Street market checklist and organising plan

A street market needs more than tables and sellers. You have to secure the date and location, check permits, map the street, recruit exhibitors and give visitors clear route and parking information. This checklist takes you from the first arrangements to setup day, including power, barriers, stall numbers, refreshments and safety equipment. Use the timings to avoid chasing exhibitors or discovering missing cables when the market is about to open.

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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

Confirm date and location
2 people
Check permits
Work out street layout
2 people
Number the sales stands
2 people
Recruit exhibitors
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Confirm exhibitors
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Make reservations
Publish route and parking information
Send exhibitor information
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect materials
3 people
Clear the venue
4 people
Put up barriers
4 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set up chairs and standing tables
3 people
Build party tents
6 people
Connect power
2 people
Secure cables
2 people
Mark sales locations
3 people
Set up the information desk
2 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Put up directional signs
2 people
Place waste stations
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people

Event

Welcome exhibitors
4 people
Assign stall locations
3 people
Carry out the final safety check
2 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Staff the information desk
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Check toilets
Check out exhibitors
3 people
See visitors out
3 people

Aftercare

Turn off lights
2 people
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
6 people
Remove the barriers
4 people
Clean up waste
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dry and store materials
3 people
Return items
2 people
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

Start checking permits as soon as the date and location are known. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for applications, questions and any changes requested by the local authority.
Give exhibitors a firm registration deadline, then send confirmed stall numbers, arrival instructions, the site layout and dietary requirements at least 7 days before the market.
Map the street before ordering or placing furniture. Mark every sales location and leave clear routes for visitors, deliveries and emergency access; number the stands so sellers can find them quickly.
Check power requirements with each exhibitor before setup day. Use extension cords, power strips and cable mats together, and secure every cable where people walk.
Check the weather forecast 48 hours before opening and again on the morning itself. Build party tents, secure barriers and signs early, and keep gloves, a first aid kit and fire extinguishers accessible rather than packed away.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start planning a street market?: Start at least 6–8 weeks before the market. That gives you time to confirm the location, check permits, recruit exhibitors, publish visitor information and order or collect the required equipment.
When should street market exhibitors receive their final information?: Send the final layout, stand number, arrival time, parking or unloading instructions and practical requirements at least 7 days before the event. Ask for missing dietary or power information no later than 3 days before setup.
How much time does street market setup take?: Allow 3–4 hours for a small market with tents, tables, chairs, signs and power connections. Add extra time if the street needs clearing, barriers must be installed or exhibitors set up their own stands.
What safety equipment does a street market need?: Keep crowd barriers, traffic cones, a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, work gloves and cable mats on site. Check the setup before opening and make sure emergency routes and cables remain clear throughout the market.

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.