Street market checklist: what to arrange and when

A street market involves more than booking stalls and inviting vendors. You need to secure permits, confirm the route, manage traffic, plan utilities and give residents enough notice. This checklist puts the work in a practical order, from the first applications to setup and cleanup. It also covers details that are easy to leave too late, such as dietary requirements, payment testing, waste collection and keeping drinks cold.

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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

Apply for permits
Confirm location and route
2 people
Set up stalls
2 people
Invite vendors
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Book catering
Arrange waste collection
Reserve toilets
Apply for traffic measures
Finalize vendor list
2 people
Communicate stall layout
Inform local residents
2 people
Post social media messages
Prepare the map
Prepare route signs
2 people
Make booth numbers
2 people
Prepare receipts
Arrange cash
Test payment terminals
2 people
Check stock
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
4 people
Prepare packages per stall
2 people
Prepare materials
3 people
Check the weather forecast

Event

Cordon off the area
4 people
Receive deliveries
3 people
Build the stalls
8 people
Set up party tents
6 people
Set up tables and chairs
6 people
Check power outlets
2 people
Hang lighting
3 people
Hang decorations
4 people
Put up route signs
3 people
Place booth numbers
3 people
Receive vendors
4 people
Direct vendors to stalls
4 people
Set up sales tables
6 people
Set up the catering buffet
4 people
Make coffee and tea
2 people
Display snacks
3 people
Set up the cash register
2 people
Conduct final safety check
3 people
Welcome visitors
4 people
Staff the information desk
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
3 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Keep walkways clear
2 people
Support vendors
2 people
Restock supplies
2 people
Turn on lighting
Announce final sales round
See visitors out
4 people

Aftercare

Close the register
2 people
Have vendors pack up
4 people
Clean up catering
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
4 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Dismantle lighting
3 people
Take down the stalls
8 people
Clear tables and chairs
6 people
Clean the grounds
5 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Set damaged items aside
2 people
Clean reusable items
3 people
Return materials
2 people
Take waste to the collection point
2 people
Register lost and found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 24
Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 24
Stall shelvesqty 48
Beer tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 8
Storage boxesqty 12
Tableclothsqty 24
High tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Forksqty 120
Knivesqty 120
Spoonsqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving traysqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 12
Payment terminalsqty 3
Cash registersqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12
Work lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 200
Balloon pumpqty 4
Welcome signsqty 4
Information boardsqty 8
Booth numbersqty 24
Sidewalk chalkqty 12
Tapeqty 12
Cable tiesqty 300
Ropeqty 6
Clampsqty 60

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 8
Chef's knifeqty 8
Bread knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Cutting board matsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 8
Drink dispensersqty 4
Serving tongsqty 12
Cooling racksqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 20
Litter pickersqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Hand broomsqty 6
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 8
Toilet brushesqty 4

Safety

Crowd control barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 16
Warning tapeqty 6
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6
Work glovesqty 12
Safety vestsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2

Sales materials

Price tagsqty 500
Markersqty 24
Small change traysqty 12
Cash boxesqty 4
Receiptsqty 1000
Cash change traysqty 4
Shopping bagsqty 500
Paper bagsqty 300
Calculatorsqty 8

Transport

Transport cartsqty 4
Hand trucksqty 2
Ratchet strapsqty 12
Dolliesqty 2

Tips

Start permits, traffic measures and location approval several weeks before the market. Keep the confirmed route and any restrictions in one shared plan so vendors receive the same information.
Set a firm vendor registration deadline before finalising the stall layout. Once the layout is fixed, send stall numbers, access times and unloading instructions rather than leaving each vendor to guess.
Plan power before booking equipment. Count coffee machines, kettles, refrigerators and payment terminals, then provide suitable extension cords, power strips and cable trays for safe crossings.
Confirm toilets, catering and waste collection before publishing final visitor information. Allow for collection points and enough capacity for the full opening period, not just the busiest hour.
Test every payment terminal and cash register before setup day, and prepare receipts and change in advance. Chill drinks and prepare snacks close enough to opening that they remain ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a street market?: Start the main planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the market. Apply for permits and traffic measures first, then confirm the route, invite vendors and book toilets, catering and waste collection.
When should street market vendors register?: Set the registration deadline around 4 to 6 weeks before the event. This gives you time to process registrations, collect dietary requirements, finalise the vendor list and communicate the stall layout.
How many toilets do I need for a street market?: A practical starting point is 1 toilet unit per 75 to 100 visitors expected at the busiest time, with extra provision for longer opening hours or food and drink service. Confirm the final number with the supplier and local requirements at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
When should I test payment terminals and prepare drinks?: Test payment terminals, cash registers and power connections 1 to 2 days before opening, then check them again during setup. Chill drinks and prepare snacks on the day, usually 2 to 4 hours before visitors arrive.

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.