• Participants purchase an entry wristband at the event site, or online ahead of the event to enter the road closure site.
• Food tickets are sold for $2.00 / ticket and exchanged at participating eateries for small bites and sips from their tasting menu.
• Alcohol can NOT be exchanged for tickets. Businesses are encouraged to create a Happy Hour cocktail to be promoted for sale during the event.
• Businesses redeem the collected tickets for the monetary value with the Town of Sylvan Lake following the event.
• Tasting menus are served only from 4:00pm - 8:30pm on September 12, 2026.

1. Choosing Your Tasting Items

Be creative and use this opportunity to test new menu items, or showcase unique flavours. Tasting menus are limited to 4 items per restaurant.

For efficiency, it is recommended to pre-make your tasting items and serve from a chafing dish or tray at your station.

Items must be valued at whole dollar amounts, and exchanged for tickets at a maximum of 4 tickets per items. Tickets are valued at $2.00 each.

Register as soon as possible for more promotion! Once your registration is completed and your vendor fee is paid, Visit Sylvan Lake will start promoting your participation on social media and website.

Tickets CAN NOT be exchanged for alcoholic beverages. We encourage you to create a cocktail to promote during CulinART Happy Hour alongside your tasting menu. Alcohol MUST be purchased by the consumer.

An extra tip - Use ingredients you already have and keep costs minimal. Keep portions and prices small and reasonable - guests will want to try a little bit of everything!

2. Prepare Your Culinary Station

It is recommended to set up a table near your front entrance with dedicated staff member to collect tickets and distribute items. It is suggested to have signage with information on your tasting menu item, ingredients, and dietary restriction information.

An extra tip - Keep service simple with disposable dishes and utensils. 

3. Redeeming Your Tickets

Redeem tickets to be paid out by cheque by bringing all collected tickets to the NexSource Centre reception Desk by September 20th, 2026. A cheque will be sent via mail within 5-10 business days for the value of your tickets.

Important! - Keep your tickets safe. The Town of Sylvan Lake is unable to reimburse for any tickets that are not presented after the event. 

Patio Extensions for Lakeshore Drive Businesses

If you are an eatery located within the event road closure (Lakeshore Drive, 46th Street - 49th Street) you are invited to extend your patio to the street!

This allows your to serve liquor beverages and food within the festival area, exclusive to YOUR customers.

The Town of Sylvan Lake provides barriers, picnic tables, and signage within your patio area. Your business is responsible for filling out the application with AGLC and providing service within the patio area.

Onsite Service for Businesses Outside of the Closure

Businesses located outside of the event road closure (Lakeshore Drive from 49th St - 46th St) are given the option to serve out of a tent set up within the road closure.

Businesses are responsible for food set up, transport, and following AHS food service guidelines. TOSL will assist with the application and provide tents and tables as needed.

** This is not a requirement, you are still welcome to serve out of your business! **

Bring the Festival Inside Your Space

Increase traffic to your business and add to the festival experience by hosting a workshop or art exhibit within your space. Workshops maybe be culinary, or create in nature ex: cocktail mixing, perfume making, paint & sip, etc.

Host an Official After Party!

Food service ends at 8:30pm, but that doesn't mean the party has to stop! Host an after party with live music, drink specials, and more to bring the crowds inside of your business and keep the fun flowing.

Interested in any of these opportunities? Check YES when prompted during registration, or contact Special Events Supervisor, Denise Papineau: dpapineau@sylvanlake.ca