September: Pet Expo

NEW at Thursday Night Market: Pet Expo – September 2026

This September, the Thursday Night Market is introducing the Pet Expo in Chico City Plaza. This special feature will celebrate our beloved pets and the businesses and organizations that support their health, happiness, and wellbeing.

For the entire month, participating vendors will be featured at all four Thursday Night Markets in September, offering consistent exposure and the opportunity to connect with thousands of weekly attendees.

The Expo will feature pet-related businesses and organizations including pet supply companies, trainers, groomers, veterinarians, pet adoption groups, and animal welfare organizations.

Visitors will have the chance to explore new products, learn about pet care services, connect with local animal organizations, and celebrate the joy that pets bring to our lives.

If your business or organization is dedicated to helping pets live their best lives, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with Chico’s passionate pet-loving community. 🐾🐶🐱

Thursday Night Market
Pet Expo – Vendor Terms & Conditions (September)

The Pet Expo is a special feature of the Thursday Night Market located in the Chico City Plaza.

Vendors selected for the Expo will participate in all four Thursday Night Markets in September.

By applying and participating, vendors agree to the following terms:

1. Event Dates & Participation
The Pet Expo takes place on all four Thursdays in September during Thursday Night Market hours (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) in the Chico City Plaza.

Vendors accepted into the Expo are required to participate all four weeks. Individual weekly participation is not available.

2. Vendor Fees
Vendor participation includes all four weeks of the Expo.

Pricing:

• Non-Profit Vendors: $150 total (for all four weeks)
• For-Profit Vendors: $300 total (for all four weeks)

Payment must be received 7 days before the first event date to secure participation.

Booth spaces are 10’ x 10’ unless otherwise approved.

3. Vendor Selection

All applications are reviewed by the Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA). Vendor selection is based on factors including:

• Relevance to theme
• Product or service uniqueness
• Booth presentation
• Marketplace balance
• Space availability

The DCBA reserves the right to approve, decline, or limit vendors to ensure a balanced event.

4. Booth Setup & Display

Vendors are responsible for providing their own booth equipment, including:

• Tent or canopy
• Tables and displays
• Table coverings

All displays must:

• Remain within the assigned booth space
• Be clean, organized, and professional
• Maintain a family-friendly presentation

Aggressive sales tactics are not permitted.

5. Space Assignments

The Pet Expo will be located in the Chico City Plaza as part of the Thursday Night Market footprint.

Vendor booths will be assigned within the Plaza by DCBA staff to create a cohesive themed area. Booth locations may vary slightly from week to week depending on event layout, power access, and operational needs.

Booth spaces are 10’ x 10’ unless otherwise approved. All vendors must keep their displays, equipment, and activities within their assigned space.

Specific booth locations are not guaranteed, and the Downtown Chico Business Association reserves the right to adjust assignments if necessary to support event operations. 

6. Clean Up

Vendors must leave their booth space clean at the end of the event.

Vendors are responsible for:

• Removing all trash and materials
• Leaving the space free of debris
• Properly disposing of vendor-generated waste

Failure to clean the space may result in fines or loss of participation privileges.

7. General Event Rules

To maintain a safe and welcoming environment:

• Vendors may not consume alcohol during the event.
• Smoking is not permitted within vendor areas or near downtown storefronts.
• All booth staff must be appropriately clothed at all times.
• Animals are not permitted near food vendors in accordance with health regulations.
• Event photography may occur and may be used for promotional purposes.

8. Licenses & Permits

Vendors are responsible for obtaining and maintaining any permits or licenses required for their business type, including seller’s permits or health permits when applicable.

9. Weather Policy

Thursday Night Market is a rain-or-shine event.

Vendors assume responsibility for protecting their products and equipment from weather conditions.

10. Compliance

DCBA staff may inspect booths and enforce event rules. Violations may result in warnings, fines, suspension, or removal from the event.

11. Liability

By participating, vendors agree to hold harmless the Downtown Chico Business Association, the City of Chico, and event partners from any claims, damages, or liabilities related to participation in the event.