Artist FAQ’s
Hundreds of artists are waiting to share their unique treasures - handmade gifts, fine art, décor, and more!
Artist FAQ’s
Applying & Acceptance
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Artists must complete an application to participate in this juried Festival. Applications are submitted through ZAPPlication, a widely used application management and jurying platform for art festivals and events.
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Yes. Each artist is juried for each Festival they wish to participate in.
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Jurors evaluate applications based on several factors, including originality, handmade craftsmanship, quality of work, booth presentation, and overall professionalism.
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The Festival accepts a wide variety of handcrafted, original work, including:
- Jewelry
- Wearable Art & Textiles
- Glass
- Leather
- Metal
- Mixed Media
- Painting & Prints
- Photography
- Pottery & Clay
- Non-Wearable Textiles
- Wood
- Specialty Foods
- Apothecary
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Yes. We encourage emerging and first-time festival artists to apply. Artists who are new to participating in festivals are welcome to submit their work for consideration.
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Yes. Artists may apply in multiple medium categories; however, a separate application is required for each category.
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Accepted artists will receive an invitation email through ZAPPlication. Artists must accept or decline the invitation through the ZAPPlication platform. Jury decisions are final.
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Acceptance notifications are typically sent a week after the posted jury deadline listed on the application. Applications submitted after the initial jury deadline are generally reviewed and notified within approximately five days.
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All work displayed and offered for sale must be consistent with the work approved through the jury process. Any work that differs significantly from your approved application may be required to be removed from your booth and taken off sale. If an artist's entire booth consists of work that was not approved, the artist may be required to close their booth and leave the Festival without a refund.
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Yes. There is a non-refundable $45 jury fee per application, which is paid through ZAPPlication during the application process.
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Artists who are not selected will receive a notification of non-acceptance through ZAPPlication.
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Yes. Once a category is full, a waitlist may be established for qualified artists. If space becomes available, an artist on the waitlist may be contacted and given the opportunity to participate.
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Acceptance notifications are typically sent a week after the posted jury deadline listed on the application. Applications submitted after the initial jury deadline are generally reviewed and notified within approximately five days.
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Yes, if it is a different festival than the one which you were declined. Artists are welcome to reapply for future Festivals.
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Photos are submitted as part of the ZAPPlication application process. Please follow the photo requirements outlined in the application.
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No. Artists are expected to exhibit the work represented in their approved application. If you would like to substantially change your product line, you must submit a new application and go through the jury process again.
Booth Selection & Costs
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The following booth sizes are available:
- 10' x 10'
- 10' x 15' — Limited availability
- 10' x 20'
- 10' x 30'
- 10' x 40'
Larger booth spaces may be available upon request
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Booth pricing is based on size:
- 10' x 10': $750
- 10' x 15': $1,125 — Limited availability
- 10' x 20': $1,450
- 10' x 30': $2,250
- 10' x 40': Pricing available upon request
Larger spaces may be available. Please contact Festival Management for availability and pricing.
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Yes. A limited number of corner booths are available for an additional $200 fee.
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Booth assignments are made by Festival Management based on the overall Festival layout and operational needs.
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Yes. Artists may submit general booth location requests for consideration. We will make every effort to accommodate special needs; however, booth placement is subject to availability and other factors involved in planning the Festival layout.
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Booth assignments are typically provided several months prior to the Festival.
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You will receive a booth invoice with a payment link through your Artist Portal in the CACF system. Booth payments are not made through ZAPPlication.
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No. Only the $45 jury application fee is paid through ZAPPlication. Booth fees are paid separately through the payment system provided in your Artist Portal.
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Booth fees may be paid by credit card or check.
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Booth fees are refundable until the published cancellation deadline. The cancellation deadline is listed on your invoice and in the Festival application.
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Additional fees may apply for services such as electricity and internet. These services are available for purchase directly through the DTC Expo Center. Participating artists will receive further information.
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Yes. Corner booths are available for an additional $200 fee, and availability is limited.
Festival Location & Attendance
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The 2026 Festival will be held at the DTC Expo Center, located at Dulles Town Center.
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The December Festival typically attracts more than 10,000 shoppers throughout the weekend.
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Our attendees include art enthusiasts, collectors, fine craft enthusiasts, and shoppers looking for unique gifts and one-of-a-kind pieces.
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Attendees travel from Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and surrounding areas to attend the Festival.
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Yes. Free parking is available for artists.
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Yes. Designated parking is available for artists and is separate from attendee parking.
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The Expo Hall typically opens for artists approximately 1½ hours before the Festival opens to the public.
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The Festival is held indoors at the DTC Expo Center.
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- Friday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
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The busiest shopping periods are typically in the mornings and early afternoon.
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Yes. Once a category is full, a waitlist may be established for qualified artists. If space becomes available, an artist on the waitlist may be contacted and given the opportunity to participate.
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All work displayed and offered for sale must be consistent with the work approved through the jury process. Any work that differs significantly from your approved application may be required to be removed from your booth and taken off sale. If an artist's entire booth consists of work that was not approved, the artist may be required to close their booth and leave the Festival without a refund.
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All work displayed and offered for sale must be consistent with the work approved through the jury process. Any work that differs significantly from your approved application may be required to be removed from your booth and taken off sale. If an artist's entire booth consists of work that was not approved, the artist may be required to close their booth and leave the Festival without a refund.
Booth Setup & Displays
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Booth setup is available on Thursday from 9:00 AM–7:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM–9:00 AM.
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Move-in is available on Thursday from 9:00 AM–7:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM–9:00 AM.
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Each booth is pre-set with 8’h pipe and white drape on the back and both sides along with an ID sign
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Pipe and drape.
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Yes. Exhibitors are welcome and encouraged to bring their own display structures and booth setup.
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No.
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Yes. Please contact Festival Management if you would like the pipe and drape removed.
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Signs and banners may be displayed within your booth space. Nothing may be suspended or hung from the building structure.
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Booth displays may not exceed 8' in height. Please review the Booth Display Rules for additional guidelines.
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No. Items may not be attached directly to the drape. Exhibitors may attach items to the drape poles using hooks or wire.
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There is no dedicated storage space provided behind the booth. Exhibitors should plan to keep all materials and personal items within their booth space.
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Yes. All tables should have a full-length covering that extends to the floor.
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No. All work, displays, furniture, and chairs must remain within your assigned booth space and may not obstruct the aisles.
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No. Flags and aisle banners are not permitted.
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We recommend an open, clean, and inviting booth design that allows attendees to easily enter and interact with your display.
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An open, welcoming booth with an engaging display and approachable staff can help attract attendees and encourage interaction.
Electricity, Internet & Technology
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No. Electrical service is not included with your booth space but may be purchased directly through DTC Expo. Participating artists will receive further information.
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No. Wi-Fi service is not included with your booth space.
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Electrical and Wi-Fi service can be ordered directly through DTC Expo. Participating artists will receive further information.
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No. Battery packs are not permitted inside the exhibit area.
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Yes. Exhibitors should bring their own power strips and extension cords as needed for their booth setup.
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Exhibitors may use the payment system provider of their choice. We recommend testing your payment system during move-in to ensure everything is working properly before the event begins.
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Yes. Cell phone service is available inside the venue.
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Yes. Exhibitors may process credit card transactions directly from their booth using their preferred payment system.
Artist Portal & Marketing
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Festival Management will provide you with a link and instructions for accessing the Artist Portal.
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Select the “Forgot My Password” link on the login page to reset your password.
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We recommend including high-quality photos and a description of your work, your website, social media information, and any other relevant details that help attendees learn more about you and your work.
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Log in to the Artist Portal and select “Edit My Artist Listing” to update your information.
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Log in to the Artist Portal and select “Edit My Artist Listing.” From there, you can add and upload photos of your products.
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Artists may upload up to four product photos.
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Log in to the Artist Portal and select “Edit My Artist Listing” to upload your promotional images.
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Artists may submit up to four promotional photos.
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Yes. Your artist profile will be featured on the Festival website.
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Select information will also be included in the printed Festival guide for each artist. Including company name, booth number, city/state, website and product category.
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Yes. A few months prior to the Festival, we will request your social media information and promotional details to help support Festival marketing efforts.
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Help spread the word about your participation in CACF by sharing the Festival on your social media channels, email lists, and with past customers and collectors.
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Yes. We recommend uploading a high-quality banner image and logo to enhance your artist profile and online listing.
Sales & Business Operations
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Yes. Artists keep 100% of their sales.
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No. The Festival does not take a commission on artist sales.
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Yes. Artists are responsible for collecting and remitting any applicable sales tax on their sales.
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The current tax rate for Loudoun County, Virginia is 6%.
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Artists should follow the guidelines which govern their type of work, and any licensing which may be required. We do not collect that information.
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Artists should keep accurate records of their sales and transactions throughout the Festival. As a best practice, we also recommend maintaining a guest book or contact list to collect the names and contact information of attendees who would like to stay in touch and receive information about future events, collections, or offerings.
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We generally encourage artists to maintain their regular pricing, as frequent discounts may diminish the perceived value of your work. If you choose to offer a special promotion, we recommend displaying it in a small, designated area within the back of your booth.
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The Festival attracts shoppers interested in a wide variety of handcrafted artwork and products across all of the accepted categories. Artists can be successful with many different types of work, including jewelry, textiles, glass, pottery, photography, painting, wood, specialty foods, and more.
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Pricing should reflect the type, quality, craftsmanship, materials, and uniqueness of your work. We recommend establishing pricing that appropriately represents the value of your artwork while offering a range of price points when possible, to appeal to a variety of shoppers.
Rules & Compliance
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Yes. The artist must be present in their booth throughout the Festival.
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Helpers and employees may assist with booth operations; however, the approved artist must be present at the Festival.
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At least one of the creators must be present at the Festival.
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Yes. Artists should have valid identification available during check-in.
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No. Buy/sell products are strictly prohibited. All work displayed and sold must comply with the Festival's application and jury requirements.
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No. Mass-produced items are not permitted. Work must meet the Festival's handmade and original-work requirements.
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No. Pet products are not permitted unless specifically approved by Festival Management.
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Yes! Artist demonstrations are encouraged and provide an excellent opportunity to engage attendees and showcase your creative process.
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Yes, but music must be played at a very low volume and must not be audible outside your booth space.
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Yes. Any music, demonstrations, or other sounds must be kept at a level that cannot be heard outside your assigned booth space.
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No. Open flames and candles are strictly prohibited in the exhibit area.
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No. Only service animals are permitted inside the Festival.
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Artists are expected to remain in their booths until the Festival closes each day. If you leave early, you will not be permitted to return to the Festival.
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Violations that may result in removal include, but are not limited to, misrepresentation of work on your application, selling buy/sell or prohibited products, failure to comply with Festival rules, and inappropriate or disruptive conduct. Artists removed for violations may not be eligible for a refund.
Security & Services
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Yes. Overnight security is provided to help protect the Festival and exhibit areas.
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No. Artists are responsible for insuring their own artwork, equipment, and personal property. The Festival does not provide insurance coverage for individual artists or their work.
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Yes. Artists are strongly encouraged to maintain their own insurance coverage for artwork, equipment, and personal property throughout the Festival.
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Yes. Artists may leave their booths and displays set up overnight. However, artists are responsible for securing their personal belongings, artwork, and valuables.
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Yes. Booth-sitting services are available for artists who need a short break from their booth.
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Please visit the Festival Management Desk at the beginning of each day to schedule a booth sitter.
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Yes. Porter service is available to assist artists with moving booth materials and equipment. Please visit the Festival Management Desk to schedule assistance.
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Yes. Porters are available to assist with moving booth materials and other items from your vehicle to your assigned booth space.
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Yes. Carts may be available for artist use. Please visit the Festival Management Desk to add your name to the cart list.
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Artists should remain alert and engaged with customers while operating their booths. We strongly recommend keeping personal belongings and valuables secure and never leaving valuable items unattended.
Sales Success & Best Practices
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Booths that feel open, inviting, and easy to enter tend to attract more visitors. Avoid creating barriers at the front of your booth and arrange your displays so customers can comfortably browse.
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Corner booths can provide increased visibility and an additional open side, giving attendees more opportunities to see and enter your booth.
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Create a balanced display that allows both large and small pieces to stand out. Use larger artwork as focal points and position smaller items at eye level or on displays that make them easy to browse. Avoid overcrowding your booth.
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High-quality images of your artwork can be effective in attracting attention. Clear, professional signage that identifies your business or brand can also help attendees remember you. Large handwritten signage is not allowed.
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Yes, whenever possible! Live demonstrations are a great way to attract attention, engage shoppers, and give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at your creative process.
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Use bright, professional lighting that highlights your artwork without creating glare or distracting from your displays. Lighting should help your work look its best and make your booth feel welcoming.
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Position yourself toward the back or side of your booth when possible. This creates more space for customers to enter and comfortably browse your work while still allowing you to greet and interact with visitors.
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Promote your participation before the Festival by sharing it on social media, through your email list, and with past customers. During the Festival, maintain an open and welcoming booth and engage visitors with friendly conversation.
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Keep your booth organized, uncluttered, and easy to navigate. Group similar items together, provide enough space for customers to browse comfortably, and make sure your best pieces are easy to see.
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Common mistakes include overcrowding the booth, poor lighting, cluttered displays, blocking the booth entrance, and being unavailable or disengaged with customers. A clean, organized, and welcoming booth can make a significant difference in the overall shopping experience.
Logistics & Accommodations
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Yes. CACF has a room block with discounted rates available at the Courtyard by Marriott Dulles Town Center. Book your group rate for Capital & Craft Festival Room Block
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Courtyard by Marriott Dulles Town Center
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No. Artist hospitality benefits are not provided as part of Festival participation.
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Yes. A concession stand will be available during public Festival hours. Additional dining options are available at the Dulles Town Center food court and nearby restaurants.
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No. A dedicated artist or exhibitor break area is not available.
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Artists should use the designated move-in doors, which will be clearly marked. Please follow posted signage and instructions from Festival staff.
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Move-out times vary depending on the size of your booth, the amount of artwork and equipment you have, and how quickly you are able to pack and remove your items from the building.
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Move-out begins when the Festival officially closes. Artists are responsible for packing their artwork and booth materials, removing all items from the building, and cleaning their booth space. Please dispose of all trash in the designated trash receptacles before leaving.
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Yes. A variety of restaurants, shops, and other amenities are available at and near Dulles Town Center.
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Please contact Festival Management with any questions or concerns prior to your arrival.
Future Participation
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Focus on creating high-quality, original, handmade work and maintaining a professional presence as an exhibiting artist. Following all Festival rules and guidelines and providing a positive experience for attendees can also help support future participation.
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We value our returning artists and, whenever possible, try to keep artists in the same booth location from Festival to Festival, provided the location worked well for both the artist and the Festival.
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Applications typically open 10–11 months prior to each Festival.
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Join our artist mailing list and follow the CACF.art website for application announcements and updates.
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Yes! Artists are welcome to apply for and participate in multiple Capital Art & Craft Festivals throughout the year.