Welcome AAF 2023 Restaurants & Special Food Vendors!
General Information
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Sunday, October 1, 2023
11 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Alif Institute
3288 Marjan Drive
Atlanta, GA 30340
Admission & Parking: FREE!
SPACES ARE VERY LIMITED AND WILL BE ALLOTTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
Dear restaurant vendor applicant,
We are excited to offer applications for our 16th annual Atlanta Arab Festival! Please read the important information below and submit your application as early as possible. Space is limited and we do anticipate selling out! Kindly note the following:
- Application fees help Alif Institute cover the expenses of organizing the Atlanta Arab Festival and support this important community program. 30% of your application fee is considered a tax-deductible contribution. All vendors will receive an acknowledgment letter.
- We will contact you shortly after submitting your application. If accepted, we will send you a link for payment.
- Spaces are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The following are not permitted: pets, smoking, weapons, distribution of political, religious, or other non-authorized materials. Artistic expressions of spiritual beliefs are welcome, such as ornaments, jewelry, etc.)
- Please read all the following information and email us at festival@alifinstitute.org if you have any questions.
AAF Mission:
The AAF is an annual event designed to celebrate Arab cultures, support Arab artists and artisans, build community, and promote cultural exchange through meaningful experiences.
About the AAF & Alif Institute:
The AAF draws attendees reflecting the diversity of the Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond. Over its history, the number of attendees has steadily increased, from 300 attendees in the first years to over 6,000. The Festival draws a diverse mix of Arab and non-Arab attendees from around the metro-Atlanta area and surrounding states. Festival participants represent some of the best Arabic restaurants, caterers, artists, and a diverse group of businesses, nonprofits, and organizations. All ages enjoy experiencing Arab cultures through the delicious food, unique performances, rich cultural exhibits & workshops, and engaging games and activities!
The Atlanta Arab Festival is organized by Alif Institute, an educational, and cultural nonprofit organization founded in 2004. Alif seeks to connect humanity through the power of arts and culture through our mission to foster the understanding and appreciation of Arab cultures. Alif Institute offers Arabic language classes along with a multitude of cultural activities, including film screenings, art exhibits, concerts by renowned artists, and lectures by various researchers and authors. The Institute and all of its events are open to the general public and people from all backgrounds are welcome.
Donations made to Alif Institute in the form of sponsorship or in-kind contributions will be acknowledged as tax-deductible.
All restaurant vendors are required to attend a VIRTUAL orientation at 3 PM on Sunday, September 17.
Details will be provided after your application is accepted.
This orientation will ensure a very smooth and successful event and will help you maximize your return for your time and effort.
Restaurant Vendor Price: $525 + $150 refundable deposit**
Alif will provide:
- One (1) 10’x10’ tent
- Two (2x) 6’ Tables
- Two (2x) Chairs
- Electricity access (please bring at least 3 extension cords)
**We require a refundable security deposit of $150 in the form of a check, in addition to the booth rental fee. This will be refunded to you 5-7 business days after the end of the festival. To receive your full deposit, we must ensure the following prior to your departure:
- All trash is removed from the booth and thrown into the dumpster.
- All tables and chairs are clean, undamaged, and folded.
Saturday, September 30, 2023:
- Set-up is from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Drive-through check-in with Alif volunteers on Presidential Parkway. Signs will direct you to the check-in. You will receive more details via email.
- Each vendor entering the festival area must wear a vendor wristband.
- You can drive up to the drop-off location to unload your merchandise. Volunteers will be available to help you.
- After 10:30 am, the drop-off location will be closed, and vendors must park and walk to their assigned location.
- Breakdown begins at 6:30 p.m.
- Pack up your materials overnight to store overnight. We will have overnight security, but Alif will not be responsible for any items left on the premises.
Sunday, October 1, 2023:
- Set-up is from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Drive-through check-in with Alif volunteers on Marjan Drive. (Signs will direct you to the check-in. You will receive more details via email.)
- Each vendor entering the festival area must wear a vendor wristband.
- You can drive up to the drop-off location to unload your merchandise. Volunteers will be available to help you.
- After 10:30 am, the drop-off location will be closed, and vendors must park and walk to their assigned location.
- Breakdown begins at 6:30 p.m.
- All material must be removed immediately after the festival.
- You will be able to drive up to the drop-off area to load out. No vehicles will be allowed inside the festival area.
Electricity:
- Electric outlets will be provided.
- Please bring at least 3 of your own extension cords. Alif does not provide extension cords.
Internet:
- Internet is not available.
- Bring your own hot spot if you plan to take credit card payments.
Refund Policy:
- If for any reason, you need to withdraw from the event prior to September 15, 2023, a $50 processing fee will be applied against your full refund.
- There will be no refund for applicants that withdraw from the AAF after September 15, 2023.