Call for Proposals - Markets on Water 2026

The City of St. John’s is inviting local event and market organizers to submit proposals to host a vendor market series on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall during the 2026 season, from July 4 to September 7.

Key Highlights: 

• The space will be provided free of charge to successful organizers.
• A market shall consist of minimum of 20 vendors to a maximum of 60 vendors.
• Markets must be comprised of predominantly local crafters & artisans (at least 75%).
• Non artisan exhibitors (commercial entities with promotional information booths) are allowed but the total number must not exceed a maximum of 2 per market.
• Licensed Food Vendors/ mobile vendors/food trucks are allowed but only with all appropriate permits, equipment and insurance.
• Market organizers may not charge admission to the public. 
• The City of St. John’s reserves the right to engage multiple event organizers to operate markets on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall throughout the duration of the 2026 Downtown Pedestrian Mall.
• The City of St. John’s reserves the right to cancel markets at any time with or without prior notice.

The deadline for proposals is Friday, February 13, 2026.

How to Submit Your Application

1. Review the Call for Proposals Document.
2. Prepare your proposal. Be sure to include: 
• A brief overview of your previous experience organizing events or markets.
• A description of your market concept and the type of vendors you plan to include
• The average number of vendors you plan to include and ability to reach/ engage vendors
• Proposed market hours
• Days and dates of your proposed markets (indicate the frequency and pattern/schedule of markets)
• The number of markets you plan on delivering
• Acknowledgement that you understand the insurance requirements outlined and that all insurance is subject to approval by the City’s Manager of Enterprise Risk and Insurance.
3. Email your proposal to ccook@stjohns.ca.

If you have any questions, please email ccook@stjohns.ca.