What you need for an art market

An art market needs more than tables for displaying work. You also need a reliable payment setup, clear stall numbers, basic visitor information, and refreshments that can be served without slowing down the event. Plan equipment around the number of artists and stalls, then add a small reserve for power, cups, signage, and cash handling. This checklist helps you organise what to buy, borrow, print, and bring before opening day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 6
Market tablesqty 30
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 6
Bar stoolsqty 8
Information desk
Lockable cash boxqty 2
Clothes racksqty 6
Presentation boardsqty 12
Foldable tablesqty 4

Equipment

Payment terminalsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Charging stationsqty 2
Mobile phonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Handheld microphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Pastry platesqty 100
Teaspoonsqty 80
Serving tongsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 2
Cool bagsqty 6

Decorations

Diaper clothsqty 30
Tableclothsqty 12
Buntingqty 12
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8
Booth number signsqty 30
Notice boardsqty 6
Adhesive stripsqty 4
Table décorqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Croissants - 40 pieces
- Mini currant buns - 40 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Mini cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Wooden forks - 200 pieces
- Wooden spoons - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Large trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan one market table or display surface per artist, then add at least one separate information desk for registrations, questions, and lost property. Keep name badges and printed stall numbers there rather than distributing them at the entrance.
Prepare one payment point per busy sales area, with a payment terminal, charged mobile phone, charging access, and a lockable cash box. Bring enough extension cords and power strips to avoid running cables across visitor walkways.
For a four-hour market, allow around two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one drink per person for each following hour. For coffee service, prepare one reusable cup per expected guest plus a 10% reserve, along with teaspoons, serving tongs, and pastry plates.
Print stall numbers, route signs, and participant information at least two days before the market. Bring roughly 10% extra copies of directional signs and registration sheets because signs get damaged or need repositioning.
If the market is outdoors, arrange party tents and secure them before the forecast is checked on the final day. Keep coolers for drinks, thermos flasks for hot water, and a dry backup place for printed materials and payment equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for an art market?: Plan for display tables, chairs where artists need them, stall numbers, route signs, payment terminals, charging equipment, and a lockable cash box. Add refreshments, reusable cups, plates, serving utensils, and at least 10% spare printed materials.
How many tables do I need for an art market?: Start with one market table or equivalent display surface per participating artist. Add one information desk, and allow at least one extra foldable table for refreshments, packing materials, or overflow.
How much coffee and water should I provide at an art market?: For a four-hour market, budget two to three drinks per person in the first hour and one drink per person per hour after that. Buy or prepare about 10% extra, especially if the market has limited nearby cafés.
When should I prepare the art market supplies?: Confirm furniture, payment equipment, power access, and catering at least two weeks before the event. Print signs, stall numbers, and participant information two days beforehand, then check charged devices and packed supplies the day before.

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.