Ten Ways to Make Money at Fairs and Festivals
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Start Making Cash at Fairs
Are you looking for a side business or even something to become your full-time income? Do you love attending arts and crafts shows or renaissance fairs? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then you having the makings of an entrepreneur. Here are some ideas to get you started making cash at what you love to do.
I haven't included anything that you have to go to school for such as massage therapy, although that is an excellent way to make money at fairs. I wanted to keep this list limited to those things that can be quickly and inexpensively started. Even though some of them require skill, they're things that ambitious people can learn on their own.
Body Art
Temporary body art is one of the hottest attractions at fairs. Henna, indigo, body and face painting are skills to be learned, but some designs can be quickly done even with stencils.
Body art is part of the festival experience that transport attendees from every day life to something special. They might not be comfortable getting a tattoo, but they will indulge their need to express themselves with body adornment with a bit of temporary art.
Kids especially love to get facepainting done. Simple butterfly, dragon, flower designs and more can be done quickly. Depending on the going rate of body art in your area, this could be quite a lucrative business.
You'll need to do your research as to the best and safest products to use. Remember that black henna is not natural and is not safe for the skin. Mehandi.com has some excellent resources on their Henna as Business page.
Body Art Supplies and Info
- Where to Buy Henna Supplies for Hair and Body Art Online in the USA
Here is a brief list of US suppliers of henna for hair and body art. Included are links to free patterns and information on how to use henna. - Indigo for Tribal and Modern Body Art: An Alternative to Woad for Recreating Blue Celtic Designs
Indigo dye in crystallized form is a safer, neater alternative to woad for recreating the body designs said to be worn by the ancient Celts.
Instructional Books
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How to Carve a Woodspirit in a Hiking Stick
Price: $9.95
List Price: $9.95 |
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Face Painting (Klutz)
Price: $15.59
List Price: $24.95 |
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Face Off: How to Draw Amazing Caricatures & Comic Portraits
Price: $10.99
List Price: $19.99 |
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The Big Book of Decorative Painting: How to Paint If You Don't Know How and How to Improve If You Do
Price: $12.89
List Price: $35.00 |
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Donna Dewberry's Essential One-Stroke Painting Reference
Price: $15.67
List Price: $24.99 |
Wooden Staffs and Metal Sculpture
Are you a whiz with wood or metal? Carved staffs and metal garden sculptures are usually inexpensively made and have an excellent markup rate. Spirit faces or animals are some of the most popular designs for staffs.
Besides the garden sculptures, scrap metal art, weather vanes, modern and folk art pieces for the home are popular at arts and crafts fairs.
If you have a knack for metalwork, you may find this is the perfect craft for you.
Decorative Painting
Arts and crafts fairs are excellent places to find decorative art for the home. Welcome plaques, items with the home address or occupants names, painted rocks, clothing are just some of the most popular things to find there.
Why not cash in yourself? Decorative painting is a skill but one that can be learned. The One Stroke technique developed by Donna Dewberry has helped many budding artists create beautiful designs. Of course this is only one of the many styles out there. Don't be intimidated, just get your brushes and start practicing.
Donna Dewberry's One Stroke Painting
Soaps, Salts, Incense and Fragrance
Fragrant scents wafting throughout the fair can't be ignored by passersby. Bath salts and fragrance oils made with quality ingredients are easy to make and package. With a little more effort, you can make your own soap cheaply but sell for top price at fairs. Add incense of every type to your storefront and you've got a surefire hit.
You can find supplies to make all of these items at your craft or natural food stores or visit the Lavender Lane website to buy supplies in bulk.
Psychic Readings
Do you have a special gift to help people understand where they're at in life? Do you have a favorite divination method such as tarot cards or runes? Well brush up your skills because festivals are one place that people will treat themselves to a psychic reading when they might not otherwise.
Free Art and Craft Instruction Online
- The Henna Page - The most complete henna information resource!
Free henna and indigo body art instruction and patterns. This is hosted on the Mehandi.com site which is an excellent source of henna supplies. - learn to draw caricatures with step by step interactive instructions.
Learn how to draw caricatures from a professional caricaturist with easy to follow interactive step by step instructions. - How to make a Floral Garland Headpiece
A short instructional piece on how to make a floral head garland.
Caricature Art
Even if you think you can't draw portraits, you can learn the art of caricature drawing. Many artists make good cash at fairs, festivals and even theme parks. People love to get these humorous keepsakes as reminders of their trips.
There are free how-to articles online or you can purchase instructional books. It's an inexpensive start-up business. Once you become proficient, your speed in drawing caricatures will increase. Start practicing on friends and family.
Cold Soft Drinks and Water
Having fun makes you thirsty. There's nothing better than a cold lemonade or soft drink after walking for hours at a fair. It's guaranteed you'll be one of the busiest vendors at the fair if you can quench that thirst. You don't even have to make the drinks yourself or sell them fountain style since bottled water and soft drinks are just as popular.
Flowers and Head Garlands
Floral headpieces are especially popular at Renaissance fairs. They go perfectly with medieval attire or even to make you feel more dressed up in jeans and a T-shirt. Many fairs have themed weekends including one based on romance. What a perfect time to sell roses to couples enjoying a romatic getaway together.
Food Vending
It's no secret that food vendors can make a killing at fairs. Hungry participants are willing to shell out more money for food than they would at a restaurant. Of course, it's also a big part of the experience of the event, especially if the festival is themed around food.
You can provide simple to more elaborate fare. At one renaissance fair I attended, a vendor was selling what was bascially buttered noodles mixed with herbs at an outrageous price and doing very well. Renting brand name vending carts such as for Dove ice cream bars is another option.
Needful Things
I confess that even though I've been to many outdoor events, I still sometimes forget my hat or sunscreen. How many times have you been out without an umbrella or rain jacket and regretted it later? I've spent cash at festivals to buy a hat or other needed things, and I know I'm not the only one.
You can be the vendor who fills that need at a festival and earn money in the process. I've seen vendors with names like "Ye Olde General Store" at Renaissance fairs. If you need ideas, see what others are selling and doing well at. You might even sell bottles of water or soft drinks in your general store if allowed by the fair organizers.
Advice for the Budding Entrepreneur
No matter how different each of these ten money-making ideas are, they each require knowledge of small-business practices. Be sure to find out any legal requirements for each business such as food service license, the legality of psychic readings in your area, filing for a business name, paying business taxes, etc. if you plan on making this more than a hobby, check the links below to find information to help you start your business.
Tax and Small Business Information
- IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
Free info online about small-business start-up. - Small Business Administration
One of the most popular organizations providing guidance to small businesses. - SCORE | Counselors to America\'s Small Business | SCORE
Free online and face-to-face business counseling, mentoring, and training. Business help and advice for small businesses just starting or for existing businesses hoping to grow. SCORE Association is a nonprofit, resource partner with the SBA.
Help with Starting a Business
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Make Money At Art Shows And Craft Fairs
Price: $29.95
List Price: $29.95 |
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The Crafts Business Answer Book: Starting, Managing, and Marketing a Homebased Arts, Crafts, or Design Business
Price: $7.65
List Price: $16.95 |
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The Complete Guide to Working for Yourself: Everything the Self-Employed Need to Know about Taxes, Recordkeeping, and Other Laws (Book & CD-ROM)
Price: $14.97
List Price: $29.95 |
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Self-Employment: From Dream to Reality! : An Interactive Workbook for Starting Your Small Business
Price: $33.06
List Price: $18.95 |
More Self-Employment and Work-at-Home Info
- The 5 Self-Employment Mistakes to Avoid
Here are 5 tips for starting out right in self employment. Don't make the same mistakes I did. - A Career in Medical Transcription - What You Need to Know Before You Decide
Medical transcription is a real work-at-home career. Learn if it's right for you. Included are job search resources. - 5 Top Direct Sales Businesses for Women
Have you considered doing direct sales either part-time or full-time? Here are 5 top direct sales opportunities for women with more ideas for inspiration.
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Do you make a living at fairs and festivals?
Thank you. I'm glad you found it informative.
Very informative article and very well presented!
I have always wanted to try the food vendor thing. Maybe in the future, nice hub.







hhdavid65 says:
9 months ago
Great article! Very informative, especially the book recommendations.