The City of Thunder Bay is inviting Event Vendors to apply to participate in the Recreation & Culture Division's annual events series. All events are free to the public and collectively draw tens of thousands of attendees. Vendor opportunities include over 12 event dates.
Applications may also be shared with other areas within the City of Thunder Bay who may be looking to book Event Vendors.
Recreation & Culture events include, but are not limited to:
- SnowDay on the Waterfront - February 17
- Quest: Tech & Gaming - May 9 & 10
- Kite Festival - June 8
- Canada Day - July 1
- Teddy Bears Picnic - July 8
- Live on the Waterfront - July 16/23/30 August 6/13/20/27/28
- Arts & Culture Under the Lights - September 19
- Culture Days - September 19 - October 12
The City of Thunder Bay strives to deliver high quality event experiences for our patrons. This includes products and services that enhance or complement our events. Two types of vendor opportunities exist:
- Vendor Space: vendors pay a fee to sell their products or services to event patrons.
- Event Service: vendors may be contracted by the City to provide free/discounted products or services to event patrons.
Event vendors interested in participating in events are required to provide the following items in order to be considered:
- This "Call to Event Vendors" form, completely and accurately filled in.
- An electronic file of proposed service or goods for sale at the event.
- Enter into and abide by the Event Vendor Contract provided by the City of Thunder Bay.
- Pay event vendor fee(s) for all selected events. These fees are set by the City of Thunder Bay and must be paid in advance of the event date(s).
- Maintain a minimum of $5,000,000 General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance. Proof of Liability Insurance listing the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay as an additional insured for the purpose of your participation in the event must be provided on the City of Thunder Bay Certificate of Insurance Form.*
- Obtain and provide current copies off all relevant licenses, certifications, permits and inspections, including but not limited to: Equipment Certifications/Inspections (i.e. TSSA).*
*Additional items may be required. The City reserves the right to require higher insurance coverage where justified by the activity being offered.
Please note:
- Incomplete and/or late applications may not be considered.
- Vendor selection decisions made by City Events Staff will be final.
- The City of Thunder Bay at its sole discretion will reserve the right to seek additional event vendors at any or all events if required.
- While participating, event vendors are to conduct themselves in a professional manner that is suitable for a family venue. All selected vendors will be required to sign and abide by the City's Vendor Code of Conduct.
- The City Events Staff will determine vendor placement on each event site and date. Vendor placement is not guaranteed to be consistent from year to year or event to event. Vendor placement decisions made by City Events Staff are final.
- The City has sole discretion to accept or reject applications (i.e. booths or activities promoting political/religious groups or values and activities/products not appropriate for a family audience will not be allowed).
- Fundraising activities that do not include an event-relevant product or service (i.e. raffles, draws, or ticket sales for other events and activities) will not be accepted.
- Vendor opportunities are limited and may not exist at all events.
2025 Fees:
- Live on the Waterfront - First Half - $925 +HST
- Live on the Waterfront - Second Half - $925 +HST
- Kite Festival - $315 +HST
- SnowDay on the Waterfront - $315 +HST
- Teddy Bears Picnic - $315 +HST
- Canada Day on the Waterfront - $750 +HST
All questions and inquiries regarding this or any other call can be directed to culture@thunderbay.ca
