Q: When can I apply to be a vendor?

Applications for the 2026 Tower Grove Farmers’ Market season will open at midnight on December 1st for returning vendors and at midnight on January 1st for new vendors.

Q: Who can apply?

We welcome farmers, food producers, and makers of all kinds. Produce farmers, meat and egg farmers, bakers, prepared foods, coffee roasters, artisans, and more. Everything sold at the market must be grown, made, or created by you (or your business) within 150 miles of St. Louis, Missouri. Dear prospective artisans, we pride ourselves in being a makers-only market. We’re not a resale market.

Q: How do I apply?

Applications can be submitted online under the “Vendor” tab (link will be posted when applications open). You’ll share details about your products, setup, and business, plus photos or licensing info where applicable.

Q: Is there a fee to apply?

Yes. There’s a $35 non-refundable application fee. The application fee helps cover the time and costs it takes to review, organize, and communicate with hundreds of applicants each season. Each submission is carefully assessed. We don’t use an algorithm or random draw. We review your products, permits, social media, and photos to make sure you’re a good fit for the market and that the overall mix of vendors remains balanced and vibrant. (And yes, we really do read every single application.)

Q: What do you look for in new vendors?

We curate the market for quality, diversity, and balance. We consider product type, sourcing, presentation, and how your offerings fit into our existing market footprint. We love seeing vendors who bring something unique, who are serious about their craft, and who share our values of community and sustainability.

Farmers: We encourage new applicants. Are you a small operation just getting started? Apply!

Food Vendors: We are looking for applications that embrace the farmers’ market community and use products provided by local farmers. While this is not a requirement, vendors who source locally will be prioritized.

Pantry Goods: If you sell pantry staples or shelf-stable food, we are always looking for more offerings at our market.

Artisans: We are looking to expand our home goods offerings. We encourage applications from makers who sell goods such as table linens, reusable kitchen cloths, functional ceramics, refillable soaps and cleaning products, and more.

Currently, we are not accepting makers of plastic-based products (e.g., 3D printing, acrylic engraving, etc.) or permanent jewelry vendors.

Q: Can I sell…

• Items that need FDA approval or claim to be medicinal? – No.
• Items that I sell as a Mid-Level Marketing salesperson (MLM)? – No.
• Items I have purchased and wish to resell? – No.
• Items I have purchased and have upcycled into something different? – Yes.
• Items with trademark or mass-produced images? – No. All artisans must offer products of their own design.
• Prepared food items I have made in my home (e.g., baked goods, jams, jellies, etc.) – Yes, at our city market, you can obtain a Cottage Law health permit and prepare these goods out of your home. All county market vendors must have a commissary kitchen.
• Adoptable or live animals? – No.
• Items that were not specifically approved in my application? – No, all new items must be approved by the market management team prior to vending (whether introduced at the beginning of the season or during the season).

Q: What supplies do I need to have to vend?

Vendors are responsible for their own set up and equipment. The required equipment list includes the following:

• 1 10×10 tent. If you would like to apply for a double tent, please indicate so on your application.
• Tent Weights. Vendors are required to provide four 15lb+ weights.
• Tables and Chairs.
• A bank box with cash for change due. Bring small bills and coins to make change for cash payment.
• E-Commerce Tool. Square, Venmo, etc. and a battery-operated charger. Electricity will not be available for charging devices.

Q: What’s the difference between “regular season” and “off-season” markets?

The regular season (April–November) features our full footprint of 130 vendors in Tower Grove Park. Off-season markets (November–March) are smaller but still vibrant, typically held at Tower Grove Park, The Boulevard, Rockwell Beer Garden, and 4 Hands Brewing Co. (downtown) and are only open to returning vendors.

Q: Can I choose my market dates or do I need to commit to the full season?

We offer several options:

• Full-season vendors commit to the entire season and keep a consistent booth location.
• Part-time or occasional vendors can choose specific dates (subject to availability), and will have a non-permanent booth location that may vary by market.

Q: Do I need permits for selling food?

Yes. Food vendors must comply with City of St. Louis Health Department regulations and/or the St. Louis County Health Department. If you are cooking with propane or over an open flame, a Fire Permit is also required.

Food vendors applying to the Boulevard Farmers’ Market, located in Richmond Heights, are responsible for obtaining their own St. Louis County health permit. Please note: Mechanical refrigeration is required at all county markets.

For all vendors applying to our city market locations (Tower Grove and Rockwell Beer Garden), upon acceptance, our management team will send you a health permit application, which we will process on your behalf. You will not be able to obtain a health permit on your own, without the aid of the market management team.

The St. Louis City Fire Permit application can be found online at the following link: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/fire/documents/application-for-permit-from-fire-prevention.cfm . Vendors are required to have a copy of their fire permit at their booth at all times.

Q: I’ve never done a market before. Should I still apply?

Absolutely! We welcome new businesses and love seeing first-time vendors find their footing here. Just be sure your setup is professional, your pricing clear, and your passion obvious. (A tent that doesn’t blow away in a light breeze also helps.) We recommend you try out one of our smaller markets for a season prior to applying to the Saturday Tower Grove Farmers’ Market.

Q: How long does it take to process applications?

Applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks. Our team is small but thorough. We process applications on a rolling basis and receive an impressive number each season. Every application gets a thorough look, so we appreciate your patience as we work through them.

Q: How will I know if I’m accepted?

We review all applications and notify vendors by email as they are processed. Accepted vendors will receive further information and rejected vendors will be notified.

Q: Can a friend sell with me occasionally?

No, we do not allow booth sharing. If you share a business with someone, include them in your application. If a friend wants to sell their own products, they’ll need to apply separately and be approved as a vendor. Individuals must apply individually to be considered as a vendor.

Q: Is everyone who applies selected?

No, not everyone who applies is selected. We review all applications carefully to build a balanced mix of products and to maintain variety at the market. Our goal is to support a healthy community of vendors where everyone can thrive — our goal is not simply to fill spaces as quickly as possible. We consider factors like product type, quality, presentation, sourcing, and how your offerings fit within the ecosystem of existing/returning vendors. If you’re not selected this season, please don’t be discouraged. We encourage you to apply again, as each season is a little different!

Q: Why does the market only select a few vendors selling the same type of product (like bread or pastries)?

We aim to keep the market balanced and diverse, offering shoppers a wide variety of products without overwhelming overlap. While we love seeing so many talented vendors apply, we have limited space and want each vendor to have a real chance to succeed. Selecting just a few vendors in each category (like bread, pastries, coffee, or candles) helps ensure everyone does well, shoppers have variety, and the market stays vibrant and sustainable for all.

Q: I run an organization or collective. Can I be a vendor at the market?

Yes, possibly! Nonprofits, community groups, and collectives are welcome to apply. Just be clear in your application about what you promote, how your booth will be staffed, and who the point of contact is. We include mission-driven organizations throughout the season, especially those connected to food access, sustainability, or local culture. We are unable to host NFPs that are religious or politically partisan by nature.

Q: I have more questions. How do I reach you?

Email us at contact@tgfarmersmarket.com or send us a message on social media. We’re happy to help.