OUTDOOR MARKET VENDOR APPLICATION
The goal of the Outdoor Market at Findlay Market is to connect farmers and producers with customers in a dynamic, diverse public marketplace; providing locals and visitors with the highest quality products the region has to offer.
The Outdoor Market operates year round, rain or shine. While setting up every weekend isn’t required, consistency is strongly recommended from June - October. All vendors are responsible for setting & maintaining their own schedule.
If you are interested in being an Outdoor Market vendor at Findlay Market, please read the following carefully before proceeding with your application. Due to the volume of phone calls & emails, we may not respond to each inquiry regarding information found here.
Outdoor Market Rules
Read the 2024 Rules & Regulations carefully to learn more about selection criteria, attendance rules, & vendor expectations.
Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed after the application fee is paid. Please allow 4 weeks for a response. Due to the amount of inquiries we receive, we are not able to respond to all emails or messages about vendor applications.
Important Notes to Consider Before Applying to Findlay Market’s Outdoor Market:
At this time, applications for Farmers/Agricultural Producers & Packaged Food vendors are being prioritized.
All vendors must submit an application regardless of whether they’ve been accepted in the past.
All vendors must pay outstanding debts from the previous season before their application will be processed.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
A non-refundable fee is collected to process & review every application. This fee must be paid before the review process can begin.
Preference is given to products produced and/or made locally (within 150 miles of Cincinnati)
Approval of baked goods, candles, jewelry, & soap is highly competitive as these products are well represented in the Market District
Do not apply if you’re a retailer or part of a franchise. Findlay Market cannot accommodate these businesses.
Vendors must supply their own equipment, including, but not limited to: tent (for a 10’x10’ space), tent weights, table(s), chair(s), signage
Prior to approval, a trial set up will be scheduled for all Prepared Food vendors (those who want to cook onsite). This is in addition to the set up required by the Health Department to receive a Mobile Food License.
Non-profit and non-partisan groups are able to set up. An application is required along with proof of 501(c)(3) status and Certificate of Liability Insurance."
Informal groups intending to fundraise are unable to set up at the Outdoor Market.
Important Links
List of Electrical Equipment (Prepared Food Vendors & those who need electricity for the safety of their product)
Vendor Requirements
Certificate of Liability Insurance - for all vendors; at least $1 million in coverage
Licensing
Mobile Food License - for product that requires temperature control:
Food or beverage prepared on site for immediate consumption (street tacos; coffee/tea/fresh juice)
Food prepared in a commercial setting & not exempt under ODA Cottage Food Law (cheesecake, cream pies, etc)
Animal products (eggs, raw meat, dairy)
Equipment - all vendors must have the following:
Tent for a 10’ x 10’ stall (N. Elder St. & Essen Strasse only)
Tent weights
Table(s)
Chair(s)
Signage featuring your business name
Outdoor Market Locations & Cost
Farm Shed ($30/day) - covered structure located in the North Parking Lot; 20 amp electricity & parking space included. Each stall is approximately 9’ x 8’; no tent required. Primary location for Farmers/Agricultural Producers and select Exempt Cottage Food Producers.
North Elder St ($35/day) - located north of the Market House, stretching from Race St to Elm St (east to west). Each stall is 10’ x 10’; tents required. No electricity access. Primary location for Artisans & Exempt Cottage Food Producers who don’t require electricity.
Essen Strasse/South Elder St ($40/day) - located south of the Market House, stretching from Race St. to Elm St. (east to west) and north of Pleasant St. Each stall is 10’ x 10’; tents required; 20 amp electricity included. Primary location for onsite food preparation.
Vendor Categories & Selection Criteria
Please read through these definitions and find the category that fits with what you plan to sell. The goal of the Outdoor Market is to provide locals & visitors with the highest quality products the region has to offer.
Each application is reviewed with the following criteria in mind: Quality, Originality, Production, & Sustainability. Preference is given to items produced and/or made locally (within 150 miles of Cincinnati).
Farmer/Agricultural Producer
Those who cultivate fruits and vegetables; harvest wild fruits, vegetables, or flowers; grow outdoor/indoor plants or herb plants; raise animals for dairy or meat products to sell at the Outdoor Market
For those selling eggs, raw meat, poultry, and dairy products a health inspection and appropriate health permits are required.
Exempt Cottage Food Producer
Non-hazardous food items produced at home (or non-commercial setting) that do not require licensing or inspection by the ODA. Items must be appropriately labeled in order to be approved following ODA labeling requirements.
Examples include but are not limited to: cookies, brownies, fruit pies & cobblers, jams, jellies, granola, ground coffee/coffee beans, dry tea blends, dry herbs & herb blends.
For more information, visit this link.
Prepared Food- Mobile Food License Required*
Potentially hazardous food items that require temperature control. Vendors fall into the following categories:
Food and/or beverage freshly prepared at the Outdoor Market for immediate consumption
Examples Include: street tacos, deep fried food, iced tea & coffee, fresh juice
Food prepared in a commercial kitchen that is not an Exempt Cottage Food.
Examples Include: cheesecake, cream or custard pies, popsicles
*Interested Findlay Kitchen Members may use the Kitchen’s Mobile License & Outdoor Market equipment. Reach out to Kelly Shaw for details.
For more information, visit this link.
Artisan
Non-food products created, designed, or handmade by a local artisan.
Items must be made locally; vendors should be prepared to share where they source their materials. Examples include, but are not limited to: pottery, paintings, textiles, jewelry, candles
Partisan (Political) Campaigns, Groups & Organizations
Those affiliated with campaigns & political causes are unable to apply for a stall at the Outdoor Market, but may petition in the public areas- sidewalks on Elm St & Race St- around the Market District. The following areas around the Market are prohibited:
Open stalls in the Farm Shed, on North Elder, or Essen Strasse
Inside the Market House & within 3’ of any Market House entrance
Within 3’ of store fronts & rented outdoor stall spaces