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Vendor Tables Available for BPM Fest
Call for Vendors and Sponsors: Showcase Your Work at the Inaugural BPM Drum Festival, and show your support of the arts in Bayside!
Bayside is getting ready to beat to a new rhythm this summer! On Saturday, August 1st, 2026, the Bayside Neighborhood Association (BNA) is proudly presenting the first-ever BPM Traditional Drum Festival along the beautiful Bayside Trail.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Levitt Family Foundation, this free, open-air festival is designed to activate our public green spaces, celebrate Bayside’s incredible cultural diversity, and bring community members together through a unique, multi-group synchronized sonic experience.
With massive crowds expected to walk the trail, dance, and listen to iconic groups like Taiko Maine, Namory Keita, and the Keepers of the Penobscot Drum, we want YOU to be a part of the energy.
Why Table at BPM Fest?
Whether you are a local maker, an advocacy group, a neighborhood non-profit, or a small business, setting up a table at the festival puts you directly in front of thousands of Portland residents and visitors in a festive, high-vibe atmosphere.
We are actively looking for:
- Artisans & Makers: Handcrafted goods, art, jewelry, and creative wares.
- Community Providers & Non-Profits: Organizations looking to share resources, sign up volunteers, or highlight community initiatives.
- Neighborhood Businesses: Local brands looking to connect directly with the West Bayside community and beyond.
The Details
- When: Saturday, August 1st, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Where: Along the Bayside Trail starting at Somerset and Elm Streets
- Cost: Free! We have a limited number of tables and chairs, so if you can bring your own that is appreciated.
Secure Your Spot Today!
Ready to join the rhythm of the neighborhood? Spots will fill up fast as we map out the trail footprint.
Don’t wait—head over to our official signup page to tell us about your setup and secure your table space:
👉 Apply to be a BPM Fest Vendor Here
Become a Festival Sponsorship Partner
An impactful community celebration like this takes a village. While our grant covers the foundational costs, we are actively looking for local businesses, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to step up as BPM Fest Sponsors.
By partnering with the BNA, you’re showing your concrete commitment to local arts and diversity, which will help keep this incredible event entirely free and accessible to all.
👉 Interested in partnering? email us at events@baysideportland.org
For more information on the festival lineup, interactive drum circles, and schedule, check out the official BPM Fest Hub. See you on the trail!
Thank you to Levitt Family Foundation for its support of The BPM Traditional Drum Festival! We love Levitt Foundation’s mission, which is to strengthen the social fabric of America through the power of free, live music. In 2026, Levitt is supporting more than 900 free outdoor concerts nationwide in 100+ towns and cities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, bringing people together of all ages and backgrounds to create healthy, connected, and thriving communities. Learn more: levitt.org
Congratulations to the Natural Helpers!
We are thrilled to celebrate the recent graduation of our very own Bayside Neighborhood Association Vice President, Peter Markoe, from the City of Portland’s 2026 Natural Helpers cohort.
Peter has consistently poured his heart into making Bayside an inclusive, vibrant place to live, and he stepped into this intensive fellowship to find new ways to elevate and empower the voices of our residents. Alongside him, Obed’s participation ensures that community needs are kept front and center on the Board of Commissioners, expanding his network of resources to better advocate for the wonderfully diverse families across Portland.
Reflecting on the experience, Peter noted, “The Natural Helpers Cohort helps forge relationships and bonds between individuals and communities, based on the common ground of helping your neighbor regardless of their circumstance. This virtue is a pillar of what it means to be a Mainer. There is really something special happening here in Portland and I cannot wait to see what this group accomplishes.
Organized by the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), this brilliant program is a five-month fellowship designed to bridge the gaps between our diverse neighborhoods and vital local resources. This year’s cohort included 14 dedicated individuals representing seven countries of origin and 11 local organizations—all working together to build a stronger, more connected city.
The collective impact of this group is incredible. Over their five months together, the fellows provided over 650 direct support actions, helped eliminate thousands in medical debt for neighbors, assisted 60 individuals with workforce development, and reached roughly 4,500 community members through events and outreach.
As OEO Director Melissa Hue shared during the celebration, these leaders do this work simply because they genuinely care about their communities, helping neighbors navigate difficult situations and providing a shoulder to lean on. Portland is a better, kinder, and more resilient place because of their dedication. Also graduating was Bayside Opportunity Center board member Obed Frempong Aboagye. Congratulations to Peter, Obed, and the entire 2026 cohort of Natural Helpers!
Show Your Bayside Pride!
Bayside Caps Are Here!
The BNA recently invested in a small lot of high-quality 100% cotton branded caps with custom embroidery to increase neighborhood visibility, foster community pride, and serve as a premium perk for our fundraising efforts. Right now you can get your own Bayside Cap with any donation of $25 or more. Your contribution helps fuel the vital programming, advocacy, and community outreach at the heart of the BNA’s work for over 25 years.
Act now and we’ll throw in a “Bayside is the Playside” pin to go with your hat. While supplies last. Thanks to the City of Portland Office of Sustainability.
Who’s wearing Bayside caps? Everybody!
Click the givebutter link above (note you don’t have to pay a donor fee) or use venmo@baysideportland Pick up your cap at the next BNA Board Meeting: 6pm, Tuesday, June 2nd, in the Steve Hirshon Community Room at Unity Village, 24 Stone Street, Portland, Maine. Otherwise reach out to info@baysideportland.org and we’ll arrange a pickup or dropoff at your convenience.
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