Sell or Exhibit at First Friday

Applications: Monday After Each First FridayAbout 10am, for the next month only
Makers Market: $10 to $25A space, by zone
Exhibitors: $150 to $975By zone and how often you come
Where: Kentucky AvenueFirst Friday of every month, 6pm to 9pm

Before You Apply

Applications for each First Friday open at about 10am on the Monday after the one before, for the next month only, and close when the spaces fill.
We don’t take applications by email, text or phone.
The LDDA provides the space only: bring your own tent, weights, tables and chairs.
Spaces are assigned, not chosen.

Makers Market: Sell Your Goods

For craft and artisan vendors selling their own products.

Apply for Zone 6Every maker applies for Zone 6.
Send Your PaperworkA valid 2026 Florida Resale Certificate, plus any extra licensing your products need (cakes, honey and other food or drinks), before you’re invoiced.
Pay Your InvoicePrompt payment helps your placement.

Zone 6$10Where every maker applies
Zone 5$15
Zone 4$20
Zone 3$25

You may be offered an upgrade to another zone by email, invoiced for the difference. We do our best not to place you right next to a vendor selling the same thing, but can’t promise it.

Apply for the Makers Market Makers Zone Map (PDF)

Exhibitors: Promote Your Business or Organization

For local businesses and organizations promoting themselves. Exhibitors may not sell.

Full-TimeThe same space every month for 12 months, with no monthly sign-up.
Premium (Zone 2)
$975
Regular (Zone 1)
$775
Part-Time4 events within 12 months, chosen in advance and confirmed before each one. You keep your zone; your space may change from month to month.
Premium (Zone 2)
$650
Regular (Zone 1)
$500
One-TimeApply and pay for each event; your space changes from month to month.
Premium (Zone 2)
$200
Regular (Zone 1)
$150

Apply as an Exhibitor

Non-Profits

A limited number of spaces each month at a flat $50, on Main Street or at the end of Kentucky Avenue at Lemon Street. Applications go on a waitlist and not all are accepted; for a guaranteed space, apply as an exhibitor.

Apply as a Non-Profit

Downtown Businesses

Businesses with a storefront inside the LDDA district get a discounted space on South Kentucky Avenue, from Preservation Alley to Lemon Street: $300 a year or $25 a month invoiced in advance (apply each month). Your Business Tax Receipt shows you’re eligible.

A ground-floor shop inside the event that stays open during First Friday can ask for the space in front of its door to be left empty, so its storefront can be seen.

Apply as a Downtown Business District Map (PDF)

Classy Car Show: Show Your Car

Classic cars line Tennessee Avenue every First Friday: N. Tennessee Avenue from Main Street to Pine Street, and S. Tennessee Avenue from Lemon Street to Main Street. The Munn Park parking lot is not part of the show.

Register Once a YearPrint the registration form, fill it out and bring it to the show. You’ll get a dash placard. Cars that aren’t registered can’t take part.
Arrive Between 5pm and 6pmCars can enter from 5pm. No cars can enter after 6pm.
Leave After 8pmThe show ends at 8pm, an hour before the rest of First Friday. Cars can leave from 8pm, and the street must be clear by 8:30pm. To stay for the rest of First Friday, move to a parallel parking space before then.

Registration Form (PDF)Entry and Exit Map (PDF)

Vendor FAQ

Applying

How can I become a vendor at First Friday?

Businesses interested in participating must submit the appropriate First Friday application on this page. Applications are reviewed based on business type, products, availability and event requirements.

What is the difference between a Maker and a Business Exhibitor?

Makers are businesses applying to sell approved handmade or other eligible products at the event.

Business Exhibitors participate to promote their business, connect with attendees, distribute promotional materials or provide approved demonstrations. Business Exhibitors are not permitted to sell products or services onsite.

When do applications open for the Makers Market?

Makers Market applications generally open on the Monday following each First Friday event. Applications are for the next scheduled First Friday only.

Does submitting an application guarantee a space?

No. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance or placement. All applications are subject to review, availability and approval by the LDDA.

Can I choose my vendor space?

Vendor placement is determined by the LDDA based on several factors, including vendor category, available space, electrical needs, agreements and payment status. Specific space requests are not guaranteed.

Can I sell food or baked goods at First Friday?

Food and baked goods may be permitted depending on the product, applicable regulations and event availability. Applicants must provide a complete list of proposed products, including ingredients for baked goods. All products must be reviewed and approved before selling.

Can I sell additional products that were not listed in my application?

No. Vendors may only sell products that have been reviewed and approved by the LDDA. Any additions or changes must receive written approval before the event.

Does First Friday provide electricity for vendors?

Limited electricity may be available for approved equipment. All electrical requests must be included in the application, along with the equipment type and wattage. Electricity is not provided for decorative lighting, fans or point-of-sale systems.

Can I participate for just one month?

Yes! First Friday offers participation options for businesses interested in attending a single event, subject to application approval and space availability.

Are nonprofit organizations allowed to participate?

Yes. Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply through the nonprofit application. Spaces are limited and may be subject to a waitlist. Proof of active nonprofit status may be required.

Can I participate if my business is not located in Downtown Lakeland?

Yes! Businesses outside the LDDA district may apply through the appropriate Maker or Business Exhibitor application, depending on the type of participation they are seeking.

What happens if I cannot attend after being accepted?

Vendors should notify the LDDA as soon as possible if they cannot attend. Payments are generally nonrefundable and nontransferable unless the LDDA officially cancels the event.

Event Day and Setup

What time can vendors begin setting up?

Streets close at 5pm, and approved vendor vehicle entry takes place between 5pm and 5:45pm. All vehicles must complete entry before 5:45pm.

Can vendors drive into the event after 5:45pm?

No. Vehicle entry is not permitted after 5:45pm for the safety of attendees, staff and participating businesses.

Are tents required?

Yes. Vendors using standard outdoor spaces must provide an appropriate tent and tent weights. Standard spaces are 10 feet by 10 feet unless otherwise approved.

Can I leave First Friday early?

Vendors are expected to remain for the duration of the event. Early vehicle access is not permitted, and vendors must follow staff instructions regarding breakdown and load-out.

Can I bring a generator?

No. Generators are not permitted at First Friday.

Questions?Email FirstFriday@ldda.org