Downtown Detroit Markets

Since 2017, the Downtown Detroit Markets have created a magical and memorable holiday experience in Cadillac Square for Detroiters and visitors alike. Now in its ninth year, the Downtown Detroit Markets have served as a launchpad for more than 170 businesses, collectively generating more than $7 million in sales.

Applications are now closed for 2026. Please stay tuned for details on the upcoming season!

Two women enjoying the Downtown Detroit Markets during the Holidays.

Goals

Showcase a diverse and unique selection of products to highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of artisans and small businesses in Metro Detroit

Provide a platform for both established and emerging businesses, supporting their growth and contributing to the local economy

Encourage consumers to shop local and support small businesses during the busiest shopping season of the year

Cultivate a festive and welcoming atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holidays for families, residents and visitors

The Downtown Detroit Markets are funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership with support from Bedrock, TechTown, and Ask Jennyfer.

Ideal Downtown Detroit Markets Candidate

We’re looking for product-based businesses selling family-friendly products. An ideal candidate for the Downtown Detroit Markets will meet the following criteria:

Vendors must be selling a product. Service-based businesses will not be accepted.
Products cannot contain alcohol, tobacco, drugs or weapons.
Vendors cannot be a current Bedrock retail tenant.
Vendors cannot be currently employed by Rocket Companies or any of its subsidiaries.
Vendors cannot be a multi-level marketing business.
Vendors must be registered with the State of Michigan and have a valid MI Sales Tax License.
Vendors must be able to staff their shops for 50-hour weeks with no absences or closures.
Any food-based businesses must be pre-packaged, handheld items. They must be produced in a licensed commercial kitchen or produced by copacker. Nutritional labels are required.
Vendors must have been in business for at least two (2) years and generated a yearly minimum of $10,000 in revenue.
Prior participation in other large pop-up events is preferred (e.g. Eastern Market, All Things Detroit, Art Fairs, etc.).
Vendors must have the ability to carry a minimum $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy.
Vendors should have a well-rounded online presence. Website is preferred but not required. Social media presence on at least one channel (Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok) is required.
Vendors should have a broad appeal and not a niche product.
Apparel must be able to be purchased without having to be tried on.
Vendors must have a variety of price points with the majority of products under $100.

Timeline and Key Dates

Applications open April 28, 2026

Info Session #1 – In Person: Thursday, April 16th | 6PM – 7:30PM | 1620 Michigan Ave. Suite 123, Detroit, MI, 48216
Info Session #2 – In Person: Wednesday, April 22nd | 6PM – 7:30PM | 1620 Michigan Ave. Suite 123, Detroit, MI, 48216
Info Session #3 – Virtual: Thursday, May 14th | 6PM – 7PM
Register
NEW – Application Process Specific Info Session – Virtual: Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 6pm – 7pm
Register
Info Session #4 – Virtual: Wednesday, May 27th | 6PM – 7PM
Register
Applications close at 11:59PM on June 1, 2026
Applicants will be notified of their application status by July 9, 2026
The markets will be open to the public from Wednesday, November 11, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027

Frequently Asked Questions

Participating market vendors must be open during all designated market hours. The hours of operation are:
- Closed Monday – Tuesday (except for 12/14 – 12/15 & 12/21 – 12/22)
- Wednesday – Thursday: 11AM – 8PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11AM – 10PM
- Sunday 11AM – 7PM
- Please note, hours are subject to change. A full list of holiday hours will be provided to all chosen vendors.
Vendors are chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from Bedrock, Downtown Detroit Partnership, Gilbert Family Foundation, TechTown and leaders from the Detroit small business community.
If selected, vendors must pay an up-front $1,500 rent payment. One additional payment of either $1,000 or $600 is due during the season, dependent on the size of the assigned space.
We’ll be hosting four (4) information sessions to go over more specific details about the markets and what makes a good applicant. Please refer to our key dates section for the most updated information.
This season, we are looking for the following variety* of businesses. *Please note, we reserve the right to adjust this target selection based upon actual application submissions.
- Two (2) Apparel (men’s clothing, women’s clothing, unisex clothing)
- Two (2) Accessories (handbags, jewelry, winter hats, scarves, etc.)
- One (1) Wellness & Beauty/Grooming (candles, skincare, etc.)
- Three (3) Home Goods (décor, books, glassware, etc.)
- Two (2) Children’s Clothing/Toys
- Six (6) Gifting, including Food and Beverage (Holiday specific gifts, Detroit themed gifts, pre-packaged and sealed food/non-alcoholic drinks, etc.)
We have two sizes available. Chosen vendors will be assigned an approximately 10x10 or 10x13 space.
Our team will provide you with Wi-Fi, heat, electricity, discounted parking, individual keys to your space, security for the space and furniture (point of sale counter, stool, shelving units and clothing racks).
Yes! Each chosen vendor will get $3,000 to help support their business during and after the season. These funds can be spent on anything other than inventory and staffing costs. Additionally, you’ll have support and mentoring from TechTown throughout the season.