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2026 Commercial Street Night Market VENDOR Application

PLEASE NOTE: THIS APPLICATION IS OPEN FOR WAITLIST ONLY AS OF MARCH 13, 2026

Dates: June 18, June 25
July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27

From 5-9 PM each night
Downtown Nanaimo: Commercial Street, Bastion Street, Wharf Street and Diana Krall Plaza
1.Business Name:(Required.)
2.Primary Contact Information:(Required.)
3.Website URL(Required.)
4.Do you require any medical or physical accommodations?
5.If yes please describe what accommodation you need here:
6.Description of Goods:(Required.)
7.Upload a photo of goods/ services
No file chosen
8.Are your products Canadian made?(Required.)
9.Do you require any accommodations to maintain your products?
Example: Sun damages products, must be in shady area.(Required.)
10.Corner Spaces & Prime Zones

For the 2026 season, we have very limited corner spaces available.
In addition:
  • The Prime Zone (between Wharf Street and Commercial st. at Terminal) is reserved exclusively for Full-Season Vendors.
  • Drop-in vendors are not eligible for Prime Zone placement.
  • Placement in this area is first-come, first-served and based on application approval + availability.
If you are a food vendor of ANY kind (syrups, sauces, candy, baked goods, meal prep kits, soups, coffee, jams, jellies, fresh produce, alcohol) you will automatically be placed in Diana Krall Plaza - This is mandatory to continue to be in accordance with Farmers Markets BC.


Vendor Fee - Please choose ONE of the following:(Required.)
11.If you have selected Drop-In Nights, please fill the below box with your requested dates.
12.I will email the following to comms@nanaimochamber.bc.ca
(If applicable)
TERMS & CONDITIONS — 2026 COMMERCIAL STREET NIGHT MARKET (GNCC)

Please read carefully. By submitting this application, you (“Vendor”) agree to the following terms set by the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce (“the Chamber”).

1) Application & Approval

  • All applications are subject to approval by the Chamber.
  • You must include a clear description of products/services you will offer.
  • Food vendors must comply with all current Island Health/VIHA requirements and provide a valid permit + current decal (if applicable to your category).
  • Food vendors must list the exact size of your truck/trailer/cart in your application.
  • Vendors may not change or swap locations once assigned.
  • The Chamber/Site Coordinators may reassign vendor locations at any time for safety, operations, compliance, or event needs.
  • The Night Market Coordinator reserves the right to terminate a vendor agreement at any time for non-compliance, safety concerns, or conduct issues.

2) Vendor Placement (Important)

  • Prime Zone (Wharf St. to Museum Way) is reserved for Full-Season Vendors only. No drop-ins will be placed in the Prime Zone.
  • If you are a food vendor of any kind (including syrups, sauces, candy, baked goods, meal prep kits, soups, coffee, jams/jellies, fresh produce, alcohol), you will be placed in Diana Krall Plaza. This is mandatory to remain aligned with Farmers Markets BC guidelines.
  • Vendor zones are shown on the Market Map (available on the website).


3) Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • The Night Market operates rain or shine. No refunds or discounts will be provided due to weather.
  • The Commercial Street Night Market operates rain or shine throughout the summer seasons. Vendors should be prepared to operate in varying weather conditions. In the event of extreme or unsafe circumstances where the market must be cancelled or slightly altered, vendors will be notified via email as soon as possible. Cancellation decisions are a last resort decision made with vendor safety, public
    safety, and guidance from local authorities.
Full-Season Vendors / Food Trucks
  • Payment in Full Deadline: May 1, 2026. Unpaid invoices may result in forfeiture of your full-season space.
  • Cancellation Deadline (Full Season): May 24, 2026 — refund issued minus a $50 admin fee.
  • Cancellations on/after May 25, 2026: No refunds. No exceptions.
Drop-In Vendors
  • Payment is due upon receipt of invoice.
  • No refunds for drop-in bookings.
  • If you must cancel, you may request a one-time date change only if notice is received at least 14 days before your selected date (subject to availability).
4) Mandatory Vendor Microsoft Teams Orientation

Attendance at one vendor Microsoft Teams session is mandatory.
Dates: March 23, 24, or 25 (2026).
Details and login links will be provided by email.



5) On-Site Set-Up & Operations

  • Vendors must arrive at their assigned arrival time (sent by email no later than 48 hours before market day).
  • Do not drive through roadblocks. Follow staff directions at all times. Maximum speed: 30 km/h.
  • No early takedowns. Vendors must remain set up until market close.
  • After the market ends: pack up first, then retrieve your vehicle. Vehicle access to the roadway begins 15 minutes after closing.
  • If you need help, go to the Chamber Booth or locate a Market Coordinator.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING TIMELINE:

APPLICATION CLOSES ON MARCH 13, 2026
Zoom Meeting: It is mandatory for the applicants to attend one out of three Zoom Meetings. Dates: March 23, 24, 25.

For Full Season:
Deadline for Payment in Full: May 1, 2026
Cancellation Deadline for Full season: May 24, 2026 (full refund + $50 admin fee)
Cancellations After: May 25, 2026 No Refund
For Drop In:
Payment is due on the day of the Invoice received
Cancellation: Before two weeks of selected Drop in Dates
6) General Policies

  • Only the Chamber may decide to close early or cancel the market.
  • Vendors must be respectful and operate safely. Vendors displaying unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful behaviour may be removed and/or banned.
  • Vendors supply their own tent, tables, chairs, weights, power, etc. (Anchored tents + optional walls recommended.)
  • Keep all displays and signage within your booth boundaries and do not block pedestrian flow or neighbouring booths.
  • Vendors are responsible for cleanliness and must remove all garbage, litter, and items at the end of each market.
  • Food vendors: designated waste bins will be provided. Dumping waste or leaking fluids is not permitted.
  • The Chamber, staff, and volunteers are not responsible for vendor injury, loss, theft, or damage to vendor property.
  • The market is non-smoking within the event footprint. Smoking/vaping/cannabis use must be at least 10 metres from the Market Zone.
  • Generators: Vendors must notify the Site Coordinator in advance. Low-noise generators only. Limited power is available in Diana Krall Plaza (primarily reserved for food trucks).
  • Non-compliance with these terms may result in being refused entry or evicted during the event.

7) Vendor Conduct & Subletting

  • Vendors/food trucks may not transfer, sublet, sell, or share their space to another vendor.
  • A separate Code of Conduct will be emailed upon acceptance and must be signed and returned.
  • The Chamber maintains zero tolerance for harassment, unsafe behaviour, or violations of the code of conduct.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY

1. The Chamber carries event insurance and all necessary overall business licenses for this event. However, specialized vendors must, at their own expense, procure and maintain all permits, insurance and licenses required to comply with all laws and ordinances affecting the execution of their particular work. This may include food vendors, massage therapists, etc. The Chamber reserves the right to confirm validity of all permits and licenses.

2. The registered vendor shall be responsible for all damages, claims, charges, and injuries, including all equipment, and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and its members, organizers, and staff from any such claims and charges including liability arising out of the concessionaires exhibit itself and the actions of the concessionaires’ employees and/or agents.

3. The Chamber will not be responsible for any items at booths and shall not be responsible for security of individual booths whether the exhibitor’s booth is staffed and open to the public, or not. The Chamber shall not in any event be responsible for care and control of the exhibitor’s equipment and property or the equipment and property of third parties used by the exhibitor, all of which is the sole responsibility of the vendor throughout the Commercial Street Market.

The Vendor declares that it is an independent contractor, and it is solely responsible for all acts or omissions of persons who work in the concession. The Vendor agrees that it shall not hold itself out as representing the Chamber at any time and shall not contract or incur debt in the name of the Chamber.
13.Do you agree to the Terms and Conditions as they appear in this document?(Required.)