How to organise a curio market from start to finish

A curio market works best when you treat it as a small trading site, not just a row of tables. Start by confirming the date and location, then check permits, power access, parking and the site layout before inviting exhibitors. Once registrations are in, lock down stall positions, dietary requirements and delivery details. On the final day, allow enough time to inspect the site, build tents, set up tables and chairs, prepare refreshments and organise change 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

1
Confirm date and location
2 people
2
Check permit requirements
3
Apply for a permit
4
Work out market layout
2 people
5
Recruit exhibitors
2 people
6
Send invitations
2 people
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Confirm exhibitors
9
Collect dietary requirements
10
Make reservations
11
Send map to exhibitors
12
Publish parking information
13
Check the weather forecast
14
Brief exhibitors again
15
Check the shopping list
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Collect materials
2 people
18
Set up the cash register and change
2 people
19
Sort refreshments
2 people
20
Prepare packages for exhibitors
2 people
21
Inspect the site
2 people
22
Receive deliveries
2 people
23
Build party tents
4 people
24
Set up tables
3 people
25
Set up chairs
2 people
26
Check power outlets
2 people
27
Hang lighting
3 people
28
Mark stalls
2 people
29
Welcome exhibitors
3 people
30
Guide exhibitors to their spots
3 people
31
Hang up decorations
2 people
32
Put up route signs
2 people
33
Set up the information desk
2 people
34
Set up the cash register
2 people
35
Chill drinks
2 people
36
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
37
Prepare snacks
3 people
38
Place waste stations
2 people
39
Check toilets
40
Conduct a safety check
2 people
41
Give volunteer briefing
2 people

Event

42
Open the gates and entrance
2 people
43
Welcome visitors
3 people
44
Staff the info desk
2 people
45
Staff the cash register
2 people
46
Serve snacks
3 people
47
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
48
Refill drinks
2 people
49
Empty trash bins
2 people
50
Check tables and walkways
2 people
51
Check toilets periodically
52
Restock refreshments
2 people
53
Support exhibitors
2 people
54
Turn on lighting
55
Inform last visitors
2 people

Aftercare

56
Close the register
2 people
57
Have exhibitors take down their stands
4 people
58
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
59
Take down party tents
4 people
60
Collect waste
3 people
61
Sweep the grounds
2 people
62
Wash dishes
2 people
63
Clean the venue
3 people
64
Inventory materials
2 people
65
Return borrowed items
2 people
66
Store leftover stock
2 people
67
Register lost and found items
68
Inform exhibitors about departure

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 6
Tableclothsqty 14
High tablesqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Rechargeable lampsqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Handheld microphone
Cash boxesqty 2
Card machinesqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Hand trucksqty 2
Tool casesqty 2
Cable tiesqty 100
Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Outdoor lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Ice packsqty 16

Catering

Price listsqty 12
Menu boardsqty 4
Storage binsqty 12
Groceries

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Chalkboardsqty 8
Table décorqty 12
Directional signsqty 10
Information bannersqty 4

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Waste binsqty 12
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 6

Tips

Check permit requirements before sending invitations. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for an application if your market uses public space, tents, amplified sound or temporary structures.
Plan the layout around practical movement: leave clear routes for visitors, a separate unloading route for exhibitors and enough space between stalls for queues. Send the final map to exhibitors at least 3 days beforehand.
Confirm exhibitors twice: once after registration closes and again 24 hours before opening. The second message should include arrival time, parking instructions, stall position and what they need to bring.
Prepare power and lighting before setting up display tables. Count extension cords and power strips by area, test coffee machines and kettles, and keep rechargeable lamps available for darker corners or late pack-down.
Do not leave refreshments and cash handling until the last hour. Sort cups, plates, cutlery, serving equipment, coolers and thermos flasks in advance, and prepare the cash register with change before exhibitors arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to organise a curio market?: Allow 6–8 weeks for a small market and longer if you need a permit or many exhibitors. Use the first two weeks for the date, venue, permissions and layout; the remaining time is for registrations, logistics and final checks.
When should I invite exhibitors for a curio market?: Send invitations at least 4 weeks before the market, preferably 6 weeks ahead if spaces are limited. Close registrations early enough to confirm stall positions, collect dietary requirements and send the map at least 3 days before the event.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a curio market?: Start with one clearly measured stall area per confirmed exhibitor, then add tables, chairs or market stalls according to the agreed layout. Finalise quantities after registrations close, and keep a small buffer rather than assuming every exhibitor will use the same setup.
What should I do the day before a curio market?: Check the weather forecast, shopping list, deliveries, power equipment and exhibitor confirmations 24 hours before opening. Pack exhibitor materials, refreshments, cash boxes and signage together so setup is about placing and testing items, not searching for them.

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.