Street market checklist: what to arrange and when

A street market needs more than stalls and sellers. Use this checklist to set the date, secure the location, arrange permits and insurance, and build a layout that keeps visitors, traders and traffic moving safely. Work through registrations, exhibitor information, staffing and payment arrangements before ordering supplies. In the final week, check equipment, weather, drinks, ice and signs so missing details do not delay opening.

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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
Apply for a permit
Check insurance
Develop the traffic plan
2 people
Develop a waste plan
Create stable layout
2 people
Select suppliers
2 people
Make reservations
Send invitations
2 people
Open the registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm exhibitors
2 people
Inform exhibitors
2 people
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Design route signs
Create prices and stall rules
Create a contact list
Arrange cash
Test payment terminal
Check the weather forecast
Check material stock
2 people
Order shopping list
Buy drinks and ice
2 people
Purchase fresh produce
2 people
Prepare materials
3 people
Prepare cash registers
2 people
Block off the street
4 people
Receive deliveries
3 people
Build the stalls
8 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Welcome exhibitors
3 people
Number the booths
2 people
Put up route signs
2 people
Hang decorations
3 people
Prepare catering
4 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up coffee station
2 people
Place waste stations
2 people
Conduct a safety check
2 people
Check booth presentations
3 people
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

Open the cash registers
2 people
Welcome visitors
4 people
Staff the booths
10 people
Serving food
4 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill food
2 people
Keep tables clean
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Register lost property
Keep clear passageways
2 people
Deposit cash payments
2 people
Announce final sales
See visitors out
3 people
Close cash registers
2 people

Aftercare

Have exhibitors take down their stands
4 people
Take down the stalls
8 people
Collect furniture
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
4 people
Clean the street
4 people
Remove street barriers
4 people
Chill leftover food
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return rented materials
3 people
Remove residual waste
2 people
Prepare the cash register settlement
2 people
Return Lost Items
Hand over the venue
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 30
Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 24
Beer tablesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 10
Plastic containersqty 20
Tableclothsqty 20
Stall weightsqty 60
Transport cartsqty 4

Equipment

Payment terminalsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 3
Hot drink urnsqty 6
Thermo boxesqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 120
Glassesqty 180
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving spoonsqty 12
Scissorsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 6

Kitchen

Knivesqty 12
Bowlsqty 20
Serving plattersqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 4
Pliersqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 6
Cooling platesqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 150
Balloon ribbonqty 3
Diaper clothsqty 30
Booth number signsqty 30
Directional signsqty 12
Sidewalk chalkqty 12

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 12
Batteriesqty 48

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Broomqty 4
Trash binsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Bucketsqty 6
Rubber glovesqty 12

Safety

Crowd control barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 20
Reflective vestsqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Cable matsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start with the date, location, permit and insurance checks. Complete the traffic and waste plans before finalising the stall layout, because access routes and collection points can affect where every market stall goes.
Set a clear exhibitor deadline for registrations and dietary requirements. Confirm each exhibitor before publishing the final layout, then send stall rules, prices, arrival instructions and a contact number at least 7 days before the market.
Count equipment by stall rather than ordering from memory. Check market stalls, tables, chairs, weights, transport carts, extension cords and power strips against the layout, and test every payment terminal before event day.
Assign volunteers to specific jobs and time slots, including setup, information, payments, waste checks and closing. Give each person the route signs and contact list before the first trader arrives, rather than explaining everything on site.
Use the final 48 hours for weather and stock checks. Confirm tents are weighted, coolers and thermo boxes are ready, and buy drinks and ice close enough to opening that cold supplies stay usable. Keep flashlights available if setup or breakdown runs into low light.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I apply for a street market permit?: Check the local authority’s deadline as soon as the date and location are confirmed. Aim to submit the application at least 6 to 8 weeks before the market, because traffic, waste and layout details may be requested.
When should I confirm street market exhibitors?: Set a registration deadline about 4 weeks before the event and confirm exhibitors within 7 days after it closes. Send the final rules, prices, arrival time and stall position at least 1 week before opening.
How many volunteers do I need for a street market?: Plan at least 1 volunteer for setup and 1 for closing, plus 1 person covering information, payments or waste checks for every busy area. Confirm shifts at least 7 days ahead so no role depends on one person being available all day.
When should I buy drinks and ice for a street market?: Check quantities 2 to 3 days before the market and buy drinks and ice within 24 hours of opening where possible. Keep drinks in coolers or thermo boxes, and reserve extra ice for the busiest first service period.

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