Be a Part of the Festival of Nations!
The Festival of Nations is excited to welcome local businesses, artisans, nonprofits, community organizations, and food vendors to participate in the 37th Annual Festival of Nations on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in downtown Houghton.
The Festival of Nations celebrates the many cultures that make the Keweenaw unique through international food, music, dance, art, education, and community engagement. We invite vendors to help create a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings together thousands of attendees from across the region.
Vendor Village
This year's Vendor Village will be located along the Houghton Waterfront Pier, extending from Dee Stadium toward the Portage Lake District Library. This exciting expansion creates a lively festival atmosphere featuring:
- Local businesses
- Community organizations
- Nonprofit groups
- Artists and makers
- Interactive exhibits
- Family-friendly games and activities
- International entertainment
The Vendor Village is designed to encourage connections between our international community and local residents while showcasing the incredible organizations and businesses throughout the Keweenaw.
Vendor Requirements
All vendors are responsible for providing their own:
- Tent or canopy
- Tables
- Chairs
- Display materials
- Any additional equipment needed to operate their booth
Vendors are expected to keep their booth staffed throughout the duration of the festival and maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment for all attendees.
Registration
All vendors and organizations participating in the Festival of Nations—including businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, artists, exhibitors, food vendors, food trucks, and student organizations—must complete the Festival of Nations registration form.
Registration Deadline: August 1, 2026
Applications received after the deadline may be considered based on available space.
After registration, Festival organizers will contact participants with any additional information needed for their specific booth type, including setup instructions, parking information, and any applicable health or safety requirements.
Food Vendors
The Festival of Nations features two distinct food experiences:
Student Organization Food Booths
Michigan Tech student organizations and cultural groups serve multicultural cuisine inside Dee Stadium.
These groups will receive additional information regarding required food safety training, menu submission, and other event requirements after registering.
Commercial Food Vendors & Food Trucks
Local food trucks and commercial food vendors are located between the Michigan Tech Lakeshore Center and Dee Stadium, providing additional dining options throughout the festival.
Commercial food vendors and food trucks use the same Festival of Nations registration form. Festival organizers will contact vendors directly to collect any additional information needed for their participation.
Questions?
If you have questions about vendor participation or the registration process, please contact festivalofnations@mtu.edu.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Festival of Nations and celebrating our community together.