How to organise a makers market

Start by fixing the date and location, then work backwards from opening time. Permits, maker invitations and the stall layout need attention before you buy supplies or publish final details. Keep one current participant list, collect dietary requirements early and send every maker clear arrival and access information. In the final week, confirm suppliers, check the forecast and prepare the registration desk, power and payment arrangements so setup does not become a bottleneck.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

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
Check permits
3
Invite makers
2 people
4
Create a promotion plan
5
Post promotion online
6
Distribute flyers
2 people
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Update participant list
9
Collect dietary requirements
10
Create booth layout
2 people
11
Make reservations
12
Confirm suppliers
13
Send participant information
14
Check the weather forecast
15
Arrange keys and access
16
Do the shopping
2 people
17
Collect materials
2 people
18
Withdraw cash
19
Prepare the registration desk
2 people
20
Unload booths
4 people
21
Set up tables
4 people
22
Build party tents
4 people
23
Lay out stall plan
2 people
24
Connect power
2 people
25
Hang lighting
2 people
26
Hang up decorations
2 people
27
Put up signage
2 people
28
Number the booths
2 people
29
Welcome the makers
3 people
30
Direct makers to stalls
2 people
31
Set up coffee station
2 people
32
Chill drinks
2 people
33
Set out snacks
2 people

Event

34
Staff the registration desk
2 people
35
Welcome visitors
2 people
36
Provide information
2 people
37
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
38
Serve snacks
2 people
39
Refill drinks
2 people
40
Empty trash bins
2 people
41
Check toilets
42
Check the stalls
2 people
43
Arrange photo moments
44
Inform last visitors
2 people
45
Complete sales and distribution
2 people

Aftercare

46
Have makers dismantle
3 people
47
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
48
Take down party tents
4 people
49
Wash dishes
2 people
50
Collect waste
3 people
51
Clean the venue
3 people
52
Disconnect equipment
2 people
53
Store cash
2 people
54
Return materials
2 people
55
Return borrowed items
2 people
56
Handle lost property

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Registration desk
Foldable tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Payment terminalsqty 2
Cash boxesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lightsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 14
Decorative plantsqty 8
Booth number signsqty 12

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the date and location before inviting makers, then check permit requirements immediately. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for applications if your venue or local authority requires approval.
Invite makers with a clear deadline and update one participant list as registrations arrive. Send the final list, booth number and arrival instructions at least 7 days before the market.
Draw the booth layout before tables and market stalls arrive. Leave clear routes for visitors, mark each space with booth number signs and reserve room for the registration desk and access points.
Confirm power needs with makers before event day. Count coffee machines, kettles, payment terminals and lighting together, then label extension cords and power strips so setup takes minutes rather than guesswork.
Finish practical checks on the day before opening: check the weather, arrange keys and access, withdraw cash, and group materials by area. Build party tents and connect lighting before unloading the final booths whenever possible.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a makers market?: Start 8–12 weeks before the market. Use the first 2 weeks to confirm the date, location and permits, then invite makers and publish promotion. Final supplier and participant confirmations should be complete at least 7 days before opening.
How do I plan the layout for a makers market?: Create the stall plan 2–3 weeks before the event, using the confirmed participant list and the available tables or market stalls. Mark booth numbers, visitor routes, the registration desk, power points and any tent or barrier positions before setup day.
What should I send makers before the market?: Send final information at least 7 days in advance. Include the booth number, arrival time, key and access details, unloading instructions, available tables or chairs, payment arrangements and the deadline for dietary requirements.
When should I set up a makers market?: Allow at least 2–3 hours for setup, depending on the number of booths and whether party tents, tables, power and lighting are needed. Arrange access in advance, connect power and hang lighting before makers begin unloading whenever possible.

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.