Father’s Day market checklist

A Father’s Day market needs more than confirmed stalls and a published date. This checklist takes you from opening registrations to the final stock check, with practical reminders for permits, insurance, parking, power and waste. Plan the floor layout before exhibitors arrive, and confirm food requirements early enough to adjust orders. On the day, allow time for chilled storage, payment equipment, signage and a clear information point so visitors and stallholders know where to go.

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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

Publish market date and times
Send invitations
2 people
Open the registration form
Contact exhibitors
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign stalls
2 people
Make reservations
Confirm exhibitors
Create floor plan
Check permits
Check insurance details
Map out power outlets
Determine waste points
Publish parking information
Inform local residents
2 people
Post promotion on social media
Create the program
Confirm suppliers
Check the shopping list
2 people
Buy stock of shelf-stable products
2 people
Buy drinks and fresh produce
2 people
Gather tools
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Store groceries refrigerated
2 people
Prepare cash float for the till
Print map and signs
Check the weather forecast
Remind exhibitors

Event

Opening the grounds for suppliers
2 people
Receive deliveries
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up market stalls
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Lay out power cables safely
2 people
Hang lighting
3 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Put up route signs
2 people
Place waste bins
2 people
Set up the cash register
2 people
Test payment terminals
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Set up coffee station
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Set out tableware and cutlery
2 people
Welcome exhibitors
3 people
Guide exhibitors to their spots
2 people
Carry out a safety check
2 people
Announce the opening
Welcome visitors
3 people
Staff the information desk
2 people
Staff the cash register
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Check coolers
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
Check the lighting
Announce program items
Inform exhibitors about closing
Serve the last refreshments
2 people
Guide visitors to the exit
2 people
Close the register
2 people

Aftercare

Have exhibitors take down their stands
3 people
Collect tableware
2 people
Store food safely
2 people
Sort waste
3 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Remove lighting
3 people
Remove power cables
2 people
Collect route signs
2 people
Register borrowed materials
Clean materials
3 people
Dry and store materials
2 people
Pack return materials
2 people
Return rented materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Register lost property
Collect invoices and receipts
Inform exhibitors about found items
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 12
Foldable tablesqty 8
Beer tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Cash desk table
Information desk
High tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 4
Storage cratesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Platesqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Serving utensilsqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Payment terminalsqty 2
Mobile phonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Charging adaptersqty 4

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Pliersqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 3
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 10
Father's Day bannersqty 4
Tableclothsqty 20
Chalkboardsqty 8
Chalk markersqty 12
Flower potsqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 12
Table décorqty 20

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 10
Battery lampsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24
Cable rampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Work glovesqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the date, opening hours and registration deadline before promoting the market. Give exhibitors a clear deadline for dietary requirements, stall needs and confirmation so the floor plan does not keep changing.
Draw the floor plan before booking every table and tent. Mark entrances, market stalls, the information desk, cash desk, waste points and power outlets, then check that extension cords and cable reels will reach without creating trip hazards.
Check permits, insurance details and local resident notices several weeks before the market. Parking information should be published with the event details, not added after visitors have already registered.
Count food and drink equipment as well as stock. Plan reusable glasses, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, serving utensils, coffee machines, kettles, coolers and payment terminals for the expected attendance.
Buy shelf-stable products first and leave fresh produce and drinks until nearer the event. Store chilled groceries in coolers or refrigerated storage, and test phones, payment terminals, speakers, microphones and charging adapters before setup day.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a Father’s Day market?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the market. Publish the date and opening times first, then allow several weeks for exhibitor registrations, permits, insurance checks, promotion and supplier confirmations.
When should Father’s Day market exhibitor registrations close?: Close registrations around 3 to 4 weeks before the event. This leaves time to process applications, collect dietary requirements, assign stalls, confirm exhibitors and create a stable floor plan.
How much food and drink should I buy for a Father’s Day market?: Base the order on your expected attendance and serving plan, then add a small buffer rather than buying everything far in advance. Buy shelf-stable products first, and purchase fresh produce and drinks close enough to the event that they can be stored chilled safely.
When should I check power and equipment for the market?: Map power outlets when you create the floor plan, then test all electrical equipment at least 2 to 3 days before setup. Check extension cords, power strips, cable reels, coffee machines, payment terminals, speakers, microphones and charging adapters.

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.