Vendors - Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime at VendorServices@ThePlayfulPopUp.com

  • A curated, family‑friendly weekend market in Knoxville, TN — full of joy, creativity, and community. Think whimsical treasure hunt meets boutique shopping meets kids‑play paradise.

  • We hand‑select vendors who fit our playful, curated aesthetic. We love:

    • Boutique retail

    • Vintage + antiques

    • Up‑cycled + refinished goods

    • Art, pottery, candles, jewelry

    • Kids’ items

    • Plants + home décor

    • Food trucks + baked goods

    • Farm produce

    • Unique treasures that spark joy

    We avoid:

    • Flea‑market bulk items

    • Adult‑only products

    • Counterfeit or trademark‑infringing items

    • Anything unsafe for families

  • Scan the QR code or use the link on our website to fill out the Vendor Application Form. We will look at your photos and links — in a friendly, supportive, “ooh this is cute!” kind of way.

  • Booth prices differ depending on the type you select.

    AND HERE’S AN EXTRA SPRINKLE OF JOY: for every weekend in May, if you join us both days and follow the vendor guidelines, you’ll score a $50 Vendor Incentive refund (based on the fees you actually paid).

    That’s a little magic back in your pocket!

     (Heads up: this happy bonus doesn’t apply to small cart vendors or local small  farm/produce vendors with special discounted rates.)

    • Classic 10×10 Booths – $50/day  

    • 10×10 Booths with Power – $75/day

    • 18×10 Pavilion Booths – $100/day (power not included but can be accommodated)

     

    SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT THE FOLLOWING VENDOR TYPES:

    • Verified Local Small Farm Vendor – $25 to $35/day

    Give us the details in your application and we’ll get in touch.

    • Food Trucks – $50/day

    (Vendor Incentive programs may be extended past May for Food Trucks.)

    *For the opening weekend and possibly future dates, we are limiting the food truck vendor spaces to two trucks. This is to make sure there isn’t over saturation and low food sales. Once the market is growing, we’ll reevaluate the head count!

    • Small Cart Vendors (Cotton Candy, Nuts, etc.)

    Space is limited—and the fee is based on your specific space needs.  Give us details in your application and we’ll get in touch.

  • Once your application gets the thumbs-up, it's time to secure your spot with payment—simple, quick, and official! That way, your booth is locked in and ready for market magic.

  • Let’s keep your cash flowing and your calendar sparkling! If you’re joining us for multiple weekends (or even picking your favorite days), you don’t have to drop the whole vendor fee at once. We make it easy to secure your dates without breaking the bank, so you can focus on your booth magic.

    Applying for any two market weekends on a single vendor form? You can go all-in for both days of one weekend (score the $50 Vendor Incentive Refund!) or mix and match single days across two weekends (no refund, but still awesome). Here’s how payment works: send in 50% of the vendor fees for each date now, then settle the rest two weeks before each market—14 days ahead, nice and neat.

    Applying for three or more weekends in one swoop? You can pick both days (hello, $50 Vendor Incentive Refund!) or choose just one day per weekend (no $50 Vendor Incentive refund, but flexibility galore). You pay just 25% upfront, then the remaining 75% two weeks before each market date—plenty of time to plan.

    Need to cancel? With 14 days’ notice, you get a full refund for that date. Need to bow out last minute? You’ll snag a raincheck good for 12 months. And if life throws a curveball, verified emergencies may get special consideration. We’re here to keep things fair and fabulous!

    See the Vendor FAQ What if I have to cancel?  for more information.

  • To kick off our opening month with sparkle and energy, we’re rolling out a special treat for vendors: join us for both days of a weekend, follow all guidelines, and you’ll get a $50 Vendor Incentive refund on your paid vendor fees. It’s like unlocking bonus booth hours! Here’s the scoop—you just need to pay your fees in full at least 14 days before the market starts, and after you complete both days, $50 comes magically back to you the very next Monday or Tuesday (within 24 to 48 hours after the weekend wraps—because even the Market Success Team needs a little rest before making it rain refunds!).

    Who gets to join the refund party?

    • 10×10 booths

    • 10×10 booths with power

    • 18×10 pavilion booths

    • Food Truck Vendors

    •  (Heads up: this happy bonus doesn’t apply to small cart vendors or local small  farm/produce vendors with special discounted rates.)

  • It’s simple: as soon as you receive your vendor approval email, just pay the invoice attached—and voilà! Your booth is officially reserved. No magic wand required, just timely payment.

  • 12 PM – 5 PM Saturday & Sunday — your weekend adventure awaits!

    • Setup starts at 10am — not earlier, or we’ll still be brushing our teeth.

    • Be fully ready by 11:30, Then the fun begins at Noon.

    • Booths must stay open until 5 PM. And everyone packed up, cleaned up and off of the lot by 7pm.

  • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Please do not arrive early — we’ll still be fluffing our feathers.

  • 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM is our official close-down window—please keep the show going until 5:00 PM sharp! By 7 PM, let’s have everything sparkling, packed up, and out.

  • YES. Yes. And also… yes. Tents must be weighted with 25–40 lbs per leg. Flying tents are not whimsical.

  • We have a limited number of power booths. If you need power, select that option on your application.

  • Absolutely—unless Mother Nature decides to throw a curveball! We’re ready for Tennessee’s unpredictable moods, so bring your best umbrella and some sunshine just in case.

    There’s a classic East Tennessee saying: If you don’t like the weather, just hang tight—it’ll change before you know it. So, while a little shower or sprinkle won’t stop our show, if storm clouds threaten something truly unsafe, we’ll close the market for everyone’s safety. Should we have to cancel before the fun even starts, you’ll get your fees refunded for that date, and we’ll keep you posted ASAP. We aim to send those refunds within 24 hours, but if things get busy, we may need up to 72 hours to make it rain (refunds, that is).

    If things turn wild mid-market, we’ll check the clock and figure out a fair refund or credit for future dates, sprinkling a little sunshine back your way. We try to wrap up decisions by day’s end, but sometimes we need up to 24 hours after closing to get it right. All rainchecks and refunds are decided with care and fairness—expect an email with your verdict soon! It may take us up to 72 hours to process every refund or raincheck, but we promise we’re on it.

    Our pledge: We’ll always put respect and fairness first—your time and talents truly matter to us.

  • You may request a market buddy, but final placement is based on flow, aesthetics, and logistics.

  • We review applications daily and send acceptance, waitlist or rejection emails as soon as decisions are made.

  • Change of plans? We get it—life happens! If you need to bow out, just let us know at least 14 days before your market date and we’ll send your fees dancing right back to you with a full refund (for fees paid), no worries. If you need to cancel closer to showtime, don’t fret—we’ll hook you up with a raincheck for the fees you’ve paid, valid for a whole year of future fun. And if life throws a curveball you can’t control, verified emergencies always get special consideration. The heart of our cancellation policy is to support a full and vibrant market, not to play greedy goblins! If you’re dealing with a truly tough situation, we’re here to work with you. On the other hand, if you simply change your mind and decide to hit the lake instead, we’ll do our best to fill your spot (highly likely!) and work with you for a rain check for a future vendor date. We’re all about keeping things fair and fabulous!

  • ✨ What if you cancel a market date?

    Should we have to cancel before the fun even starts, you’ll get your fees refunded for that date, and we’ll keep you posted ASAP. We aim to send those refunds within 24 hours, but if things get busy, we may need up to 72 hours to make it happen.

    If we have to close mid-market,  we’ll check the clock and figure out a fair refund or credit for future dates, sprinkling a little sunshine back your way. We try to wrap up decisions by day’s end, but sometimes we need up to 24 hours after closing to get it right. All rainchecks and refunds are decided with care and fairness—expect an email with your verdict soon! It may take us up to 72 hours to process every refund or raincheck, but we promise we’re on it.

    Our pledge: We’ll always put respect and fairness first—your time and talents truly matter to us.

  • Get ready—applications for June and the rest of the year will burst open in mid-May! Mark your calendars, keep your eyes peeled, and prepare to snag your spot for a season full of vibrant weekends.

  • Have a question, comment, or a brilliant idea? Drop us a line anytime! We’re here to make your market experience smooth and joyful. We love getting messages and will jump on your email or note as quickly as possible—usually within a day, but sometimes we may need up to 24 hours to send back a helpful reply.

    Send us your magic at VendorServices@theplayfulpopup.com and we’ll be sure to help you out.

    Customers, curious about the markets? Send your questions to CustomerService@theplayfulpopup.com. You can also check out our Market and Kids Zone FAQ for even more answers and info!

  • We’re a seasonal market. We open the first weekend in May and close after the second  weekend in January. During the down time in February, March and April, we’ll be working on blowing your socks off for the next season!

  • Yes, yes and yes!

    This year we have special themes and events planned for all the major Holidays and everything in between. Below are some of the events we’re definitely planning and some are still in the dreaming phase, but you’ll get the big picture. We’ll release the June and later season  special events and weekend themes in mid-May.

    WE’RE STARTING MAY WITH:

    Pre Mother’s Day Weekend – with free and paid activities to entertain the kids, crafts and exceptional gifts the kids can make and take for Mom or Grandma, while Grammie, Mom and Dad shop for their favorite mom’s!

    Mother’s Day Weekend – More free and paid crafts and precious gifts the kids can make for mom or with Mom and Grandma, A special Mother’s Day Photo Booth for Mommy and Me or Nanna and Me Photos, There will be something special for every Mom, Momma, Queenie, Ma and Marmie, Every Grammie, GG, Nonna, Baba, Bubbie, Great Grannie, Abuela, Obaasan, Yaya, Mimi, and Glam-Ma! -- Tell all your neighbors, tell all your friends, tell your kids, tell your Grandkids, tell your Mee-maw’s Mamaw! And tell your Dad and Pop-Pop too! It’s going to be an awesome memory making weekend!

    Plus – Congrats Grads, Graduating Class of 2026, Memorial Day Weekend Events and an End of School/Welcome Summer Blow Out!

     

    THEN IN JUNE AND JULY:

    Father’s Day Weekend – free and paid crafts and premium gifts the kids can make for Dad or with Dad and Grandpa, A special Father’s Day Photo Booth for Daddy and Me or Papa and Me Photos, free and paid games and activities for dad’s and granddads, Pie Eating Contest for Dads and Granddads, Hoops and Mini Golf for the sporty dads, paper airplane building for the Grandkids and Gramps. There will be food, fun and shopping for everyone. Tell your dad, tell your Pappy, Pop, Opa, Papa Bear, your Abuelo, your Papaw, your Baba and your Granddaddy! Tell your mom, grandma and your pastor too! Tell all your neighbors, tell all  your friends, tell your kids!   It’s going to be an epic celebration of all the dads and Grandads we love and cherish. A weekend to remember forever for the whole family!

    Dr. Seuss and His Whimsical World Weekend

    Summer Reading List Favorite Character Book Day

    Disney and Marvel Character Dress Up Weekend

    Christmas in July

    And more!

  • 🎪 The Playful Pop Up — Vendor Guidelines

    Polkadot & Twitch Present: A Play + Shop Market for the Whole FamilyWhere joy is mandatory, tents must be weighted, and we love you… but we also mean business.

    🌈 1. Who Gets to Play With Us (Vendor Eligibility)

    Welcome to the market that said, “Why should makers have all the fun?”

    At The Playful Pop Up, you can sell:

    • Curated boutique treasures

    • Vintage + antiques

    • Up‑cycled clothing or furniture

    • Painted or refinished pieces

    • Kids’ clothes, adult clothes, funky clothes

    • Plants, flowers, home décor

    • Art, pottery, candles, soaps, jewelry

    • Farm produce, baked goods, treats

    Basically: If it’s cool, curated, joyful, or unique — we want to see it.

    But… We are not a flea market. We love flea markets, but this isn’t that vibe.

    So we hand‑select vendors to keep things:

    • Upscale

    • Designed

    • Cohesive

    • Delightfully treasure‑hunt‑y

    If your items scream “I found this in a dusty bin for 25 cents,” this might not be your market.

    🧸 2. Family‑Friendly Vibes Only

    We’re a market where:

    • Kids play

    • Parents shop

    • Everyone leaves with memories (and probably cotton candy)

    Because of that, all products must be:

    • Safe

    • Family‑friendly

    • Appropriate for all ages

    If Grandma would gasp, it’s probably a no.

    ⛺ 3. Setting Up Your Mini‑Shop (Booth Rules)

    • Setup starts at 10am — not earlier, or we’ll still be brushing our teeth.

    • Be fully ready by 11:30, Then the fun begins at Noon.

    • Booths must stay open until 5 PM.

    • 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM is our official close-down window—please keep the show going until 5:00 PM sharp! By 7 PM, let’s have everything sparkling, packed up, and out.

    • Early breakdown is only allowed if the weather becomes dramatic or staff approves.

    • Bring your own tent, tables, chairs, displays, and charm.

    • Tents must be weighted (we love whimsy, but not flying canopies).

    • Pavilion vendors: no tents, but bring everything else.

    ⚡ 4. Power Up (Electricity Rules)

    • Only designated booths have power.

    • Bring outdoor‑rated extension cords (no sad, frayed spaghetti cords).

    • Tape down cords so no one face‑plants.

    • Generators require approval.

    • Pavilion booths don’t include power unless arranged.

    🛍️ 5. What You Can Sell (Curated, Not Chaos)

    We adore:

    • Vintage

    • Quirky

    • Beautiful

    • Unique

    • Thoughtfully curated

    We do not allow:

    • Counterfeit items

    • Stolen goods

    • Weapons or illegal substances or products

    • Adult‑only products

    • Bulk junk

    • Anything unsafe or sketchy

    If it feels like a garage sale gone rogue, it’s a no.

    💵 6. Vendor Fees & Refund Rewards

    We want full, lively weekends — so we reward vendors who show up both days.

    For most booths:

    • Pay your fee

    • Attend both days

    • Follow the rules

    • Get $50 refunded the following Monday or Tuesday

    Food trucks may receive partial or full refunds because margins are tight and we love them.

    Spot assignments arrive the Tuesday before each market weekend.

    🚗 7. Load‑In, Load‑Out & Parking

    • Follow staff directions (we promise we’re nice).

    • Unload quickly, then move your vehicle.

    • No vehicles in the market during event hours.

    • Load‑out begins after closing — not before.

    🌦️ 8. Weather — Because Mother Nature Is a Co‑Host

    We’re a rain‑or‑shine market unless conditions become unsafe.

    Vendors must:

    • Weight tents

    • Protect products

    • Prepare for sun, rain, wind, or surprise sprinkles

    If we cancel, we’ll notify you ASAP.

    🧹 9. Keep It Cute, Keep It Clean

    • Your booth should look inviting, not like a tornado audition.

    • Clean up your space before leaving.

    • Trash left behind may result in a fee or a gentle but firm “please don’t do that again.”

    📣 10. Spread the Playful Spirit

    We love when vendors:

    • Promote the market

    • Share event graphics

    • Tag @ThePlayfulPopUp

    • Bring signage that matches their vibe

    We’re building a community — your energy matters.

    🤝 11. Conduct & Community Standards

    We expect:

    • Kindness

    • Respect

    • Good vibes

    • Professionalism

    • Cooperation with staff

    Drama belongs on TV, not at our market.

    🛡️ 12. Liability & Insurance

    • Vendors participate at their own risk.

    • We’re not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.

    • Insurance is recommended and sometimes required.

    🚫 13. Hard No’s

    • Illegal items

    • Weapons

    • Adult‑only products

    • Aggressive sales tactics

    • Blocking walkways

    • Unauthorized amplified music

    • Anything that disrupts the playful, curated atmosphere

    ✔️ 14. Agreement to Play

    By joining The Playful Pop Up, you agree to follow these guidelines and help us create a joyful, curated, family‑friendly market experience that feels like a weekend memory maker.

Vendor Application
Market Map

Important Information FOR VENDORS about the Kids Care Program. Please Read Below.

  • Hi Vendors! 👋

    We wanted to share a quick overview of Kids Zone & Kids Care, since this program sits at the heart of the market and directly benefits vendor engagement and sales.

    Kids Zone is a kid‑focused area in the center of the market, run entirely by The Playful Pop Up. It includes free and paid activities, crafts, character visits, and specialty gift‑making booths for holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grandparents Day.

    Inside Kids Zone is Kids Care at Kids Zone — a fenced, supervised child care area offering 30‑minute paid sessions so parents can shop hands‑free. No vendor booths are located in Kids Zone or Kids Care (this is intentional for safety).

    You may occasionally see parents step away mid‑transaction — this is usually because of the 5‑minute return rule if their child needs them or if weather requires quick pickup. The market can be crossed in under 5 minutes, and parents will return quickly.

    Kids Care is designed to help families stay longer, shop more comfortably, and engage more deeply with vendors — a win for everyone.

    Full Kids Zone rules and details are available on the website under the Kids Zone and FAQ sections.

    Thank you for helping us make this a joyful, family‑friendly market experience!
    — The Playful Pop Up Team

  • This program sits at the heart of the market and directly benefits vendors.

    We don’t expect vendors to enforce Kid Zone and Kid Care policies — but understanding the system helps the entire market run smoothly.

    🧭 What is Kids Zone?

    Kids Zone is a kid‑focused area run by The Playful Pop Up, located in the center of the market.
    Its purpose is to engage kids so parents can shop longer, browse more, and engage more deeply with vendors.

    📌 No vendor booths are located in Kids Zone or Kids Care (intentional for safety).

    🟡 Kids Zone (Full Area)

    Includes:

    • ✅ Free crafts, games, and activities

    • ✅ Paid activities and specialty gift/craft booths

    • ✅ Face painting, balloons, reading time, characters, themed fun

    • ✅ Parents may stay and participate

    • ✅ No registration required

    📍 These activities are outside the supervised care area.

    🎁 Specialty Gift & Craft Booths

    (Inside Kids Zone, outside Kids Care)
    Used for holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Grandparents Day.

    Examples:

    • Handprint keepsakes

    • Charm bracelets (kids choose, staff assemble)

    • Floral/bouquet gifts

    • Wrapped and ready to give

    Free or paid, depending on the activity.

    🔵 Kids Care at Kids Zone (Supervised Child Care)

    • Fenced center area

    • Paid service

    • 30‑minute sessions

    • No back‑to‑back sessions

    • Only registered kids, parents, and staff allowed inside

    • Strict wristband check‑in/out

    • Parent/Legal Guardian Waiver Required. Form available on website to send with the authorized adult.

    👉 Full details on the website under Kids Zone / Kids Care.

    ⏱️ The 5‑Minute Rule (Important for Vendors)

    Parents must return within 5 minutes if:

    • Their child needs the bathroom

    • Weather causes immediate pickup (lightning, unsafe conditions)

    • Kids Care contacts them

    📌 The entire market can be crossed in under 5 minutes.
    Parents may briefly step away mid‑transaction — they will return quickly.

    🚻 Bathroom Safety

    • Kids potty before Kids Care sessions

    • Dedicated Kids Zone portapotty (kids, parents, staff only)

    • Staff may not accompany kids into the bathroom

    • Parents are texted/called if needed

    • $25 no‑show potty fee if parent doesn’t return

    🌦️ Weather Awareness

    • Kids Zone is rain or shine

    • Kids Care may close immediately for unsafe weather

    • Parents must return within 5 minutes

    • Short shopping interruptions may occur

    🔐 Security

    • Wristbands with matching parent codes

    • Strict in/out control

    • Missing‑child protocol exists (rare, but important)

    • Parent/Legal Guardian Waiver Required. Form available on website to send with the authorized adult.

    💛 Why This Helps Vendors

    Kids Care:

    • Keeps parents shopping longer

    • Reduces rushed browsing

    • Increases engagement and sales

    • Is a major draw for families

    📌 Learn More

    Full rules and parent guidelines are available on the website under: Kids Zone

  • Keep this handy — short, simple answers work best.

    ❓ “What is Kids Zone?”

    “Kids Zone is a kid‑focused area in the center of the market with free and paid activities, crafts, and games.”

    ❓ “Is Kids Zone the same as child care?”

    “Kids Zone is the full area. Kids Care is the supervised drop‑off area in the fenced center.”

    ❓ “Do I have to pay for Kids Zone?”

    “Not for everything! There are free games and crafts, plus some optional paid activities and gift‑making booths.”

    ❓ “Where is Kids Care?”

    “It’s the fenced center area inside Kids Zone. Staff there can help you with details.”

    ❓ “Why did that parent run off so fast?”

    “They probably got a Kids Care message — parents have to return within 5 minutes if their child needs them.”

    ❓ “Can vendors set up in Kids Zone?”

    “No — Kids Zone and Kids Care don’t have vendor booths for safety reasons.”

    ❓ “Can kids come back twice?”

    “Kids Care sessions are 30 minutes, and kids can’t do back‑to‑back sessions.”

    ❓ “Where can I learn more?”

    “The Kids Zone staff or the website has all the details.”

Full rules and parent guidelines are available on the website under: Kids Zone