Curio market checklist: what to arrange and when

A Curio market needs more than tables and sellers. You have to confirm the venue, recruit and brief exhibitors, plan the stall layout, prepare visitor information and coordinate power, refreshments and payments. Start with the date and floor plan, then work towards exhibitor confirmations and promotion. During the final week, check supplies, weather and signage; on the day, allow enough time for tents, stalls, lighting, the information desk and catering table before visitors arrive.

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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
Work out market layout
2 people
Recruit exhibitors
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Confirm exhibitors
Collect dietary requirements
Make reservations
Send map to participants
Design signage
Create price and stall cards
2 people
Post promotion online
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare market cash register
2 people

Event

Put up route and parking signs
2 people
Set up tents
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Assemble shelving racks
3 people
Hang lighting
2 people
Connect power supply
2 people
Set up the information desk
2 people
Set up the catering table
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Welcome exhibitors
3 people
Assign stand locations
2 people
Have stalls set up
4 people
Do the final safety check
2 people
Welcome visitors
2 people
Staff the information desk
2 people
Staff the cash register
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Refill drinks
Collect waste
Check toilets
Support exhibitors
2 people
Check the lighting
Announce final sales round
Wave goodbye to visitors
2 people
Have exhibitors take down their stands
4 people

Aftercare

Take down tables and chairs
4 people
Take down tents
4 people
Remove lighting and cables
2 people
Sort and remove waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Count and clean materials
2 people
Close the register and administration
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Clear away leftover groceries

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Rack shelvesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Speaker
Microphone
Cash boxesqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Payment terminal
Toolboxesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Calculatorsqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lightsqty 8

Decorations

Bannersqty 4
Wayfinding signsqty 10
Tableclothsqty 12
Buntingqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 6
Tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100
Booth number cardsqty 20
Price tagsqty 300
Markersqty 12
Notepadsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 8
Stoolsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Cool bowlsqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
Water tanksqty 2
Cooling platesqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2

Tips

Draw the market layout before inviting exhibitors. Mark entrances, walkways, power points, the information desk, catering table and any space needed for tents or shelving so you do not have to rearrange stalls on setup day.
Ask exhibitors for dietary requirements when they register, not during the final week. Send the completed map and arrival instructions once registrations are processed, then reconfirm attendance before the event.
Prepare price cards, stall cards and wayfinding signs at least 3 days before opening. Include route and parking signs as well as signs inside the market; these are easy to overlook until visitors are already arriving.
Check the power plan before bringing in coffee machines, kettles, lighting, a speaker and a microphone. Count extension cords and power strips, keep cables out of walking routes, and test every connection before exhibitors unpack.
Reserve setup time separately from trading time. For a market with tents, tables, chairs, racks, lighting, an information desk and catering, allow at least 2 hours for setup and keep drinks chilled before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a Curio market?: Begin at least 6 to 8 weeks before the market. Confirm the date and location first, then recruit exhibitors, process registrations and leave 7 days for final confirmations, shopping and weather checks.
When should I confirm Curio market exhibitors?: Send an initial invitation 4 to 6 weeks before the event and confirm each exhibitor no later than 10 days beforehand. Send the market map, arrival details and stall information after the final list is settled.
How long does it take to set up a Curio market?: Allow at least 2 hours for the physical setup, and 30 extra minutes for testing power, lighting, sound, signage and the cash register. Add more time if tents, shelving racks or several market stalls must be assembled.
How many cups and drinks do I need for a Curio market?: For the first hour, plan on 2 to 3 drinks per person if refreshments are included, then adjust for the expected duration. Count reusable cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery separately, and chill drinks at least 4 hours before opening.

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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.