Find check-in before unloading

Approach from the Central Street side and check in at Central and Front Street. Staff will give you that morning’s booth assignment and direct you to the appropriate unloading spot. Check in before unloading, including consecutive booked days.

Follow staff directions on arrival. If there is no room in the check-in line or loading area, staff will direct you in the moment.

No driving up to the spaces around Old Town Hall. Unload where staff direct you, then use a sturdy cart or dolly to wheel all merchandise and equipment to your booth. Wheel everything back out to the loading spot at the end of the day.

Check in, unload, park, set up

1. Check in for today’s booth assignment. Wait for staff clearance before entering the loading area.
2. Unload where staff direct you, then wheel everything to your booth. Do not drive up to spaces around Old Town Hall. Keep ramps, storefront entrances and pedestrian routes clear.
3. Move your vehicle to legal parking. All vehicles must be clear of the loading area by 9:30 AM.
4. Return on foot and finish setting up. Be ready to sell at 10 AM.

Running late?

Running late? Let us know as soon as you can. Text 978-224-8856 with Derby Square, your booth/business name and your estimated arrival time. We will do our best to get you in before the road closes. Wait for staff directions before entering the loading area.

Pack before you travel

Bring a sturdy cart or dolly that can handle your inventory and equipment. You will move supplies from the staff-directed unloading spot to your booth. Plan for multiple trips and a complete pack-out every night.

Bring at least 50 lb of weight per tent leg, charged payment equipment, battery lighting, weather protection, layers, water and food. Plan legal parking and allow time to walk back.

No stakes or generators. No event-provided Wi-Fi. General artisan booths have no guaranteed power; plan to operate without it unless a supply has been specifically confirmed for your booth.

For access assistance, contact the team before your market day.

Parking & vendor resources

Move out of the unloading area after unloading. Follow posted parking restrictions and check current parking options and City October transportation updates. Plan your walk back: the City will not provide October weekend shuttle service in 2026.

Use Vendor 411 for parking/app links and promotional graphics. Share only your confirmed dates and venue, and retain the artwork credit shown there.

This week’s hours and programming

This week: Friday, October 23, 10 AM–7 PM, Derby Square / Artists’ Row only; Saturday, October 24, 10 AM–8 PM; Sunday, October 25, 10 AM–6 PM. There are no Front Street vendor booths on Friday, October 23. Attend only your confirmed dates.

Programming will appear in the weekly update when ready. Check times, locations and any access changes with your helpers.

Keep app notifications enabled during the market day. Read City and Destination Salem updates when safe to do so, and continue checking vendor email and following on-site staff directions.

Stay through closing; wait for vehicle clearance

We understand that things come up, and we really appreciate everyone staying until the market closes. Leaving early affects neighboring vendors and the experience for everyone visiting. If you need to leave early, contact the team before packing.

Staff will explain the load-out process each night and tell you when breakdown, load-out and vehicle access can begin. These decisions follow City and police direction. Wait for staff clearance before driving into the designated loading area, including for an early departure. Vehicles do not drive up to the spaces around Old Town Hall.

Keep your space safe and welcoming

Keep walkways and neighboring booths clear, keep valuables secure, and contact staff if a problem develops. Booths must remain attended. No smoking or incense at booths. Take your vendor waste with you.

Weather and schedule changes: Delays and closures are very rare. If a change is needed before arrival, we will notify you by email. Once you are on site, staff will inform you directly. Check your vendor email before traveling and follow staff instructions at the market.

Restrooms, breaks & accessibility

On Saturdays and Sundays, restrooms are available in Old Town Hall and on Artists’ Row. For other options, including on other market days, use Destination Salem’s online restroom locator or Destination Salem app. Ask staff for directions or help locating an accessible option.

Need a short restroom break? Text 978-224-8856 with your venue, booth name and request. Staff can provide brief booth sitting where and when needed. Wait until coverage is arranged before leaving.

Booth sitting is for short breaks, not extended coverage. Contact the team before market day if you need access assistance.

Contact the Marketplace team

Kelly and Sue are your on-site leads at Derby Square. Contact them for help with issues during the market. John has the final say on market decisions. Text is the best way to reach the Marketplace team while staff move around the venue.

Text the team: 978-224-8856. Include Derby Square, your booth/business name and request. Add your booth number if assigned and market date when relevant.

For an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency police assistance, call Salem Police: 978-744-1212. Do not wait for a reply from the vendor chat in an emergency.

Before market day or for booking questions: john@creativecollectivema.com.

Know tonight’s plan; wait for staff

Staff will walk you through the load-out plan each night. Following direction from the City and police, staff will tell you when to begin breaking down, when to start loading out and when vehicles may return to the designated loading area. Make sure everyone helping at your booth knows that evening’s plan.

Wait for staff instructions at each stage. Closing time alone is not permission to begin breakdown, retrieve your vehicle or drive into the loading area. Vehicles do not drive up to the spaces around Old Town Hall.

1. Begin breaking down when staff say it is time. Keep pedestrian routes clear.
2. Begin load-out when staff direct you. Wheel everything from your booth to the staff-directed loading spot, keeping ramps and pedestrian routes open.
3. Retrieve your vehicle only when staff tell you to. Wait for explicit clearance before driving into the designated loading area, then load promptly. Vehicles do not come up to the spaces around Old Town Hall.

Follow that evening’s access instructions

Check the latest weekly instructions for your market dates. Staff will explain that evening’s plan, following City and police direction. If you missed the instructions or are unsure what to do next, ask staff before acting.

Keep ramps, storefront entrances, pedestrian routes and neighboring booths clear. Wait for your assigned loading spot; do not pull up wherever there is a gap.

Check your booth area for belongings and waste before leaving. Take all vendor waste with you.

Everything goes home every night

Full breakdown every night. Take your tent, tables, displays, merchandise and equipment home, even if you are booked here again tomorrow.

This includes consecutive days and October 30 into October 31. There is no overnight tent or equipment storage at Derby Square.

Allow time and vehicle space for the full setup and breakdown each day. Check in again tomorrow for that day’s booth assignment.

Before your next market day

Return to Vendor 411 and read the next dated update. Recheck your venue, hours, loading instructions and programming, keep app notifications enabled, and check in again for that morning’s booth assignment.

Thanks for helping us take care of Derby Square and one another. We look forward to seeing you at check-in!
John and the Creative Collective team