This is a special annual event with different eligibility requirements than regular monthly markets.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
• Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
• Location: Legend Brewing Co., 321 W 7th St, Richmond, VA 23224 (Manchester)
• Admission: Free to the public
• Vendor Count: Limited to 25-30 vendors (vs typical 40+)
• Applications: Invitation-only to previous vendors

What This Market Is About

An inspirational showcase for professional makers and artists who create because it's what they do. This market celebrates the side hustlers, gig workers, and full-time creatives navigating the reality of making a living from their craft.

Who Is Eligible

✅ Full-time makers who've quit their day jobs to pursue their craft

✅ Gig/freelance workers juggling multiple income streams ("3 jobs in a trenchcoat")

✅ Part-time makers who vend monthly to make ends meet

✅ New artists with day jobs who make unique, affordable products with stellar branding

Who Is NOT Eligible

❌ Hobbyists who don't rely on their craft for income

❌ Makers who don't need to work in January

❌ Anyone using purchased patterns/molds (crochet, circuit, laser, resin)

❌ Makers in oversaturated categories that are too labor-intensive for living wage

What We're Looking For

We're curating a diverse mix of:

• Handmade goods & art
• Local growers & food producers
• Unique gifts & home goods
• Vintage & curated collections
• Small batch food & beverage (with proper permits)

We prioritize:

• Quality craftsmanship
• Original designs
• Local makers & growers
• Sustainable practices
• Diverse offerings

General Market Rules (2026 Season)

Below are the official guidelines and regulations for all Richmond Makers Market events:

1. Product & Curation Standards

• Handmade: All products must be handmade by the person who will be selling them at the market. All items for sale must be handmade by you.
• Jury Process: This is a curated market. To be frank, it's a vibe. Acceptance is based on product quality, brand consistency, and professional presentation. We want to highlight artists and makers that build and champion their community.
• Digital Presence: Applicants must have an active website or professional social media presence (Instagram/Facebook) for the jury to review. Portfolios, web stores, and social media should have clear branding and quality images.
• Work Quality: Your work should be handmade, intentional, and unique.
• Previous Acceptance: Acceptance to a previous Richmond Makers Market does not guarantee acceptance in future markets. Our vendor list is curated to highlight both new and established makers.
• Priority: Priority will be given to She's, They's, and Gays who submit a complete application with clear and beautiful branding.
• Social Media Requirement: Participants must share the event on social, web, or email lists and share/engage with content from fellow makers. Each maker is required to send invites in the Facebook event and share posts across social media. A $20 fee will be invoiced within 7 days of event completion if no social media promotional activity is detected before noon on the event date.

2. Booth & Equipment Rules

• Equipment Provided: The market provides the space only. You are responsible for your own tables, chairs, and tablecloths.
• Covered Outdoor Spaces: No tents under the covered patio. This space is not used on days with high wind or rain. You should be prepared for moderate wind, using weighted display pieces.
• Tents Required: For outdoor events at Legend Brewing, all 10x10 spaces must have a canopy tent with adequate weights properly secured to each leg.
• Aesthetics: A polished, professional booth setup is a requirement for acceptance. No grid walls, storage cubes, or backdrops unless given explicit permission.

3. Fees and Logistics

• Vendor Fee Structure:
  • TBD
• Payment: Fees are flat (no commission on sales). The vendor fee is charged at the time of acceptance and payment secures the vendor's space in the event. Payment is due on receipt of invoice and your space is not reserved until payment is made. The vending fee is due on receipt. Invoices will be sent via Square. After 3 reminder emails, if we do not hear from you, your invoice will be canceled and your space will be given to someone else. Your business will be added to the vendor list when payment is received.
• Refunds: Refunds are given for cancellations more than 15 days before the event (or 14 days with documentation for a covid test/exposure). Cancellations made between 6 and 14 days before the event are refunded only if an adequate paid replacement vendor is found. Credits are awarded by gift card for a future event. No refunds for cancellations made less than 5 days before the event.
• Preferred Placement: A $50 upgrade fee is available for those requesting specific prime locations within the venue.
• Transfer Policy: You are allowed one free change request per year. Subsequent transfers of date or venue cost $30 and must be requested at least 15 days before the event.
• Weather: Markets are "rain or shine." If the market organizers cancel due to extreme weather, vendors will receive a credit toward a future date within the same calendar year. If a vendor cancels their own participation while the market has not been cancelled, there is no refund—the money has already been spent to produce the event.

4. Legal and Compliance

• Permits: Makers are 100% responsible for local/state business licenses and seller permits.
• Taxes: You must collect and pay applicable Virginia sales and use tax for all sales made at the market.
• Insurance: Makers are responsible for their own business/personal liability insurance. By applying, you waive claims against the market and venue partners for loss, damage, or injury.

5. Vendor Conduct & Responsibilities

• Loading & Unloading: You are responsible for loading and unloading all of your materials with respect to the building and those around you.
• Parking: If you park in the Legend parking lot during market hours, you will not be invited back.
• Pack-Up Time: If you pack up before 5pm (or the designated end time), you will not be invited back.
• Performance Expectation: Market vending is a performance and you are the principal character of your table. Put on your human suit and get ready to talk. Makers are successful when they look like they are excited to be there and can speak confidently about their work.
• Behavior: Bbe kind to all neighbors, staff, and visitors. Don't be a jerk.
• Product Restrictions: information provided about product types, pricing, and vending history are primarily used for map placements and advertising.