Frequently asked questions
What is Milwaukee Makers Market?
Milwaukee Makers Market is Milwaukee's longest running one-stop-shop local markets - with no admission fee needed! Created by Ryan Laessig, each free market features new makers like seasoned crafters and hobbyists, artists, freelance designers, performance artists, small business owners, and full-time makers. Laessig curates fun and safe one-stop-shop experiences that connect our artisans with current and future fans while celebrating Milwaukee’s incredible makers community. Let’s uplift local makers’ dreams - one market at a time.
For more, check out our About Us page.
How do I apply to be a vendor at a market?
If you make something awesome and are a local Milwaukee artist, we want you at our markets! Milwaukee Makers Markets are curated events, so all our applications go through a juried process in order to get into one or more of our 10 markets. You need to fill out the application form (found on the website) and remember to pay your the application fee!
Everyone who makes is encouraged to apply, but the only condition is that you make what you sell. To learn more, check out our Apply Here page.
Where are the markets held?
Milwaukee Makers Market are held all over the wonderful city of Milwaukee! Some event venues include our homebase, Discovery World, as well as Ivy House MKE, Enlightened Brewing Co., Kind Oasis and more!
Check out our current season of markets here!
What should I expect when I come to shop at a Milwaukee Makers Market?
Get ready to fall in love with our local maker's products and their stories. With a curated group of makers, each monthly market is different, but special for you. Our safe, fun and unique markets are well-thought out in every way: from which makers are at our event, how many type of products we have, and even the flow of traffic.
In the words of Milwaukee Makers Market creator Ryan Laessig, "It's a one-stop-shop local experience because it’s not just about coming and spending money. It is an experience. You get to meet these makers; you get to see exactly where the products are coming from and half of the time the stories I hear at the market are just incredible.”
How is Milwaukee Makers Market navigating COVID-19?
Small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are still hard at work to create safe local shopping markets that allow small businesses an outlet to sell their products and safely connect with fans.
While we canceled many of our in-person markets this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to host our September, October, and December markets with safety precautions in place. Milwaukee Makers Market used active safety measures to keep our markets safe by requiring mask wearing, social distancing with a continued one-way flow through our markets, no food or drink for guests, capacity limits, and hand sanitizing. Our makers are also commited to safety by practicing safe packaging and creation of their products, washing their hands, and keeping a clean presence at our markets.
If you are feeling sick, we ask you please stay home and rest up - makers and guests alike! From more info, check out the CDC's site about staying safe during this time here.
When do the markets happen?
Our monthly markets run in various venues from April to December with two in September. The markets are usually held on the third Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. But, make sure to check each month's market info because sometimes we switch it up!
We curate markets all throughout the summer as well as Bay View Gallery Night in September, Shop Small Saturday in November, and a festiveHoliday Pop Up in December.
Check out our current season of markets here!
Do I have to pay to come to a Milwaukee Makers Market?
NOPE! Milwaukee Makers Market does not charge an at-the-door admission fee. This sets us apart because we welcome anyone and everyone to be able to attend our events. There's no pressure to buy - by just looking and chatting with our awesome makers, you are supporting their dream and our mission!