Beer Market Checklist: What to Arrange and When

A beer market needs more than a good selection of breweries. You need to secure the date and location, check permits, plan chilled storage, arrange payment and coordinate deliveries before guests arrive. This checklist puts the work in a practical order, from contacting breweries and processing registrations to setting up market stalls, taps, tables and tasting glasses. It also helps you catch the details that are often left too late, such as dietary requirements, beer cards, power access and a clear work schedule.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm date and location
Check permits
Contact breweries
2 people
Assemble a beer selection
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Place beer orders
Order catering
Reserve the cooler
Prepare payment method
Design beer cards
Create floor plan
Confirm deliveries
Do the shopping
2 people
Receive beer delivery
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out glassware and materials
2 people
Print beer cards
Hand out the work schedule
Inspect the site
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up beer stands
4 people
Fill coolers
3 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Set up lighting
2 people
Set up the entrance and checkout
2 people
Set out tasting glasses
2 people
Check stock and prices
2 people

Event

Welcome visitors
3 people
Pour beer
5 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Collect glasses
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
Announce the final order

Aftercare

Close the register
2 people
Count beer and stock
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down tents and decorations
4 people
Wash glasses and tableware
3 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Market stallsqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 12
High tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 16
Tableclothsqty 12
Cratesqty 20

Tableware

Sample glassesqty 150
Water glassesqty 80
Beer glassesqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving boardsqty 12

Equipment

Refrigeratorsqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Tap installationsqty 3
Beer tap hosesqty 6
Payment terminalsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 8
Washing-up basinsqty 4

Decorations

Beer decorationsqty 12
Buntingqty 8
Menu boardsqty 8
Wayfinding signsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start with the date, location and permits before contacting breweries. Confirm how many stands, tents, tables and guests the site can handle, and check whether you need permission to sell or serve alcohol.
Build the beer selection before placing orders. Allow enough time to compare brewery availability, confirm delivery times and decide which beers need refrigeration or a tap installation.
Plan quantities from registrations, not guesses. Collect dietary requirements when guests sign up, then order catering and prepare plates, cutlery, serving boards and water glasses alongside the beer.
Reserve refrigeration and power early. Coolers, refrigerators, tap installations, extension cords and power strips are easy to overlook, but the beer must be chilled and every tap must be safely connected before setup.
Finish the operational details at least one day before opening. Print beer cards, confirm deliveries, inspect the site, hand out the work schedule and prepare payment terminals so the team is not solving logistics during the first tastings.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a beer market?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Use the first weeks to confirm the date, location, permits and breweries, then leave the final 2 weeks for registrations, orders, deliveries and staffing.
How much beer should I order for a beer market?: Base the order on confirmed registrations and the tasting format rather than buying one fixed amount per guest. For a session of several hours, plan several small samples per person and add a reserve of about 10% for popular beers and damaged or spilled servings.
When should beer be delivered and chilled?: Confirm delivery dates at least 7 days before the event and receive the beer early enough to check the order. Chill bottled or canned beer for at least 24 hours; large kegs and other formats may need longer, depending on the equipment.
What equipment do I need for a beer market?: Allow for one tasting glass per guest plus spares, water glasses, bottle openers, coolers or refrigerators, and payment terminals. If you serve draft beer, also arrange tap installations, hoses, power access and enough tables or market stalls for each brewery.

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.