Street market checklist and planning guide

A street market needs more than stalls and tables. You must sort out permission, the site layout, stallholder details, resident notices, power, weather cover and the final setup before opening day. Start with the street plan and permit requirements, then confirm traders and suppliers before buying supplies. Use this checklist to keep registrations, signage, volunteers, drinks and equipment on schedule.

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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

Check permit and notification
Record the venue and site layout
2 people
Contact stallholders
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm booth layout
2 people
Make reservations
Inform residents about the traffic plan
2 people
Confirm supplier agreements
Assign volunteers
2 people
Create floor plans and signage
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Send final instructions to stallholders
Arrange cash for change
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up non-perishable supplies
2 people
Label stalls and tables
2 people
Prepare for weather conditions
2 people
Inspect venue
2 people
Cordon off the area
3 people
Build the stalls
6 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Check power outlets
2 people
Hang lighting
3 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Set up signage
2 people
Receive booth holders
3 people
Assign stall spaces
3 people
Set up the cash register
2 people
Set up food stall
4 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Prepare snacks
4 people
Place waste stations
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Carry out a safety check
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Announce the opening
Welcome visitors
3 people
Staff the information desk
2 people
Support stallholders
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Run the food stall
4 people
Manage the cash register
2 people
Restock supplies
2 people
Empty waste stations
2 people
Clear tables and seating
2 people
Clean the toilets in between
2 people
Turn on lighting
2 people
Announce the performance
Guide the audience
3 people
Final round past the stalls
2 people
Announce closing
Guide visitors to the exit
3 people

Aftercare

Close the register
2 people
Check out exhibitors
2 people
Dismantle stalls
6 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Collect waste
4 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Empty the coolers
2 people
Clean materials
3 people
Take down lighting
2 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Register lost and found items
Return materials
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 6
Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 6
Plastic cratesqty 12
Parasolsqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Knivesqty 80
Forksqty 80
Spoonsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8
Soup ladlesqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Tableclothsqty 12
Table signsqty 15
Directional signsqty 12
Chalkboardsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Mobile card terminalsqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Power banksqty 4
Flashlightsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Scissorsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Storage binsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Hand broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning spongesqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12
Battery lanternsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 24

Safety

Crowd control barriersqty 12
Warning tapeqty 4
Fire extinguishersqty 2
First aid kitsqty 2
Work glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Check permits, notifications and the traffic plan before contacting stallholders. Residents may need notice of road closures or changed access several weeks before the market.
Confirm the site layout early, including market stalls, tables, tents, power points and clear routes for visitors. Leave enough space for queues, deliveries and emergency access.
Send stallholders final instructions at least 7 days before the market. Include arrival time, unloading arrangements, booth dimensions, table labels, payment expectations and what they must bring.
Plan drinks and serving equipment separately from food stalls. Chill drinks in coolers, test coffee machines and kettles, and check that extension cords and power strips reach every powered station safely.
Check the forecast 48 hours before opening and make a weather decision the day before. Have party tents, parasols, table covers and a clear method for securing signs and lightweight decorations ready.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a street market?: Begin at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead if you need a permit, road access changes or several stallholders. Confirm the site layout and suppliers first, then open registrations and send resident information.
When should street market stallholders receive final instructions?: Send final instructions at least 7 days before the market, with a reminder 24 to 48 hours before setup. Include arrival times, unloading points, stall positions, power details and weather arrangements.
How many volunteers do I need for a street market?: Plan at least 1 coordinator, 1 person for stallholder check-in and 1 volunteer for every 8 to 10 stalls. Add extra help for setup, traffic control, drink service and clearing the site if those duties overlap.
When should I check the weather for a street market?: Check the forecast 48 hours before the event and again on the morning itself. Make the final shelter and layout decision the day before so tents, parasols and tables can be positioned safely.

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.