What you need for a cultural market

A cultural market needs more than tables and products. You will need practical supplies for exhibitor booths, workshops, visitor flow, payments, refreshments and clear wayfinding. Use this shopping list alongside your event plan so items such as cable trays, name badges and chilled goods are not left until the last day. Check quantities against your number of exhibitors, workshop rooms and expected visitors before buying or booking anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 8
Market stallsqty 20
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 80
High tablesqty 4
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Clothes racksqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 24
Buntingqty 12
Bannersqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Program postersqty 20
Name badgesqty 40
Table numbersqty 20

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 12
Cable traysqty 8
Cash boxesqty 4
Card machinesqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 350
Platesqty 300
Cutlery setsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving traysqty 12
Food tongsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Recycling binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpansqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea assortment - 300 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Iced tea - 18 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 96 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Toast squares - 10 packs
- Baguettes - 15 pieces
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Brie - 3 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Goat cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Salami - 2 kilo
- Vegetarian tapenade - 8 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Mini quiches - 180 pieces
- Vegetarian spring rolls - 150 pieces
- Falafel balls - 150 pieces
- Puff pastry bites - 180 pieces
- Mini sausages - 150 pieces
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Coffee filters - 300 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Wooden skewers - 1000 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 300 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable trash bags - 50
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 8 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Chalk - 6 boxes
- Tape - 12 rolls
- Double-sided tape - 6 rolls
- Markers - 4 boxes

Tips

Plan one market stall or table setup per exhibitor, then add at least one spare table for shared materials, registration or information. Include tablecloths, table numbers and signage so visitors can identify each stand quickly.
Allow one name badge for every exhibitor, volunteer and organiser, plus around 10% extra for late registrations or replacements. Print the final list at least 2 days before the market.
For every powered area, prepare extension cords, power strips and cable trays before setup. Test speakers, microphones, the mixer and card machines at least 2 hours before visitors arrive.
Match reusable cups, plates, cutlery sets and coffee cups to your busiest serving period rather than the total attendance. If 100 people may eat or drink within an hour, prepare at least 100 usable place settings or an agreed washing and refill plan.
Buy chilled goods as late as practical, ideally on the same day or within 24 hours of opening. Keep non-perishable supplies ready earlier, and bring cash boxes, card machines and walkie-talkies to the setup team before exhibitors arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to a cultural market?: Bring booth furniture, table coverings, signs, name badges, payment equipment, serving items and power supplies. For each exhibitor, plan one clearly marked setup and keep at least 10% extra badges and basic signage available.
How many tables do I need for a cultural market?: Start with one table or market stall per exhibitor, then add tables for registration, shared information and refreshments. For 20 exhibitors, a practical starting point is 23 to 25 tables, depending on the floor plan.
When should I buy food and chilled goods for a cultural market?: Buy non-perishable supplies several days before the event and chilled goods on the day itself or within 24 hours of opening. Check dietary requirements before shopping so alternatives are ready before setup.
How early should I set up sound and lighting for a cultural market?: Set up speakers, microphones, the mixer, LED work lights and string lights at least 2 hours before opening. Test every power connection and secure cables with cable trays before exhibitors and visitors enter.

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