Due to an overwhelming number of applications and limited space, applications closed on July 5 at 9 a.m. Stay tuned for market details coming soon!

Handmade Arcade is excited to announce two separate markets in Pittsburgh’s downtown Market Square hosted in partnership with Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. 

Saturday, August 6

Friday, September 23

Market Square, Downtown Pittsburgh
5 to 10 PM

The Moonrise Markets are an exciting opportunity for creative entrepreneurs to sell their products in Pittsburgh’s bustling Market Square.

These markets will leverage the success of Handmade Arcade’s in-person markets and the PDP’s Saturday Night Market series events to bring large crowds of shoppers and visitors to downtown Pittsburgh!

The markets and participating makers will be heavily promoted by each partner organization via their extensive social media and e-marketing platforms, making this an incredible opportunity to gain exposure and recognition across the Pittsburgh region.

The Friday market will be part of the Cultural Trust’s Fall Gallery Crawl!

Markets will happen, rain or shine. 

DATES AND FEES

  • Due to an overwhelming number of applications and limited space, applications closed on the July 5 at 9 a.m.
  • Notifications sent on July 8.
  • A $35 non-refundable participation fee for each market is due on or before July 22.
  • Makers accepted to both markets will pay $70. Unpaid fees will result in the maker’s space being given to a waitlisted vendor.

EVENT DETAILS 

The Moonrise Maker Markets are open to makers over 18 with previous experience with in-person vending at an outdoor market. This is a juried, curated market. 30 makers will be accepted to participate. Applicants’ products should be handmade, hand-crafted, or depict the artist’s original work. Handmade Arcade will host a Booth Display Set Up workshop. The event will be in-person. Location TBD.

Participants will be required to:

  • Complete the Creative Business Ladder (CBL) survey provided by the CBA. 
  • Provide sales numbers after the event *This is confidential and only used for impact reporting purposes.
  • Available to participate for the entire time of the market.*
  • Be responsible for the set-up and tear down of their space. 
  • Provide proof of insurance two weeks before the market. The Certificate of Insurance must name Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and the City of Pittsburgh as additionally insured. More details will be sent to accepted applicants.

Participants will need to bring:

  • Table and chairs.
  • Pop-up tents are required and must be weighted down.
  • Lights. String lights work well. Electricity will be provided.

*Makers who cannot commit to being there for set-up and staying until tear-down should not apply.

Questions about the market? Email info@handmadearcade.org.

CREATIVE BUSINESS ACCELERATOR MEMBERSHIP

Accepted makers, who are not already members, will be invited to join the Creative Business Accelerator. The CBA is FREE to join.

Membership benefits include access to:

  • Programs such as ORIGINS, PG&H, and Monmade
  • Priority access to competitive opportunities such as First Leap and Next Leap
  • Sponsorships and access to markets 
  • And much more!

Not sure if you are already a member? Email Katie Johnson at kjohnson@bridgewaycapital.org.