Applications COMING SOON for our 2024 HOLIDAY show!

We’re BACK for a holiday show this year the weekend of Saturday December 6! We hope to see more up-and-coming artists this year, and for the first time are offering FREE 2-hour spots to artists and crafters under the age of 18! Read below for information about our 2025 Holiday show.

When are applications available for ’25?

Show applications are COMING SOON and will be closed August 31!
Artists who apply by the August 31 deadline will be notified of their status by September 16.

What is the cost to participate?

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HOLIDAY SHOW: The fee for standard 6’ x 8’ artist spaces in our one-day 2025 holiday show is is TBD due by October 15. There is no application fee. Electricity is no additional cost, but availability is limited and is not guaranteed. Larger 6’ x 12’ spaces may be reserved based on availability (cost TBD). Premium and corner spaces may be requested on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional fee (TBD).

Up-and-Comer: We have a limited number of smaller, discounted spaces for up-and-coming artists who will be participating in No Coast Craft-o-Rama for the first time. The fee for a 5’ x 5’ space is $75. Please note only those who have never participated in No Coast Craft-o-Rama before are eligible for these smaller, discounted spaces.

Minor Artists: We have a limited number of FREE spots for artists and crafters under the age of 18. These spaces will be 5’ x 5’ (same as up-and-coming artists) and available for 2 hours per artist.

Brick-and-Mortar Store: If you own or co-own a brick-and-mortar store, you can participate in the show as a sponsor. Fill out the application, indicating in the appropriate area that you own a brick-and-mortar shop. If accepted into the show, you will be contacted about sponsorship options. The minimum cost to participate as a vending sponsor at our holiday show is TBD.

You will be able to pay the artist fee by credit card invoice or by PayPal (payee: nocoastcraft@gmail.com).

Is my application fee refundable if I am not accepted, or if I change my mind?

NOTE: No Coast Craft-o-Rama does not currently have an application fee, in the interest of encouraging new, diverse, and underserved artists to apply and participate in our show.

Once an artist is selected to participate in the show and pays the booth fee, that is normally non-refundable, though partial refunds may be available if we are able to fill that space with a wait-listed artist.

How many artists will be selected?

Our holiday shows typically have between 60-80 artists, depending on space constraints. The number of up-and-coming artist spaces offered is not set, and will depend on number and quality of applicants.

How competitive is the application process?

We typically have 2 or 3 times more applicants than we have spaces available, for each show. Some categories are more competitive than others; for instance, jewelry and ceramics are always extremely competitive, while yearly trends sometimes result in more applications in other categories, such as letterpress, art prints, kids, and so forth.

As always, we encourage you to carefully select the photos you submit, to show off your finest work at its best. In the description field, be sure to highlight what distinguishes you and your wares from the competition.

When will I know if I’m accepted?

HOLIDAY: We plan to notify all applicants for the Holiday show by September 16.

Be sure to include your email address and phone number on your application so that we can keep you informed. It is your responsibility to ensure that we have your most up-to-date email and other contact information, so that we can reach you. It is also your responsibility to check your email for messages from us. If for any reason you feel you should be hearing from us, and are not, please feel free to contact us at nocoastcraft@gmail.com anytime. We’ll be happy to follow up and let you know if you missed any communications.

What if I don’t get in?

Please remember that with up to three times as many applicants as we have spaces, we cannot accept every artist whose work we enjoy. We also reserve many spaces each year for new artists – at least one-third and up to one-half the total number – to maintain high shopper interest and to pursue our mission of supporting new and emerging crafters. This means some previous artists will not be accepted every year.

After we select an initial roster of artists, we compile a “waitlist” in case we can find room — or in case any selected artists have to cancel. If you aren’t selected in the first round, and would like to be placed on our waitlist, be sure to let us know how much notice you would need to participate (e.g., two weeks prior to the sale, etc.).

What’s an ST-19 form and why do I need one?

An ST-19 form is a form we are required to collect from each participant To fill it out you will need to register for a Minnesota State Tax ID number unless you sell only tax-exempt products (clothing, etc.). You cannot participate unless we have your form on file.

How much space will I get?

Each standard space is at least 6′ deep by 8′ wide. Limited numbers of premium 6’ x 12’ spaces are also available for an additional fee. Corner and premium locations are available upon request for an additional fee, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Up-and-coming artist spaces are 5’ x 5’ square. You may set up your space in any configuration within that boundary.

Minor artist spaces are 5’ x 5’ square and available for a 2-hour shift per artist. You may set up your space in any configuration within that boundary.

Brick-and-Mortar / Sponsors: Spaces are of varying size. You will be contacted about options. The minimum size is 6' deep by 8' wide.

Can I request a larger space?

In 2025 we have both 6’ x 8’ and 6’ x 12’ spaces available.

Can I share a space with a friend?

Yes, just include each participant in your application and list the products each of you will sell. The 3-5 photo limit is per artist, with a maximum of ten photos total (even if there are three or more artists represented at your booth). We must see at least one photo of each applicant’s work.

When do I set up for the sale?

Set up between 8AM and 10AM, tear down between 4PM and 6PM.

Note: Load-in must be done at the designated loading zones, NOT at the main entrance doors.

Unloading prior to the show must be done by an hour prior to the start of the show, with your car parked and away from the loading areas. If your booth set up (displays etc) is complex enough that you need more time to set up than the standard 2 hours, let us know at the time of your acceptance.

Do I need my own table, chairs, coverings, etc.?

Yes, you must bring your own table, chair, coverings, signage, and other display items for your space. We have no coverage or signage requirements, though — just whatever you think works best for you.

Absolutely no use of the walls in the Market or Exchange is allowed.

What if I need an electrical outlet?

Electricity will be provided upon request as available. The application must note the need for electricity. While there is no additional cost, availability is extremely limited.

Is there wi-fi available at the event?

Wi-fi is available in some areas of the Market, but coverage can be very spotty.

Should I / How do I accept credit cards?

Absolutely one of the most common pieces of advice experienced artists give to their colleagues is: accept credit cards! This is a surefire way to boost sales, especially since nearby ATMs may run out of cash.  Unfortunately, we cannot make those arrangements for you. A variety of options exist for accepting credit cards at shows; with a phone-based card approval system, you could potentially process the card transaction on the spot. Otherwise, you could use a card imprinter and slips for manual capture on-site, then process the transactions afterward. While we cannot recommend any particular credit card merchant processing system, we know many artists use Square, ProPay and PayPal, among other processing systems, for their merchant accounts.

Have you planned an event like this before?

Yes, we have been organizing holiday sales for over 20 years. Our sales typically bring in a few thousand shoppers over the course of the day.

How do you plan to advertise/publicize the event?

We plan to make flyers, distribute postcards, advertise in local media, and keep our fans, friends and artists informed via good old-fashioned email. We send out press releases throughout the prep season, and work with our host sites on other publicity strategies.

What feedback have past shoppers given about No Coast?

• They love our artists – the variety, quality, and uniqueness.

• They love novelty, diversity, and supporting emerging artists! Each year we set aside anywhere from 25-40% of spaces to new artists — always aiming higher.

• They love the location and atmosphere we provide.

What feedback have past artists given about No Coast?

• Over 55% said they made over $1000. 15% made $2000 or more during the show! 70% met or exceeded expectations for the sale.

What tips did past participants have for other artists?

• Make lots more merchandise than you think you’ll ever need.

• Have a wide range of prices in merchandise.

• Bring a helper, plus snacks/drinks.

• Think through booth layout, including pay station(s).

• It helps if your display has a vertical presence and good signage.

• Bring more business cards & other promo materials.

• Bring gift bags and tissue paper, more shopping bags, receipt book.

• Bring more change.

• Include tax in the price of the items instead of figuring it per sale.

• Market yourself before and during sale, smile, be approachable.

This is my first show – what about pricing, display, etc.? I don’t even know where to start!

Relax! We are here to answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction. If you are new to this whole thing and want a mentor, we can try to match you with a more experienced participating artist in a different medium for support - just let us know!

Whom do I contact with any other questions?

Email the organizers at nocoastcraft@gmail.com. We’ll help you out with your questions, press information, sponsorship packages, and anything else your little heart desires (vis-a-vis No Coast Craft-o-rama, that is)!