Market dates, hours, and locations

Market dates, hours, and locations vary by event. Please check our website and follow Firefly Handmade on social media for the most up-to-date information.

Is Firefly Handmade open to artisans outside of Colorado?

Yes! While the majority of our artisans reside in Colorado, we accept applications from makers located anywhere within the United States.

Is Firefly Handmade a locally owned business?

Yes! Firefly is woman owned and operated by residents of Boulder County, ensuring that all vendor fees remain in our local community and economy.

How do I become an artisan at the next market?

Sign up for our email list and follow us on social media to receive announcements for when market applications open.

What product categories does Firefly Handmade accept?

While Firefly is not limited to the following, artisans generally fall into these categories:

  • Accessories & Apparel

  • Alcohol Sampling & Bottle Sales

  • Artisanal Food & Beverage (must be pre-packaged and produced in a commercial kitchen)

  • Ceramics

  • Home Goods & Décor

  • Jewelry

  • Kids & Baby (toys, clothing, accessories)

  • Outdoor Gear & Apparel

  • Paper Goods

  • Pet Goods

  • Puzzles

  • Skin Care & Wellness

  • Textiles

  • Vintage Goods (quality, curated items only)

  • Visual Art & Design

  • Woodworking

How are participating artisans selected?

Each market is juried by an impartial jury and reviewed independently of prior market participation or acceptance

What is your jurying criteria?

We prioritize handmade, unique, small-batch, and eco-conscious artisan goods. Applicants are strongly encouraged to focus on one primary product category.

We look for:

  • A well-developed brand and cohesive, signature style

  • Professional-quality booth presentation, including creative signage

  • A clear alignment between product quality and booth display

We do not accept:

  • Cottage Foods vendors

  • Multi-level marketing (MLM) businesses

  • Businesses that primarily sell cannabis-related products

  • Traditional fine art and photography

  • Goods not made by the applicant and/or not made in the United States

  • Booths featuring collections of multiple artisans curated by the applicant

A professional booth shot is required. If you do not yet have a market setup image, we recommend creating a full sample booth setup at home or outdoors. Table-only displays are not sufficient.

An active web presence is required (website, e-commerce site, and/or social media). Please ensure all links provided are live and accurate.

Why wasn’t I accepted?

Firefly Handmade typically receives nearly twice as many applications as available spaces. Some categories (such as jewelry) are especially competitive.

Reasons for non-acceptance may include:

  • Category saturation

  • Goods not meeting jury criteria (see above)

  • Overall market balance considerations

If you were not accepted and believe your work aligns with our criteria, we encourage you to apply to a future market. Each market is juried independently based on the applicant pool.

Do you allow booth sharing?

No, booth sharing is not permitted.

Can I apply after the deadline?

If an application remains active on our website, you may still apply. For inquiries about potential openings after a deadline has passed, please use our contact form and include your business name and website or online presence.

How many artisan spots are available?

Most Firefly Handmade markets feature 80-100 artisan spaces, depending on the venue. On average, approximately 75% of participants are returning artisans, with 25% new or emerging makers per market.

When are applications due?

Application deadlines vary by market. Please refer to the application listing or follow us on social media for updates and reminders.

Is there a fee to apply?

Yes. There is a $25 application fee. If accepted, this fee will be applied toward your participation fee.

How large are booth spaces, and what are the participation fees?

Booth spaces are 10’ x 10’, and all artisans must provide their own 10’ x 10’ tent. The participation fee is listed in the application for each market, and covers the booth space, market organization, promotion, and event operations. Opportunities to upgrade to premium locations are made available after artisan acceptance.

Is the event outdoors?

Yes. All Firefly Handmade markets are outdoors and operate rain or shine. Artisans are required to have high-quality fireproof tents, adequate weights, and valid insurance in order to participate.

Can I mail in my application?

No. All applications must be submitted through our online application.

How are participation fees paid?

Once accepted, artisans will receive an email with instructions to submit payment in full by a specified deadline.

What happens if I am accepted?

Accepted artisans will receive an acceptance email that includes next steps, required documentation, deadlines, and detailed market information.

Can I cancel my application or booth reservation?

Artisans may cancel at any time, however, all fees paid prior to cancellation are non-refundable. Full cancellation and refund policies will be outlined in the acceptance email.

When does artisan load-in take place?

Artisan load-in typically occurs several hours before the market opens. Specific load-in times and instructions will be provided prior to each market.

Are tables and chairs provided?

No. Artisans must provide all display materials, including tables and chairs. Artisans are also responsible for clearing their booth space at the conclusion of the market.

Is electrical access available?

Electrical access may be available at select markets and locations but is not guaranteed. Availability details will be shared in the acceptance materials.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Wi-Fi may not be available at all locations or markets. Artisans are strongly encouraged to bring a hotspot or alternative connectivity if needed.

What tax information do artisans need?

Artisans are responsible for obtaining any required special event licenses for markets in Boulder and Denver. Artisans are also responsible for reporting all sales to the appropriate tax authorities.

Do artisans need insurance?

Yes. All participating artisans are required to submit a valid Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) that is in force for the duration of the market dates.