Ten Ways to Make Money at Fairs and Festivals

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 have 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.

This list is 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.

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. You can learn more through my body art articles linked below.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you're new to the tarot but would like to see if it's right for you, visit my review of Tarot in Ten Minutes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.