Programs & Licensing
Questions about a Marketplace program? Reach out to Marketplace Coordinator, Andrew Bacher, at abacher@burlingtonvt.gov.
Artists in the Alley
Are you a fine artist looking to reach a wider audience? The Artists in the Alley program was created to give local fine artists a platform to reach the diverse and engaging audience on the Marketplace. Every year, three to five artists are selected to vend their original work in the heavily trafficked Firehouse Alleyway (between City Hall and the Burlington City Arts Center) and the Marketplace Alleyway (between Church Street and the Marketplace Parking Garage). This program is open to painters, photographers, printmakers, illustrators, and sculptors. To review the rules and regulations, please click here.
If accepted, a license to vend is $400 and expires May 1st of the following year.
Granite Blocks
Everyone has a special moment or memorable story that takes place on the Marketplace. Commemorate your time here, and leave your mark on the Marketplace with an engraved granite block. Granite blocks run the length of the Marketplace and are the perfect, unique gift for births, weddings, anniversaries, graduation, and remembrances.
Production time is approximately 8 weeks from the time of order. Due to weather, granite blocks are installed between May 15 and October 15 of each year. We will do our best to accommodate your location requests, but we cannot promise or guarantee blocks will be placed in a particular location.
Host an Event
Want to host an event, parade, rally, or vigil in the heart of Burlington? Whether you'd like to do a pop-up activation for your brand or a full-scale festival, we have options for every event. Join the roster of iconic Burlington events on the bricks such as Festival of Fools, Jazz Fest, and the Vermont City Marathon. All events will have direct support from the Marketplace staff. The Marketplace can accommodate events of all sizes, and electricity is available upon request.
Non-Profit Tabling
Mission awareness for your non-profit work is essential to raising donations and participation. Reach a wider audience for your organization with a non-profit tabling license on the Marketplace. Tabling is open to non-profit organizations only and is intended for the purpose of promoting, disseminating information, and/or receiving donations. The sale of goods and/or services (this includes but is not limited to raffle tickets, t-shirts, food, beverages, water, etc.) is not permitted. The sale of newspapers and literature is permitted.
Non-profit tabling on the Marketplace is a free program.
Obstruction Permits
Planning to revamp your storefront? Any work that will occur in and obstruct the pedestrian right-of-way requires permitting to do so. An obstruction permit for work within the Church Street Marketplace must be reviewed by Marketplace staff and is $30 per day. A permit shall not exceed 30 days. Businesses must apply for a new permit if work continues beyond 30 days.
Street Entertainers
Looking to busk in Downtown Burlington? The application for a Street Entertainment License on the Church Street Marketplace for 2024 is now open.
The Marketplace Street Entertainers are a beloved addition to the community. Discovering magicians, enjoying acoustic music, and being amazed by acrobats is a unique joy of the Marketplace experience made possible by our Entertainers. Bring your act to the street with a Marketplace Street Entertainer license. All entertainers, including those returning, must apply each year with a video submission of their act. Once approved, a fee for your annual background check will be requested. This fee does not apply to Youth performers (under 18 years old).
All Street Entertainment licenses are valid until the end of the calendar year, December 31st. Electric hookup is not permitted.
Banners on the Marketplace
Bring your brand to the heart of Burlington, VT. Whether you’d like to take over all 30 light poles or install brick stickers along all four blocks, there is a brand activation opportunity fit for your business on the Marketplace. Looking for other ways to leave your mark the Marketplace? Explore pop-up and sponsorship opportunities, too!
Brand activations include consulting and support from the Marketplace Staff. Some clients of this service have included Jet Blue, the DTV Road Show, and the Boston Celtics.
Have a special request?
Cart Vendor Program
The application window for the 2024-2025 season is now closed. Applications had to be submitted by Monday, February 5th, 2024. The 2024-2025 vending period will run from May 1, 2024, through April 31, 2025.
The Marketplace Cart Vendor program is a long-standing tradition that has seen young entrepreneurs blossom from “just an idea” to brick-and-mortar restaurant owners year after year (Skinny Pancake, Hong’s Dumplings, and Shinjuku Station, to name a few)!
The program is a unique opportunity for creative entrepreneurs and businesses to operate a mobile food, retail, or artisan cart on the iconic Church Street Marketplace with access to our 1.5 million annual visitors affordably and with support from the Marketplace team. The Marketplace cart vendors bring a creative, approachable, and invigorating vibe to the heart of downtown Burlington.
Required information to read before applying:
Program Overview
Terms and Conditions of Marketplace Peddling
Cart Vendor Program Contract Agreement
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Samantha McGinnis by calling (802) 735-5572 or emailing smcginnis@burlingtonvt.gov
