What’s different this year? Last year, the majority of markets were monthly two-block markets organized by QNS Collaborative, with rolling applications throughout the year open to any vendor.

This year, QNS Collaborative is stepping back from being a market organizer so they can work on opening a permanent art community space. This means that the big monthly markets will no longer happen in the same form this year.

Rather than having a single group organizing markets, we are looking for multiple groups or individuals to sign up to host their own market (or markets). This process is similar to the way that the rest of the programming happens on the street. We provide the space, you sign up to host an event, we agree on a date, and then we’re ready to rock n’ roll!

Our hope is that this new way of doing things will make markets on the Open Street more sustainable in the long run. More Market Organizers will mean that the work is spread more equitably (so none of us get burnt out!) and we’ll have a more diverse array of markets for the community to enjoy.

To facilitate the transition (and empower new folks to host their first market), QNS Collaborative has compiled resources and best practices to help you get started here.

What are these different roles you mentioned?

Market Operator is in charge of handling the permitting and financial obligations. The 31st Ave Open Street Collective is the Market Operator.

Market Organizers get groups of vendors together to put on one or more markets. This can be any kind of market: big or small, themed or not. The only rule is that none of the products sold fall under our list of prohibited products.

Vendors sell their goods as part of a market. Vendors can also be Market Organizers.

How do I sell on the Open Street? Vending is only allowed on designated ‘Market Days,’ which are overseen by Market Organizers. These will be put on by different community groups every Sunday, so we can see many different visions of markets on the street. In the meantime, please consider adding your info to our Vendor Database (below). This will be an evergreen list of local markets, which will be shared with those who want to host a market on the street.

This form is not an application for a market. Each Market Organizer will have their own application process; the Collective will aim to amplify those applications and calls to vendors when they’re made publicly available.

You can also become a Market Organizer yourself! We’ve partnered with QNS Collaborative to create resources to help you get started.

Why can’t I just pop up whenever and sell? Vending on an Open Street requires a city-sponsored concessionaire permit, which we, the Collective, hold for the 2024 season. It gives us 29 days of the year to operate a market. So we’ve designated every Sunday to be a ‘Market Day’ which will be led by designated ‘Market Organizers.’ (More on that below!)

This is done to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion for our popular vendor fairs.

Any rules that I should be aware of? Just a few!

Out of respect for our local eateries (and due to heftier health guidelines), no hot food can be sold on the Open Street. Baked or prepared food, however, is welcome.

Per city law, no alcohol or marijuana can be sold on the Open Street. We do encourage you, however, to enjoy a purchase from a local bar or dispensary al fresco.

Vendors may not use their cars on the Open Street when we’re in operation. Please load from outside of the barricades, and take care to not block access to pedestrian ramps for those who need them.

What fees do I have to pay to sell on the Open Street? Do I need permits? The Collective is sponsoring vendors’ participation on the street. We ask vendors to provide a $50 donation per market to the Collective, if able. This covers the Collective’s insurance and storage costs and funds the Astoria Food Pantry’s operations.

Please note that, unlike in previous years, all donations must be submitted to the 31st Ave Open Street Collective and not to Astoria Food Pantry directly. We will ensure that all Market Organizers have our donation information to pass on to individual vendors.

When will I hear back from you? We’ll be giving your contact information to potential market organizers, and they’ll be in contact with you going forward. To be clear: we, the Collective, will not be in touch with specific vendors. We’re merely here to facilitate the markets.

How do I organize a market? The first step is the Market Organizer Application Form (below). Tell us your vision for the market, and who you’re hoping to convene. We’ll then follow up with next steps.

What does organizing a market involve? Market Organizers will be primarily responsible for contacting vendors, organizing a site map, and lining up logistics. While they’re not responsible for collecting the suggested donations themselves, we expected Market Organizers to generally ensure that vendors are aware of the process. And we’re here to help: we partnered with QNS Collab to offer info sessions and guides, with best practices and resources to support you, which can be found here. We can also offer volunteer support the day of.

Am I responsible for money or permitting? Nope! Because the Collective is the Market Operator, we are sponsoring the permitting for all markets. The $50 requested donation that we ask from vendors will be paid to the Collective to cover insurance and storage costs and to fund the Astoria Food Pantry’s operations. Any suggested donation should be made via PayPal, at info@31staveopenstreet.org. Since the Collective is a 501(c)3, each donation is tax deductible as well.

What kind of equipment does the Open Street provide? We have a limited number of tables and chairs that we can share with vendors. That said, there aren’t enough to cover the entire street, so vendors are advised to bring their own equipment if possible. If you’d like to use our equipment, we’ll coordinate to make sure that you’re clear on what's available for the event.

Where do I find vendors? You’re more than welcome to use your own networks, but we’ve also compiled a diverse database of small businesses and entrepreneurs from across Queens and beyond. Once approved for a market, we’d be happy to share it with you!