So… it’s the week before Thanksgiving.
While everyone else is prepping turkeys and planning their Black Friday shopping, a handful of savvy mobile food entrepreneurs are quietly locking in some of the most lucrative gigs of the year — holiday events that can pull big cash. And right now, with deadlines clustered in the next two weeks, several North Carolina holiday hotspots still have slots open.
Yes, you read that right. Still open.
Five Events Still Accepting Applications (And What You Need to Know)
Let me break down your options with the same lens I'd use if I were evaluating these for one of the trucks on our rotation list. Each has distinct advantages depending on your menu, capacity, and risk tolerance.
- Lexington Holiday Spectacular – November 22, 2025
Location: Breeden Insurance Amphitheater, Lexington.
Fee: $150 (non-refundable).
Deadline: November 21, 2025, 11:00 PM ET.
The Deal: Limited spaces, juried selection process. Savvy trucks should emphasize a unique menu — fewer beverage or sweets trucks are still open, so savory could be your edge.
- Moore Square Winterfaire – December 11–14, 2025
Location: Moore Square Park, Downtown Raleigh.
Fee: $800 ($200/day) + 6% processing fee.
Deadline: November 30, 2025. :
Capacity: 8–12 trucks. :
Why It’s Big: Four days in a high-traffic urban market. If you can handle logistics, the returns could be strong. Rotating your menu helps avoid fatigue across the days.
- A Dickens Holiday 2025 – November 28, 2025
Location: Downtown Fayetteville.
Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Fee / Status: Waitlist (original deadline passed).
Why It’s Compelling: Victorian-themed, high foot traffic, family‑friendly. Being on the waitlist is worthwhile — “vendors drop out,” so organizers may still accept late apps.
- Historic Christmas Village Market – December 6, 2025
Location: Dallas, NC.
Fee: $24 for a booth. (non-refundable)
Deadline: November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM ET for food vendors. {index=9}
Why It Works: Low-risk, historic feel, great spot to test seasonal offerings and build awareness without overspending.
- Second Saturday Molten Makerfaire – December 13, 2025
Location: The Palladium, High Point, NC.
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Fee: $50 (post November 13 rate, non-refundable) — food trucks have a dedicated application.
Important Constraint: No electricity provided — make sure you're propane or generator ready.
The Strategic Checklist: What You Need Before You Apply
- Health Permits Are Current: Confirm your NC health permit; don’t wait until the last minute.
- Insurance Certificates Are Ready: Events often require liability insurance, sometimes naming them as additional insured.
- You've Calculated True Costs: Factor in more than just the application fee — think staff, fuel, supplies, and any overnight needs.
- Your Menu Is Event-Appropriate: Tailor your offerings to the event’s crowd. Victorian markets are different from maker faires.
- You Have Backup Plans: Plan for failures — equipment issues, staffing, weather. Don’t go in unprepared.
The Bigger Picture: Building Your 2026 Momentum Now
These holiday events aren't just about short-term revenue — they're about visibility and building reputation. Each customer you reach is a potential long-term fan, and each organizer you impress could bring you back next year (with better terms).
Low-risk events like the Dallas market help you test new ideas, while larger events like Moore Square can position you for scale. Make smart choices now, and you set yourself up for a powerful 2026 run.
One Last Thing
The holiday season is short. Deadlines are tight. But if you act with purpose, pick the right events, and execute well, this could be a game-changing month.
The opportunities are there. Will you seize them?
Pro tip: Use Eventeny to discover and apply to more opportunities like these.
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