Be a Vendor
All the details you need to be Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market vendor
Interested in vending at the Downtown Farmers Market?
Great! Check out the information below for application instructions and to submit your application.
Vendor Application Process
Vendor applications are now open at the link below. Vendors interested in applying for all eight market dates must apply before February 14 to be considered for a full market season. A $25 fee will be charged for each application submitted. This helps cover the cost of maintenance and staff.
When applying to the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market, you will be asked to review the 2026 Vendor Handbook where you’ll find information on vendor fees, policies and procedures.
FAQs
How much is a space?
Application fee – $25/application
Early Entry fee – $80 (excluding prepared food on-site due to Linn County Health Department rules, parking a trailor or other large vehicle, or handicapped accessibility (must show valid state permit))
Food truck/Trailer Extra Large Stall (30’x15′) – $100/market date approved
Artisan/Prepared Food/Pet Supplies Vehicle Large Stall (25’X15′) – $75/market date approved
Agricultural Vehicle Large Stall (25’x15′) – $60/market date approved
Artisan/Prepared Food/Pet Supplies Non-Vehicle Small Stall (10’X10′) – $55/market date approved
Agricultural Non-Vehicle Small Stall (10’x10′) – $40/market date approved
How does the selection process work?
The Selection Committee will begin reviewing applications in March. Vendors approved for a full season will have the option of selecting a stall through lottery for $100 stall selection fee.
Traditional market products (produce, flowers, meats, wines, etc.) are always given first priority. Additional vendors are selected based on quality, uniqueness and diversity of product, as well as booth/table presentation.
Questions about the application process should be directed to market staff at events@cedarrapids.org or 319-398-5317.
How does the Selection Committee pick vendors?
While type of product and product quality are of the utmost importance to our Selection Committee, there are a few things you can do to make it easier for our committee to select your application. Make sure you consider the following when applying:
– Complete & Updated Information- Your profile should have the correct information- business name, mailing address & email address.
– Correct Category- Make sure the business category you select reflects your primary products. For example: while you may sell a few tomatoes, if the majority of your products are cutting boards and wood products, please make sure to select “Artisan”, rather than “Produce & Flowers” or “Farm” when applying.
– Accurate Product List- Make sure your list is up-to-date and accurate. For instance, “Baked Goods” as a product isn’t as helpful as “pies” and a list of flavors, and “cookies” with several varieties listed.
– PHOTOS- This can make or break an application. Provide several photos of your products! Additionally, photos of your booth display are not mandatory, but suggested.
Downtown Businesses Located Within the Market Venue
Downtown businesses located within the market venue during market season can participate in the Downtown Farmers Market in one of two ways:
I want to sell on the street in front of my business during market hours:
- Charged at the same rate as a vendor for the stall space (see Market Lease Fees section)
- Must apply as a vendor and meet all vendor guidelines
- All applicable policies, procedures & fees will apply
I want the space in front of my business open and accessible to walking patrons during market hours:
- No charge for Downtown business
- Must notify market staff by May 1 to ensure space is left open
Downtown Businesses Located Outside the Market Venue
Downtown businesses located outside the market venue during the 2026 season, you can participate in the Downtown Farmers Market as a vendor if the business meets all Market guidelines. These businesses should complete a vendor application on Market Spread. All applicable policies, procedures and fees will apply.
I’m not like your other vendors. How do I fit in at the Downtown Farmers Market?
Please review the Vendor Handbook for information about franchise businesses, downtown businesses and sponsors.
I don’t remember my Marketspread username/password.
Try using the Marketspread tool here. If that does not work, please email support@marketspread.com for any account needs.
If I’m placed on the wait list, when will I be notified of a space available?
We make every effort to notify vendors as soon as possible when space becomes available. We attempt to fill booths with similar types of vendors. For example, if a painter isn’t available to fill their space, we look for a painter on the wait list.