How to organise a curio market from start to finish

Organising a curio market starts with the layout, not the decorations. Confirm the date and venue first, then recruit exhibitors early enough to build a useful mix of stalls and plan the space around them. Once registrations are in, finalise the map, signage, power and refreshments before buying supplies. On setup day, leave time for tents, tables, racks, lighting and the information desk—these jobs usually take longer than expected.

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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
Work out market layout
2 people
3
Recruit exhibitors
2 people
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Process registrations
6
Confirm exhibitors
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Make reservations
9
Send map to participants
10
Design signage
11
Create price and stall cards
2 people
12
Post promotion online
13
Check the weather forecast
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Check materials
2 people
16
Chill drinks
2 people
17
Prepare market cash register
2 people

Event

18
Put up route and parking signs
2 people
19
Set up tents
4 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
21
Assemble shelving racks
3 people
22
Hang lighting
2 people
23
Connect power supply
2 people
24
Set up the information desk
2 people
25
Set up the catering table
2 people
26
Prepare snacks
3 people
27
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
28
Welcome exhibitors
3 people
29
Assign stand locations
2 people
30
Have stalls set up
4 people
31
Do the final safety check
2 people
32
Welcome visitors
2 people
33
Staff the information desk
2 people
34
Staff the cash register
2 people
35
Serve snacks
2 people
36
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
37
Refill drinks
38
Collect waste
39
Check toilets
40
Support exhibitors
2 people
41
Check the lighting
42
Announce final sales round
43
Wave goodbye to visitors
2 people
44
Have exhibitors take down their stands
4 people

Aftercare

45
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
46
Take down tents
4 people
47
Remove lighting and cables
2 people
48
Sort and remove waste
2 people
49
Wash dishes
2 people
50
Clean the venue
3 people
51
Count and clean materials
2 people
52
Close the register and administration
2 people
53
Return borrowed items
2 people
54
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

Set the date and location before contacting exhibitors, then allow at least 4–6 weeks for invitations, registrations and confirmations. Ask for dietary requirements while processing registrations so catering is not an afterthought.
Draw the market layout before hiring or moving furniture. Mark every stall, aisle, entrance and power point, and leave at least 1 metre of clear walking space so visitors can move around tables and clothing racks.
Send exhibitors a map and arrival instructions no later than 7 days before the market. Include their stall position, unloading point, parking route and the time they should be ready for setup.
Prepare price cards, stall cards, banners and route signs before the event day. Pack tape and cable ties with the signage because signs often need securing outdoors or adjusting once tents and tables are in place.
Check the weather forecast 48 hours before opening and test the power supply during setup. Chill drinks in advance, prepare the cash register before visitors arrive, and keep extension cords and power strips away from walkways.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a curio market?: Start at least 4–6 weeks before the market. That gives you time to confirm the venue, recruit exhibitors, process registrations, send the map and order or check equipment.
How do I plan the layout for a curio market?: Begin with the number and size of confirmed stalls, then add entrances, aisles, the information desk, catering table and power points. Keep the main walkways at least 1 metre wide and send the finished map to participants at least 7 days before the event.
What needs to be done on the morning of a curio market?: Allow at least 3–4 hours for tents, tables, chairs, shelving, lighting, power, signage and the information desk. Set up the cash register and catering table before exhibitors and visitors arrive.
How much time should I allow for exhibitor setup?: Give exhibitors a clear setup window of at least 60–90 minutes. Include their arrival time and unloading instructions in the confirmation message, and keep the information desk staffed from the moment setup begins.

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