Vendor Applications for Garden Fair 2026 Now Open

Celebrating 36 years of Garden Fair May 8 -10, 2026 

APPLY NOW

Get your application in now to join us for the much anticipated 36th celebration of the Mother's Day Weekend Garden Fair at Blandy Experimental Farm, the home of the State Arboretum of Virginia.

Garden Fair is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Foundation of the State Arboretum, the nonprofit that supports Blandy Experimental Farm and the Arboretums’ varied collections and public education programs. More than 8,000 people from across Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren and Loudoun Counties and far beyond, up to a 300-mile radius attend this Mother’s Day tradition event hosted on the beautiful grounds of the State Arboretum of Virginia, located in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. Last year, 65 vendors from across the state participated in this fun and busy plant festival offering the best selection of native plants, annuals, perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, garden tools, nature inspired crafts and gifts and more. We hope you can join us! We will only accept 60 vendors again for 2026. Applications, non-refundable vendor fees and Certificate of Insurance that meet our specific requirements will be due before March 31, 2026. 

2026 Vendor rates:

• Vendor space for 2025 started at $400 per 15 X 20 booth.
• Food/Meal Vendors  $40/linear foot, minimum 10’; spaces are 20’ deep 

Submit your application by March 15, 2026. If your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to proceed with your non refundable vendor fee payment. Payment will be due in full by March 31, 2026.

In 2026, we will accept 65 vendors total, including a set percentage of plant, garden tools, crafts and gifts, food and non-profit vendors. Due to the new threat of box tree moth, Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum of Virginia are prohibiting the sales of boxwoods at Garden Fair 2026.

• Vendor booth fees have remained the same as 2025 fees.
• There will be no tent, table or chair rentals available.
• Priority will be given to vendors who provide complete documentation. Your application is not complete until we receive your properly completed COI and non refundable payment. 
• Priority will be given to food vendors using compostable/biodegradable/eco-friendly food serving packaging and utensils.  
• All vendors, with the exception of food vendors and nonprofit booths are required to be open on Preview Night Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
• Vendor booth location requests cannot be guaranteed

For more information, contact Melanie Mullinax at mmullinax@virginia.edu

Full 2026 Vendor Guidelines

SAMPLE Certificate of Insurance