ARTIST & VENDORS

Melon Fest: Art at the Opera House

The Howell Opera House is now accepting applications for Art at the Opera House, a three-day indoor artist market during Melon Fest weekend in Downtown Howell.

We are offering 22 indoor 8x8 booth spaces for original artists and crafters inside the historic Opera House. If you're looking for a comfortable, professional alternative to outdoor vending, this experience is designed for you!

Your booth includes:

  • Climate-controlled historic venue

  • Friday evening bonus hours during concerts at the courthouse

  • No tent required

  • Secure facility (no nightly breakdown)

  • Electricity & Wi-Fi available

  • Chairs provided (tables $5 each)

  • Vendor access to Opera House restrooms

  • Complimentary water, coffee, and tea

  • In-house cash bar drawing additional foot traffic

  • Partnered social media promotion

  • Opportunity to exhibit in a landmark Michigan venue

  • Supporting a nonprofit arts organization

We are seeking original work from: Fine Artists • Painters • Illustrators • Ceramicists • Fiber Artists • Woodworkers • Jewelry Artists • Printmakers • Sculptors • Handmade Craft Artisans (No MLM, resale, or mass-produced merchandise.)

Booth Fee: $225 flat rate (Friday–Sunday). Payment will be collected upon approval to confirm your booth reservation.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and confirmed upon approval and payment. Once spaces are filled, registration closes.

Application Deadline: July 3, 2026
(Notifications may be issued sooner.)

📍 Location: Howell Opera House (Indoor Booths)
📩 To Apply: Complete the application below

Learn more about Vendor Terms & Conditions.

Become a Winter Market Vendor at the Howell Opera House!

Join us for the Howell Opera House Winter Market, running from October through March. Our market proudly features homemade, handcrafted, and homegrown products. To maintain the unique character of the market, commercially manufactured or direct-sales items are not permitted. Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2026. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Vendors will be notified of their acceptance by email or mail.

Vendor Spaces

  • Booth spaces are approximately 8' x 8' and include access to electricity.

  • Market hours are 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

  • Vendors may begin setting up at 8:00 AM.

  • All vendors must be actively setting up by 9:00 AM and completely ready for customers by 9:55 AM.

  • No set-up is permitted after 10:00 AM.

Table Rentals

Table rentals are available for vendors who need them.

  • $5 per table, per week

  • Available in 6-foot or 8-foot lengths

  • Limit of two tables per vendor per week

  • Please indicate on your registration form if you would like to rent a table and specify the size and quantity needed.

  • Table availability is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vendor Requirements

  • Vendors are responsible for providing their own display materials, including tables, racks, and other equipment, unless renting a table from the Opera House.

  • Booth displays must be neat, attractive, and professional in appearance.

  • All vendors are responsible for cleaning their area at the end of each market day.

  • Complimentary hot beverages will be available for vendors.

Attendance Policy

  • Vendors must notify the Opera House at least two (2) days prior if they are unable to attend a scheduled market date, so the space may be offered to another vendor to fill the space.

  • Vendors may not leave before the market closes at 2:00 PM.

  • More than two (2) no-shows without notification will result in forfeiture of your reserved space with no refund.

Seasonal and Weekly Rates

Grand Room Spaces / 23 Spaces available (11 Market Dates)

  • Seasonal Vendor Fee: $385

Lobby Spaces / 4 Available (11 Market Dates

  • Seasonal Vendor Fee: $330

Weekly Vendor Spaces

  • $40 per week

  • Seasonal vendors will be given priority placement before weekly vendor spaces are assigned.

(Occasional dates may be available on an on-call basis, as space permits, from seasonal cancellations due to sickness or prior engagements)

Inclement Weather Policy:
The safety of our vendors, customers, and volunteers is very important to us. During the winter season, weather conditions can sometimes create unsafe travel situations. If we determine that conditions may pose a risk, the market may be canceled. While no cash refunds will be issued for weather-related cancellations, we will make every effort to provide as much advance notice as possible. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize everyone's safety.

Winter Market Dates:

2026: October 4 & 18 / November 8 & 22 / December 6 & 13

2027: January 10 & 24 / February 7 & 21 / March 7

Save the Date! Vendor applications for our upcoming events are opening soon.

Witch's Night (Event Date: Sep 24)

Cultura Vendors (Event Date: Sep 26)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Oct 4)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Oct 18)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Nov 8)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Nov 22)

Ladies Night (Event Date: Dec 3)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Dec 06)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Dec 13)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Jan 10)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Jan 24)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Feb 7)

Winter Market: (Event Date: Feb 21)

Winter Market (Event Date: March 7)

Interested in showcasing your work or becoming a vendor?
Complete the form below to be considered for upcoming opportunities