What to Buy for an Art Market

An art market needs more than tables and decorations. You will need a clear way to number stalls, guide visitors, take payments, protect artwork from weather and keep the setup moving. Start buying or reserving core equipment at least two to four weeks ahead, especially tents, tables, lighting and payment devices. Use the confirmed participant count to decide quantities, then add a small backup for essentials that can fail or go missing.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 8
Market tablesqty 40
Folding chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 12
High tablesqty 6
Artist stoolsqty 20
Storage boxesqty 20
Transport cartsqty 4
Crowd control barriersqty 12

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 10
LED work lightsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 12

Equipment

Mobile card terminalsqty 3
Smartphones for paymentsqty 3
Cash registersqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Handheld megaphonesqty 2
Power banksqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 45
Booth numbersqty 40
Name badgesqty 50
Information boardsqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Postersqty 30
Adhesive stripsqty 6
Cable tiesqty 200
Clothes pegsqty 100
Price sign holdersqty 80
Photo framesqty 20
Presentation cubesqty 20
Easelsqty 25
Backdrop panelsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Glassesqty 100
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 20
Tea towelsqty 12
Towelsqty 8
Bottle openersqty 4
Thermal food containersqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Vacuum cleaner
Broomsqty 4
Eye-catchersqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Sanitizer pumpsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Carbonated water - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White beer - 24 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilograms
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken - 1 kilogram
- Vegan spread - 1 kilogram
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Multigrain Bread - 10 loaves
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Crackers - 10 packs
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Vegan vegetable balls - 100 pieces
- Puff pastry snacks - 100 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

Plan one market table or equivalent display surface per stall, then keep at least two spare tables available for registration, information or last-minute changes. Confirm the final stall count before placing your reservation.
Provide one chair per seated stallholder and keep two to four extra folding chairs for volunteers and visitors. Artist stools are useful where makers need to work or demonstrate at their stand.
Prepare one clearly marked booth number, one name badge and one information point for every participating artist. Order or print these after participant selection, not before, so names and stall assignments are correct.
For electronic payments, arrange one mobile card terminal or payment smartphone for each busy payment point, plus at least one power bank per device. Test charging, signal and payment access the day before the market.
Allow two to three hours before opening for setup, including tents, tables, signs, cables and lighting. Bring cable ties, adhesive strips and extension cords in a labelled box; these small fixing supplies are often needed only after the layout is in place.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for an art market?: Plan for one display setup per stall: a market table, chair or stool, stall number and name badge. You will also need weather cover, directional signs, payment equipment, extension cords and basic fixing supplies such as cable ties and adhesive strips.
How many tables do I need for an art market?: Start with one market table or equivalent display surface per confirmed stall. Add two spare tables for registration, information or changes on the day, then confirm the total after participant selection.
How many card terminals are needed for an art market?: Use at least one mobile card terminal or payment smartphone for each busy payment point. Keep one charged power bank per device and test every terminal at least one day before the event.
When should I order equipment for an art market?: Reserve tents, tables, chairs, lighting and transport equipment two to four weeks before the market. Finalise stall numbers and printed signs about one week ahead, then check the weather forecast and backup plan 48 hours before opening.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.