Terms & Policies

VENDOR PERMITS & DOCUMENTS
Vendors are required to display:
- Vendor ID (received at check-in)
- Alameda County Health Permit (food vendors only)
- City of Oakland Business Tax Certificate

‍***DISCLAIMER
Oakland First Fridays is not responsible for vendor sales or overall business performance during the event. We do not guarantee specific sales outcomes, and refunds or credits will not be issued based on sales results.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
‍Full refund: Cancel by Monday 3:00 PM before the event.
‍Credit for future event: Cancel by Wednesday 3:00 PM before the event.
‍No refund or credit: Cancel after Thursday 3:00 PM or do not show up.
‍Food vendors must cancel by Friday 3:00 PM before the event to receive a credit.
‍Email all cancellations to: event@oaklandfirstfridays.org

‍SETUP & BREAKDOWN GUIDELINES
‍Check-In Time: 3:00 PM–4:30 PM (No entry after 4:30 PM)
‍Setup Must Be Completed By: 4:30 PM
‍Event Time: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
‍Breakdown: Begins at 9:00 PMVendors must bring their own tables, tents, lighting, and power sources.
‍No vendor may enter the footprint before 3:00 PM.
Check-in is at 26th Street. Stay in your vehicle—we’ll direct you to your space.
All vehicles (except food trucks) must exit the footprint by 4:30 PM.
Sales must end at 9:00 PM sharp.
Vendors not shut down by 9:00 PM may be cited and/or suspended from future events.

BOOTH LAYOUT & REQUIREMENTS
- Booths are 10x10 ft unless otherwise stated.
- Depth cannot exceed 10 ft (from curb inward). Food booths may use the rear bike lane space for prep.
- Tent weights required minimum 25 lbs per leg. No weights = no setup.
- Booths must stay within assigned space and not block fire lanes or sidewalks.

LATE ARRIVAL / NO SHOW POLICY
If you do not arrive by 4:15 PM, you are considered a no-show and will lose your vendor fees. If you're running late, email event@oaklandfirstfridays.org before 4:15 PM.

WALK-UP VENDORS
If not sold out, retail vendors may check in between 3:00–3:45 PM at the registration booth. You must have valid business and seller’s permits.
Walk-up fee: $50 (added to standard vendor fee). If you’re pre-registered but unpaid, you’ll still be charged the walk-up fee.
‍Food vendors are not allowed to walk up.

‍HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
Fire extinguishers are required for vendors using heating equipment.
Food booths must have ABC or K-rated extinguishers, depending on cooking method.
Generators must be pre-approved and have a 20 lb extinguisher.
No cooking or open flames allowed under tent canopies.

ZERO WASTE & COMPOSTABLES
All food/drink vendors must use BPI-certified compostable ware.
No plastic utensils, straws, or Styrofoam (black or white).
Straws must be provided only upon request.
Vinyl gloves go in landfill waste—black gloves are easier to sort.
We are increasing our recycling efforts with Zero Waste Stations at 24th, 25th, and 26th on Telegraph. Volunteers monitor sorting—sign up to help!
All recyclables must be taken to the recycling team at Sycamore & Telegraph. Do not leave boxes, trash, or recyclables on the ground.
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‍Please take a minute to make sure you are in line with all regulations.
‍All vendors must comply with Oakland Municipal Code 8.07 requiring all food service businesses to provide disposable food ware that is BPI certified compostable. You can shop for compliant food service ware options at http://products.bpiworld.org You may be fined by the City of Oakland and KONO if you provide food ware that is not BPI certified compostable, including polystyrene and plastic.
Food vendors must not leave used cooking oil at the event. Dispose of used oil at your approved commissary or drop it off during regular business hours at:
- EBMUD (2020 Wake Ave)
- Alameda County HHW Facilities
- Biofuel Oasis
Starting January 1, 2024, state law SB-1383 requires all food vendors at events to donate edible leftover food. We encourage vendors to begin donating now through organizations like CityTeam.

EVENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Be respectful and professional to staff, attendees, and fellow vendors.
No harassment, discrimination, belligerence, or hostility will be tolerated.
Follow all instructions from OPD, security, and event staff.
Violators may be cited or banned from future events.
Staff & Security Identifiers:
‍Blue vest: Coordinating Staff
‍Red vest: First Aid
‍Black vest: Security Team
‍Orange vest: Heavy Lifters
‍Yellow vest: Volunteer
Rogue vendors are not permitted. Report unauthorized setups.

EVENT SETUP & SHUTDOWN TIMELINE
‍Event Schedule:
‍3:00 PM – Check In opens (26th St)
3:00–4:30 PM – Vendor setup
4:30 PM – All vehicles must be off the footprint
5:00 PM – Event begins
8:45 PM – Final purchase warning
9:00 PM – Event closes (no sales after this)
10:00 PM – Vehicle entry (when approved)
11:00 PM – Telegraph reopens (if safe)
Do not move barricades. Wait for OPD, staff, or security to give approval.

POST-EVENT REQUIREMENTS
Shut down by 9:00 PM or risk citation/ban.
Do not leave waste, boxes, or grease.
All recyclables go to Sycamore & Telegraph station.
Break down cardboard and take to the dumpster.
Remove all water, oil, flame materials, and debris.

Still have questions? Reach out to us at event@oaklandfirstfridays.org
Last Updated: July 2025