Merry Market 2025 - Vendor Application!

NOTICE: ALL SPACES FOR MERRY MARKET 2025 ARE FULL AT THIS TIME. 
Application will remain open for those that wish to be placed on the waitlist. If a space opens, we may reach out to confirm your interest in vending. No charges will be made without your confirmation. Please carefully read the details below. Thank you :) 

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Merry Market is an open-air European-style holiday shopping experience hosted by City Market since 2018! Every year, patrons flock to the Historic River Market District to shop local artisans for holiday gifts and décor 🎄🎁🎅

This will be Art Garden KC's 3rd year curating Merry Market in partnership with City Market! Continuing previous years traditions, the event will include live music/entertainment on the Community stage! City Market shops and restaurants will offer holiday-themed specials, in-store activities, and promotions to be announced closer to the event kickoff. 

Makers and fine artists are encouraged to apply!*
*Live painters, face painters, balloon artists, henna artists, caricatures etc...please email us separately about entertainment opportunities - hello@artgardenkc.org
*Food & beverage vendors MUST apply via City Market - Contact pstocker@thecitymarketkc.org

When: Saturdays & Sundays, November 29th - December 21st
Where: City Market Square - 20 East 5th Street Kansas City, MO, 64106
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Load-in: starts at 8 a.m. (vendors will pull up directly to their booth space to unload)

Booth Fees: 

• $100 per weekend for Pavilion 2 or street spaces (Option to select 1 or multiple weekends)
• $200 per weekend for Pavilions 1 & 3 (Overnight, enclosed spaces - MUST apply for all 4 weekends - very limited availability)
  

• Mobile Boutiques - $250 Per Weekend - This category is reserved for vendors selling directly from a mobile boutique vehicle (bus, truck, trolley, etc.). Space is very limited and will be curated to ensure variety and fit for the market.

• 7.5% admin/credit card processing fee applied to booth fees

Parking: Paid Parking in adjacent City Market lots ($10 for 8 hours) or FREE parking at 7th & Main with a short streetcar ride back.

NOTES:

• This is a Specially Curated Holiday Event reserved for experienced/professional vendors. Vendors will be selected based on quality/type of products and booth presentation with an emphasis on products/art that will make great holiday gifts.

• Vendors MUST have a 10x10 straight-leg canopy. 

• Tent walls are HIGHLY encouraged for windblock and aesthetic.  

• All vendors must have a clean display and provide their own tables, chairs, tablecloths, weights, holiday décor and display stands.

• For placement requests, ie; handicap needs, placement near fellow vendor or request of corner space - please include in the "Special Requests" portion of the application.
• To apply, select the Merry Market Weekends that you wish to attend.
• Approved vendors are required to decorate booth for holiday theme and encouraged to promote the event via social media.
  
  
  Please read the Terms & Conditions below before applying. 

• Vendors are curated based on product type, booth display, balance of categories, and availability.

• If a category is full, no additional vendors of that type will be accepted.

• Day-of entrants will not be approved.

• Vendors may be waitlisted if a category is closed or no spaces remain.

• If a cancellation occurs, you may be notified via Eventeny Messenger to fill a space.

• Payment is only required if you are accepted from the waitlist.

• Vendors must bring a 10’x10’ canopy with weights. No weights = no setup and no refund.

• AGKC does not loan canopies for this event.

• Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs, and displays (stands, racks, grid walls, etc.).

• Use fabric tablecloths for a professional look.

• Tent walls are encouraged for weather protection and aesthetic.

• Electricity (Pavilions 1–3) is limited to holiday lights/décor and merchandising equipment. No electric heaters. Heaters must be propane or butane powered.

• No exclusivity of products is guaranteed.

• All merchandise must be family-friendly (no nudity, drug paraphernalia, etc.). Questionable items should be left at home.

• Vendors may be asked to remove items that violate City Market guidelines.

• No unaltered trademarked, logo’d, or licensed images/products. Alterations must make items clearly different from originals. Vendors are solely responsible for IP violations.

• AGKC will avoid placing vendors with similar products next to each other where possible.

• Booth location depends on vendor category, approved weekends, and requests (e.g., electricity, sun-sensitive items).

• Pavilions 1 & 3: Vendors approved for ALL 4 Weekends may leave canopies/displays up overnight and from week-to-week. Pavilions lock at 6PM and remain secured until the next event day. Remove items that could be damaged by freezing temperatures.

• Pavilion 2: Vendors with consecutive dates may leave canopies/tables overnight at your own risk. Foot patrol runs 6PM–8AM. All items must be removed by Sunday 6PM (no weekday security).

• Street Vendors: Must tear down completely at the end of each day.

• Vendors may park at the free lot at 7th & Main (per agreement with City Market).

• Ride the KC Streetcar from “7th & Main” to “City Market 5th & Walnut” or “River Market North 3rd & Grand.”

• City Market, KC Commercial Realty Group, PIEA, City of KCMO, Art Garden Kansas City LLC, and affiliates are not liable for loss/damage of merchandise.

• Vendors are responsible for personal and product liability insurance.

• AGKC captures photos/videos at events for promotion (press, ads, website, social media, etc.).

• Vendor-submitted images/bios may be used in media features.

• To opt out, decline photography on-site or email hello@artgardenkc.org.

• Vendors are required to promote event using provided or personal graphics and to tag @artgardenkc & @citymarketkc.

• Event hashtags: #MerryMarketKC #CityMarketKC #ArtGardenKC

• Cancel via Eventeny at least 24 hours before event start for a 50% transfer credit/refund.

• No refunds/credits for cancellations made within 24 hours.

• No refunds if removed for rule violations.

• Event is rain, snow, or shine (per City Market). Choosing not to attend due to weather or temperatures = no refund. This is an open-air, outdoor market.

• 50% refunds may be issued for:

  • Vendor health issues, business closure, or extraordinary circumstances - upon AGKC approval. 

  • Weather or scheduling cancellations made by City Market or AGKC.

• AGKC may revoke approval at any time for rule violations.

• Vendors are responsible for ensuring employees/family know and follow market rules.