Frequently Asked Questions


GENERAL QUESTIONS

I have a shop dog/cat, can I bring them to the market? There is no policy regarding animals at this time. Bringing pets is up to the discretion of the owner. There will be food, MANY people, and not all market attendees will be comfortable with pets within vending booths. We expect large crowds – think Farmer’s Market kind-of crowded. So, taking that into account, it is your call. Please do note no live animals are allowed where food is served or stored, except for service dogs.


FOR BID BUSINESSES & VENDORS

I want to be a MNM Vendor. How do I know if I am in the BID? BID retailers and restaurants are located within the properties of the Madison's Central Business Improvement District. You can view a map of the boundaries here.

How do I apply? A select and limited number of outside vendors will be invited to join each market. Preference will be given to unique, creative items created by local businesses and artisans. Vendors are curated by a committee that includes city representative, BID Board members, area business owners and BID staff. Registrations for the 2023 market have closed. Register your interest for the 2024 market here

What are the rules of the event? You can find a full listing of Madison Night Market rules via this link if you are a BID Business and via this link if you are a Madison Night Market vendor. Please also review the fire safety guidance from the Madison Fire Department, via this link.

Do I have to provide insurance? Yes, if you participate as an on-the-street market vendor, a certificate of insurance ($1,000,000) naming the Madison's Central BID, Madison Improvement Alliance, and the City of Madison as additionally insured will be required.

  • Madison's Central Business Improvement District
    122 W Washington Ave
    Suite 250
    Madison, WI 53703

  • Madison Improvement Alliance
    122 W Washington Ave
    Suite 250
    Madison, WI 53703

  • City of Madison
    Room 13
    210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
    Madison, WI 53703

Why is the BID collecting tax information this year? Event organizers are required by state law to submit a full record of all participating vendors in events like the Madison Night Market. This means we are required to collect relevant tax information from you and report that to the state of Wisconsin via the Wisconsin Temporary Event Report (Form S-240). All information will be kept safe and will only be used to report to the State of Wisconsin.

What tax information is requried by vendors? The BID will be collecting the following information to submit to the State of Wisconsin: Wisconsin Seller's Permit Number; SSN or FEIN; Tax Exempt Code; Legal Business Name; “Doing Business As” Name; Vendor Contact Name; Mailing Address; and Email Address. For more information about this required information and what qualifies under tax exempt status, please see the Department of Revenue’s website here.

Do I have to buy a tent? No, you are not required to have a tent for your market space. Be creative, have fun! You can also rent a tent from one of many event rental companies.

How do I pay? Once Vendors are selected for the MNM, they will be invoiced by the BID. Please check your email and spam filter for a PayPal request for payment from the City of Madison for your invoice.

Is it necessary to light up my tent? It is not required to light up your tent, but it will create ambiance and a better shopping experience for market visitors. The market is dark by 8pm, and the street lights do not give off enough ambient light to illuminate your tent. Vendors would need to supply their own booth/table lighting.

You do not provide us with electricity, how do I light up my tent? Generators are an option, but many market vendors have had success using battery powered LED lights. Mixing LED twinkle lights, spotlights, and lanterns create a fantastic layered lighting effect.

Can I leave early if I run out of food or items for sale? If you sell out of product before the close of market that is fantastic! However due to safety and operational concerns, we ask that you leave your tent/booth area up, even if you put up a “Sold-Out” or “Closed for the Night” sign. Failure to stay until the close of the market may result in non-approval or revocation of invitation to future markets.

The market is 5pm-9pm but is it okay if I start cleaning up between 8 - 8:30? The night market can make for a long day but packing up early reflects poorly on the market and you, the vendors. It can also leave an impression with visitors who come to the market later that perhaps they are not as important of a customer. Besides, nobody wants to lose a sale!

I’m in the BID, is there a way to participate in the market? There are a few! You can work with BID staff to set up a booth in front of your store. You could do something special in your store on market nights. Stay open later! Run a promotion! Whatever you decide to do, we will include that information on our market website, social media, and on our market flyer that is given out the night of the market if you register your promotion, event or special with us.

My children often come to work with me, can I bring them to the market? There are no age restrictions on this event. There are not specific activities for kids, but children seem to always enjoy the music! Additionally, with large crowds and the demands of sales, the market may not be the most appropriate setting for children. The market does not provide child-care or a secure green-room like area for vendors or their children.

Can I drive up to my booth space to unload? Yes, you can! We will have each block barricaded to traffic but vendors will be allowed to drive up to their booth spaces to unload. You will need to move your car before the market opens. Cars must be removed from State St by 3:30pm and can not come back on State St until 9:30pm to allow for pedestrian safety.

Where do I park if I am a MNM Vendor? There are affordable city parking structures near the MNM location along State Street. Vendors will receive a packet with details about where parking is located as well as load in and load out information 1 week before each market. You can find a map of all available parking downtown here.

I was accepted as a vendor - why isn’t my business listed on your website? All vendors listed on our website are those who have paid both their application fee and their booth fee. Please check your email and spam filter for a PayPal request for payment from the City of Madison for your invoice.

I have other questions, how do I get answers? Please email markets@visitdowntownmadison.com This is the first night market to stretch the full length of State Street, and we believe in its success, but this is a new program and somethings we will need to learn along the way. Don't hesitate to ask!

WEATHER POLICY

The Madison Night Market is marketed as a rain or shine event.

And people show up in all situations.

However; in the case of severe or inclement weather, the Madison Night Market may be cancelled to protect participants and vendors.

Severe weather includes thunderstorms and high winds, lightning strikes, tornado, and hail.

Inclement weather includes prolonged and heavy rains.

Madison Night Market reserves the right to cancel the market at any time to protect the safety of vendors and attendees.

Safety is the most important thing and if any of the threatening weather conditions are present the day of the event, the event may be delayed or canceled. When weather conditions or other physical conditions present a danger to participants, Madison Night Market officials maintain the right to cancel the event. Less threatening conditions may cause alterations of the event layout or may delay the start of the event.

In the case of inclement weather, vendors may choose to not attend. No fines, fees or penalties will be issued.

In the event of cancellation, vendor fees will be retained by the Madison Night Market. Such conditions fall under the label “Acts of God,” and will not result in refunding of any entry fees or future event credits.

Vendors should watch for e-communication regarding weather updates, move-in delays.

THREATENING WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Madison Night Market may be canceled or delayed if any of the following weather conditions exist: Tornado Warning, Tornado Watch, Thunderstorm, “Heavy” Rain, other major weather condition.

START OF THE EVENT/CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT

The start of the event may be delayed one hour from the start time if any of the above-mentioned conditions exist. The event may then be canceled if any of the weather conditions persist: Tornado Warning, Tornado Watch or Thunderstorm.

CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT ONCE IT HAS STARTED

If weather develops once the event has started, MNM staff will notify vendors of safe move-out procedures. In cases of severe, quick-arriving weather vendors and attendees should find safe shelter inside the nearest open business or the Downtown Visitor center located at 452 State Street, adjacent to the market.

AUTHORITY TO CANCEL THE EVENT

The Market Manager, after consulting with the BID Executive Director and in accordance with the city and the local law enforcement, has the authority to cancel the event.

BROADCAST OF CANCELLATION

If Event is canceled more than 24 hours prior to the start time: We will notify all participants by email.

If Event is canceled less than 24 hours before start time: We will notify all participants by email.

If event is canceled after the start Market Managers and staff will individually notify vendors of safe move-out procedures. TRUCKS AND LARGE VEHICLES will NOT be able to enter the event space until after arts and craft vendors have moved out. Food carts will depart last.