Our organization works to bring new life to downtown Rockford by establishing a weekly tradition that draws people into the heart of the city, creates a vibrant community center, increases business at downtown shops & restaurants, and serves as an incubator for new businesses.
We hope you join us in the goal and meet us at the Market.
Please keep an out for next year’s application. We should have it out mid-February 2024.
The Rockford City Market is committed to creating a diverse marketplace with the highest quality, locally grown and produced products available (within 150 miles). Rockford City Market will not be bound to apply a particular set of selection criteria in every instance and reserves unconditional discretion to accept of refuse anyone as a vendor and will consider many factors when evaluating vendor applications. Vendors are selected through a committee approval process.
Priority will be given to:
Local farmers and producers (with 150 miles) who bring product to the market that is 100% grown and harvested on farmland they own and/or operate.
Vendors who create high quality, unique or unusual items not already well-represented at the Market.
Businesses with potential for growth into storefronts in local commercial districts, or products with the potential for commercialization.
Prepared food vendors with limited menus that meet one or more of these criteria: 1.Start-up with potential for incubation; 2.Existing downtown business; (for north end: Existing business that is located in the north end commercial district.) 3. Unique or ethnic food. Preference will be given to foods made from fresh healthful ingredients. Approved menus must be adhered to unless pre-approved by committee.
Vendors from the previous season whose continued presence at the market successfully aligns with the market's mission.
Vendor priority will be given to full season applicants, returning applicants who adhered to the rules and guidelines, and then new applicants based on product. Prepared food space is limited.
PLEASE NOTE: Vendor booths are reserved for vendors with locally grown or produced products and are not available for services, political organizations or campaigns, franchises, third party/direct sales or hostess companies, or not-for-profit organizations. The only exception to this is not-for-profit organizations who grow produce may be admitted with committee approval.