and gain valuable exposure. However, getting booked to perform at a festival can be a competitive process. In this blog post, we'll share some effective tips and strategies to help musicians increase their chances of getting booked at a music festival. Keep in mind the event does not have to be a music festival per se. Many art fairs and expos also book entertainment and often have decent entertainment budgets.

"Festivals are happy places, and you don't really want to enjoy them on your own." – Christine and The Queens. Festivals are all about fun, celebration and excitement. For many of us, they represent a chance to get out of our comfort zone, make new memories and feel free from any worries or work pressures, but have you ever found yourself feeling anxious as soon as you spot those festival bathrooms? Festive blogger Sophie shares a few tips on how to make the experience less horrific.

Navigating the world of craft shows can be thrilling. However, the smallest details can sometimes trip us up. One such area where many may stumble is setting up an enticing stall. It's essential to understand common craft show display mistakes to avoid, ensuring your crafts shine and attract plenty of buyers.

Not Testing Your Setup

Diving headfirst into a craft show without prior preparation can be a recipe for disaster. Every artist needs a game plan. Start by conducting a mock set-up at home. This practice will give you an invaluable preview of how your display looks and feels, allowing for tweaks. During this test run, it's crucial to pack your art properly. Proper packaging prevents potential damage and streamlines the setting up process at the show, saving you valuable time.

Running a food stand at a music festival or any large scale event is a great way to create tons of exposure for your business. Just ask Jessica Perjes, who owns Tacotlan, a Chicago-Mexican restaurant that sold food at Suenos Festival in 2022. It was the restaurant's first time ever participating in a festival, and according to Perjes, brand awareness was the biggest incentive for their business to be a vendor at the 2-day event. Since an estimated 45,000 were in attendance at this particular event, it's no wonder why food vendors are seeing music festivals as a prime marketing opportunity. Not only do you get to promote your culinary skills and amazing food, but you also get to earn a decent income. 

Despite the 80 degree weather, Starbucks has released their pumpkin spice drinks, and therefore Autumn has arrived. In preparation, we eagerly await the arrival of fall festivals. These vibrant and lively celebrations showcase the best of the season, offering a myriad of food, entertainment, and attractions for all ages. Join us as we explore some of the most enchanting fall festivals in the country. Pro Members; Remember that you can search by event type to capture Holiday/Seasonal events. Go here to try it out!