Seasonal outdoor night market organiser

Food, craft and goods vendors pay for stalls. Local sponsors, such as nearby businesses and community groups, may pay to advertise.

Stall fees per night or per season, plus sponsorship and optional extras like premium corner spots or power hookups. Entry is usually free, so your income depends on vendor numbers and turnout.

• Organizing and planning
• Negotiating with landlords and the city
• Social media promotion
• Calm problem solving on the night

• Event or special occasion permits, street closure rules and noise bylaws, check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance for the event, and landlords or cities often ask to be named on it
• Food vendors usually need a permit from the local public health unit, check who is responsible for collecting proof
• Alcohol sales need a provincial licence, check your provincial regulator before allowing them
• Weather and cold shoulder seasons can cancel nights, so plan a rain policy and a flexible budget
• GST/HST may apply once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the lot or park you use, lighting, permits, insurance and how much promotion you do before your first night.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on stall fees, how many vendors you attract and any sponsorship. Weather and cold shoulder seasons can cancel nights, so plan a flexible budget.

Check event or special occasion permits, street closure rules and noise bylaws with your municipality. Also check liability insurance, public health permits for food vendors, provincial licensing for any alcohol sales, and GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.