Merry Market 2025 - Vendor Application!

Merry Market is an open-air European-style market and holiday tradition in River Market since 2018! Every year, patrons flock to City Market 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.
  
  Deadline to apply is October 15th! Selections will begin October 16th. We will re-open the application for vendors that would like to be added to the waitlist.
  
  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.