What are Public Markets?
While anyone can apply to organize a vendor market at the 31st Ave Open Street (more on that here), the Public Markets are organized by us, the volunteers from the 31st Ave Open Street Collective, the 501(c)(3) non-profit group authorized by the NYCDOT to operate the Open Street on 31st Ave.
Signup and stay in touch
All of our Public Markets use a single form for vendors to sign up, which is available here. Simply fill out your contact information and select an upcoming market from the list to apply! Selecting the “Add Market” button will show all markets that are still accepting applications at that time, if you don’t see one listed it may be because it’s already full. Markets have a vendor limit that we enforce to ensure safety and that everyone has enough room to setup their tables.
The 31st Ave Open Streets Markets team maintains a WhatsApp group specifically for our community of vendors so they can stay in touch with each other and receive the latest updates about upcoming Public Markets. Join today using the link below, and don’t forget to introduce yourself!
Upcoming Market Dates
December 14th, 2024
December 15th, 2024
December 21st, 2024
December 22nd, 2024
Public Market Operations
All markets on the Open Street must follow the rules laid out on our Markets Page. If you aren’t already familiar with them, please review that resource first and ask any questions in our WhatsApp group.
Arrival and Check-in
Volunteers will begin closing the street to vehicles at 12pm, at which point vendors can check in with the volunteers stationed on the street. All our volunteers will be wearing high-viz vests so they should be easy to spot!
To promote fairness and reduce the amount of planning effort required of volunteers, there are no reserved locations for vendors during Public Markets.
Participation Donation
The 31st Ave Open Street Collective has paid for and secured the required city-sponsored concessionaire permit which allows us to operate markets in the street during the year. To help offset the costs of the permit and our ongoing operating expenses, we ask that vendors submit a suggested donation in order to participate in any market on the street. For the remainder of the 2024 season the suggested donation is $25 per market.
Donations also contribute our partners, such as the Astoria Food Pantry, to help support their mission and our entire community.
Public Seating
The colorful metal chairs and tables are for public use only. Vendors may not use the public street furniture for seating or storage. If there are extra seats available, volunteers will distribute them accordingly. It is highly recommended to bring your own equipment if possible as the Collective only has a limited amount available for loan.
Load In /Out
The Open Street is a No Standing / No Parking zone for all vehicles during its operating hours. No vendor vehicles are allowed on the street after 12pm.
If you need to unload from a vehicle, please do so outside the barricades at 33rd, 34th, or 35th St. Vendors are not allowed to move barricades to bring any vehicles into the street.
Trash
Any waste must be disposed of in the trash bins located at the intersection of 34th St. and 31st Ave. Failure to do so may result in an inability to participate in future markets.
What Can’t Be Sold
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.