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.
Application
The 2025 Outdoor Market Application is now open! Please ready the Outdoor Market Rules & Regulations prior to applying. All applicants will need to create an account in Manage My Market in order to submit an application.
Outdoor Market Rules
Read the 2025 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.
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.
Outdoor Market Rules & Regulations
The goal of the Outdoor Market is to cultivate a dynamic and diverse public marketplace that connects farmers and producers with customers, offering the highest quality locally sourced products. In alignment with this objective, priority will be given to agricultural vendors, prepared food vendors, cottage food vendors, and then artisan vendors, in that order.
Each application is carefully reviewed using the following criteria:
Local - Preference is given to items produced and/or made locally (within 150 miles of Cincinnati).
Majority of sourced materials must be local, and documentation must be provided upon request.
Quality - You use the highest quality materials to produce items that are durable and made to last. Vendors should be prepared to provide information about their sourcing.
Originality - Your product is unique and 100% yours. It is grown, created, designed, and handmade by you. This originality extends to your branding and packaging as well.
Items like baked goods, candles, jewelry, and soap are heavily represented (saturated) at the Market and around the District. Approval of these items is limited and highly competitive.
Sustainable/Mission Driven
You upcycle or repurpose items, keeping them out of the landfill and creating something new.
You are a Fair Trade Certified seller; proof of certification required.
Over Saturation
To prevent over saturation, vendor participation in specific product categories, including but not limited to holistic body care, candles, soap, jewelry, and artisan-based products, may be subject to limits. The number of vendors permitted within each category will be determined at the sole discretion of the Market Manager, based on factors such as demand, product diversity, and available space.
All vendors are subject to possible sample requests upon approval, as the Market's mission is driven by diversity and uniqueness.
Findlay Market does not accept:
The reselling of vintage items
Retailers or those who purchase items wholesale and resell them at a markup
Franchises
Please note: Due to space and electricity limitations, food trucks and trailers are not permitted in the Outdoor Market.