Frequently Asked Questions

ATTENDEESVENDORS

Attendees

HOW CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE NJ COFFEE FESTIVAL?
Click here to purchase

WILL THE EVENT SELL OUT?
Very likely. Our last event sold out in advance, and with the upgrades we’ve made this time around, we expect tickets to move fast. We strongly recommend purchasing early.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TICKET OPTIONS AVAILABLE?
Yes! You can choose between:
  • General Admission – Standard entry during your selected session time.
  • Deluxe – Includes a fast pass entry lane, a complimentary NJ Coffee Festival tote bag, commemorative mug and more during your selected session time.

WHAT’S NEW THIS TIME AROUND?
We listened to your feedback and made some big improvements:
  • A larger venue: now at The Event Center at iPlay America in Freehold, NJ
  • A two-day format (Saturday + Sunday) to give you more flexibility
  • Timed entry sessions to reduce crowding and keep the experience smooth
  • Two ticket tiers so you can customize your experience
  • An upgraded layout with more space to sip, shop, and enjoy

CAN I COME TO MULTIPLE SESSIONS OR DAYS WITH ONE TICKET?
Tickets are only valid for the specific day and session you select at checkout. If you’d like to attend more than one session — or come both Saturday and Sunday — you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for each time slot. We’re keeping attendance capped per session to make the experience better for everyone, so each ticket is tied to its own entry window.

IS THERE A REFUND POLICY FOR TICKET PURCHASES?
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. If you have any issues or concerns, please email us at info@njcoffeefestival.com — we’re here to help.

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED AT THE EVENT?
Kids 5 and under can attend for free, but please note that this is an adult-focused event with no kid-specific programming or activities. Strollers are permitted but may be difficult to navigate due to crowd flow and venue layout. We encourage you to use your discretion when deciding whether to bring young children. Anyone over the age of 5 will need their own ticket.

CAN I BRING MY PET?
Sorry, no pets allowed except certified service animals. 

WHERE IS THE FESTIVAL LOCATED?
The event is held at The Event Center at iPlay America
104 Schanck Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728

IS PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes — there is ample, complimentary parking on-site at iPlay America.

IS THE FESTIVAL ACCESSIBLE?
Yes! The venue is fully ADA-compliant. If you need specific accommodations, feel free to email us at info@njcoffeefestival.com.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE FESTIVAL?
  • Up to 60 curated vendors — from coffee roasters and tea makers to artisan snacks, sweets, and more
  • Brew School demos where you can level up your barista skills
  • Coffee Conversations with industry pros and creatives
  • A bustling marketplace with merch, gifts, and gear you didn’t know you needed
  • And of course… great vibes, start to finish

WILL THERE BE FREE SAMPLES?
Some vendors may choose to offer samples, but they are not required to. Sampling is entirely up to each vendor, and offerings will vary. While you might get to sip and snack on a few things as you explore, we recommend coming ready to shop, support, and discover new favorites!

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD OR DRINKS?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. But with so many vendors, you definitely won’t go hungry (or uncaffeinated).

WHAT ABOUT DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
Many vendors offer dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan options, but offerings vary. You’re welcome to ask vendors directly about ingredients, they’re happy to help.

Vendors

HOW DO I APPLY TO BE A VENDOR AT THE NJ COFFEE FESTIVAL?
Vendor applications are open until September 25. Apply now.

WHAT KIND OF VENDORS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We welcome vendors offering coffee, tea, baked goods, dessert items, packaged foods, merchandise, and anything that pairs well with coffee. You don’t have to offer samples to participate — sampling is completely optional.

WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE BOOTH OPTIONS AND FEES?
  • 9x20’ Booth Space – $600 (10 available)
  • 9x9’ Booth Space – $450 (50 available)

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH MY BOOTH?
  • Booth space for both days of the festival
  • Access to up to 3,200 attendees across four sessions
  • Promotion via NJ.com and NJ Coffee Festival channels
  • Up to (2) 6' tables and (2) chairs
  • Shared handwashing and trash stations

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
  • All equipment and supplies needed to operate
  • Water (no potable water available onsite)
  • Coolers (no refrigeration available)
  • Ice (available for purchase onsite)
  • Any linens, signage, and display materials

IS POWER INCLUDED?
No. Power must be purchased directly from iPlay America using their service form. No day-of requests will be honored.

Pricing:
  • 1–500 watts: $150
  • 501–1000 watts: $175
  • 1001–1500 watts: $200
  • 1501–2000 watts: $225
  • 20-amp dedicated line: $275

Vendors will receive the order form upon approval.

ARE FOOD TRUCKS OR COOKING ALLOWED?
No food trucks. No cooking indoors. All food must be pre-cooked or pre-packaged. You may use warming trays, chafing dishes, and sternos (no open flames or smoke-producing equipment).

WHEN IS SETUP AND BREAKDOWN?
  • Setup: Friday afternoon, October 31 (exact time provided in your welcome packet)
  • Breakdown: After the final session on Sunday, November 2

DO I HAVE TO BE THERE BOTH DAYS?
Yes, all vendors are required to vend both Saturday and Sunday.

WHAT PERMITS OR LICENSES ARE REQUIRED?
Once approved, you’ll be sent two forms:
  • Temporary Food License Application – Freehold Township

NJ Coffee Festival will collect and submit all required applications and payment on your behalf.

IS INSURANCE REQUIRED?
Yes. All vendors must provide proof of valid business liability insurance.

WHAT’S THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE?
Vendor fees are due upon acceptance into the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations.

IS THERE WATER OR KITCHEN ACCESS?
No. Please bring your own water and any necessary prep tools. Shared handwashing stations will be provided, but there is no potable water or kitchen access.

IS THERE MARKETING SUPPORT FOR VENDORS?
Yes! The event is promoted across:
  • NJ.com and Jersey Eats
  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
  • Email newsletters
  • Local press and digital ads
  • We also encourage vendors to promote the event through their own channels!

HOW MANY ATTENDEES ARE EXPECTED?
We anticipate up to 3,200 attendees over four timed sessions across two days. 

HOW ARE SALES HANDLED?
You’ll process your own transactions. We recommend accepting both cash and credit card. Sampling is optional and up to each vendor.

CAN I BRING MY OWN SETUP OR DISPLAY?
Yes, but it must fit within your booth space and be listed in your application for review and approval.

ARE THERE HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES?
Yes. All vendors must comply with Monmouth County Health Department and Freehold Township regulations.

CAN I CHOOSE MY BOOTH LOCATION?
Booth placement is assigned by the event team based on layout flow, power needs, and category mix. 

IS WIFI AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE?
Public WiFi may be available, but it is not guaranteed to support POS systems. We recommend bringing a hotspot or device with cellular capability to ensure reliable transactions.

HOW WILL LOAD-IN AND LOAD-OUT WORK?
Detailed load-in/load-out instructions will be included in your welcome packet. A limited number of loading zones are available, so we recommend arriving on time and being prepared to unload quickly.

WILL THERE BE SECURITY ONSITE?
Basic security will be present, but vendors are responsible for their own equipment and belongings. If you are setting up Friday and leaving items overnight, we recommend covering and securing your booth materials.

CAN I SHARE A BOOTH WITH ANOTHER VENDOR?
No. Booths are reserved for one business only. Shared or sublet booths are not permitted unless pre-approved by the event team.
APPLY TO VEND

Get your brand in front of thousands of coffee lovers from across New Jersey and beyond. Whether you roast, bake, blend, or create, this is your chance to connect with a passionate, ready-to-shop audience.

With high foot traffic, engaged attendees, and a lively atmosphere, the NJ Coffee Festival is the perfect place to showcase your products, make lasting impressions, and drive real sales.

Vending at NJ Coffee Festival

Past Event Highlights 

Swipe through some of the sweetest moments from past Jersey Eats events.


Warning! Do Not Watch If Hungry.

We mean it.

From pour-overs to pastries, espresso martinis to cake in a jar, our events bring flavor, fun, and serious foodie energy. Get a taste of what’s in store at the NJ Coffee Festival this fall.

The videos below may cause cravings. Between the slices at NJ Pizza Festival and the sips at Jersey Eats: A Taste of New Jersey, you might want to grab a snack (or better yet, your ticket) before hitting play.

Fun Stuff is Brewing on IG. @njcoffeefestival