How to organise a street market from start to finish

A street market needs more than booked stalls and a few tables. Start by confirming the date, location and permits, then plan the street layout before inviting exhibitors. Once registrations are in, number the stands, confirm requirements and send practical arrival information. The final week is about checking the forecast, collecting equipment and preparing power, barriers, signs and the information desk so setup runs in the right order.

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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 permits
3
Work out street layout
2 people
4
Number the sales stands
2 people
5
Recruit exhibitors
2 people
6
Send invitations
2 people
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Confirm exhibitors
2 people
9
Collect dietary requirements
10
Make reservations
11
Publish route and parking information
12
Send exhibitor information
13
Check the weather forecast
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Collect materials
3 people
16
Clear the venue
4 people
17
Put up barriers
4 people
18
Set up tables
4 people
19
Set up chairs and standing tables
3 people
20
Build party tents
6 people
21
Connect power
2 people
22
Secure cables
2 people
23
Mark sales locations
3 people
24
Set up the information desk
2 people
25
Hang decorations
3 people
26
Put up directional signs
2 people
27
Place waste stations
2 people
28
Fill coolers
2 people
29
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
30
Prepare snacks
3 people

Event

31
Welcome exhibitors
4 people
32
Assign stall locations
3 people
33
Carry out the final safety check
2 people
34
Welcome visitors
3 people
35
Staff the information desk
2 people
36
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
37
Serve snacks
2 people
38
Refill drinks
2 people
39
Collect waste
2 people
40
Check toilets
41
Check out exhibitors
3 people
42
See visitors out
3 people

Aftercare

43
Turn off lights
2 people
44
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
45
Take down party tents
6 people
46
Remove the barriers
4 people
47
Clean up waste
4 people
48
Wash dishes
2 people
49
Clean the venue
4 people
50
Dry and store materials
3 people
51
Return items
2 people
52
Handle lost and found

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 24
High tablesqty 4
Beer tablesqty 4
Information desk

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lightsqty 6

Decorations

Buntingqty 10
Balloon archesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 12
Decorative plantsqty 8
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8
Stand number signsqty 40

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 12
Traffic conesqty 12
First aid kit
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Work glovesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Ice packsqty 16

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning cart

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Check permits and access before announcing the market. Confirm where vehicles can load and unload, which areas must stay clear, and when the street needs to be ready for visitors.
Draw the layout before recruiting exhibitors. Number every sales location and leave space for the information desk, crowd flow, party tents, tables, cable routes and emergency access.
Set an exhibitor deadline at least 2 weeks before the market. Use the final list to confirm registrations, collect dietary requirements and send each exhibitor their stand number, arrival time and parking information.
Plan power as a safety task, not a last-minute detail. Position coffee machines, kettles and lighting near suitable outlets, keep extension cords off walking routes with cable mats, and test the setup before opening.
Allow at least 3 hours for on-site setup if you are building party tents, placing barriers, arranging tables and chairs, connecting power and marking stands. Put up directional signs and the welcome sign before exhibitors arrive so people do not need to ask for basic directions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to organise a street market?: Allow at least 6 to 8 weeks for a small street market. That gives you time to confirm the location, check permits, recruit exhibitors, process registrations and send final information before setup day.
When should I invite exhibitors to a street market?: Send invitations around 6 weeks before the market, with a registration deadline at least 2 weeks before the event. Confirm the final exhibitor list and stand numbers during the last 10 to 14 days.
How much setup time does a street market need?: Plan for at least 3 hours on site for tents, tables, chairs, barriers, signs and power. Add extra time if access is restricted or if several people must share one unloading window.
What should I check the day before a street market?: Check the weather forecast, confirm exhibitor arrivals and collect all materials at least 24 hours beforehand. Also verify that signs, first aid supplies, fire extinguishers, cable mats and traffic cones are ready for the setup team.

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.