Wausau Night Market Series

June 20, July 18, August 15 | 5-9pm

THIRD THURSDAYS ALL SUMMER

Join us on 3rd Street for a mix of local makers, farmers, live music, sidewalk dining, and extended hours from your fave businesses.

June Vendor Line-up

June Food Truck Line-up

Introducing CANNED, an exclusive Market drink stand and lounge

Grab a brew and a wristband and sip while you shop! Wausau Night Market guests are welcome to carry drinks within the downtown area from 5pm until 9pm, as long as alcoholic beverages are not brought into existing retail or restaurant spaces. Check out our offerings below!

  • Stay tuned!

  • Stay tuned!

Apply to be a vendor below.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON APRIL 1 - NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY APRIL 20

Thank you for your interest in the Wausau River District’s Night Market event series! We are now accepting applications for makers, farmers, and food trucks. Each event will be curated by a committee of WRD staff and downtown stakeholders. All applications will be judged on the following criteria: Quality of product; originality of product; creativity of branding and booth design/setup; and relevancy to Market audience. All vendors must sell homemade or homegrown goods: No direct sale or multi-level marketing businesses will be accepted. Our aim first and foremost is to showcase and support the unique talents of local makers, artisans, farmers, and foodies. Please read additional notes, rules and regulations, and event policies before submitting your application.

The fine print.

  • 1. Selection Process: All events are produced by Wausau River District (WRD), and will play a role in selecting all food vendors participating in events. Vendors will be selected based on the type of food offered, the vendor’s experience with selling food at these types of events, public feedback, past experiences with WRD and electrical/space needs. Our goal is to have a variety of food options offered to the public at the event, however we do not guarantee exclusivity of product.

    2. Interpretation and Enforcement of Rules: Each vendor shall comply with the following rules and regulations, in addition to complying with any and all statutes of the State of Wisconsin, Marathon County and the City of Wausau pertinent to maintenance, health and fire safety. WRD shall have the right to interpret the following rules and regulations:

    3. Conduct: WRD hosts family-oriented events. You are responsible for controlling your employees, and all vendors must conduct themselves in a courteous and polite manner. Any violation of these rules and regulations shall result in a single warning and then forfeiture of all rights of participation in the event and future events.

    4. Liability Indemnity: Vendor covenants that it will protect, defend, hold harmless and indemnify WRD, their directors, officers, agents, employees and volunteers from and against all expenses, claims, actions, liabilities, attorney’s fees, damages, and losses of any kind whatsoever, actually or allegedly, resulting from or connected with the participation as a vendor in the event. WRD shall not be liable for any loss or damage to any merchandise or personal property in or about the vendor’s booth, regardless of the cause of such loss or damage. An insurance rider must be provided. See application for specific information.

    5. Booth Setup/Removal: Vendor will be permitted to setup on the following dates, concurrent with the following event: Wausau Night Market, June 20, July 18, August 15, 2024.

    6. Cleanup: Vendor is responsible for removing all debris, cooking materials (coal, oil, etc.) from the site. All refuse, rubbish and garbage must be deposited in containers. Failure will result in negative light the following year.

    7. Merchandise: At no time shall vendor display for sale or otherwise materials, which in the sole judgement of the WRD shall be deemed obscene, dangerous or unlawful. Additionally, no vendor shall be permitted to sell raffle tickets or apparel/merchandise items with WRD or Night Market branding.

    8. Cancellation: Vendor shall notify WRD in writing of intent to cancel this contract no later than one week prior to event. No refunds allowed.

    9. Access to the Grounds: Access to the grounds will be as follows, per event: Access to event grounds starts 2 hours prior to event start time, vendor MUST park more than 2 blocks from event (after setting up) to ensure enough parking options for attendees.

    10. Electricity: Vendor shall indicate on the contract electrical needs. The electrical worksheet MUST be filled out completely and correctly and you must conform to the electricity available.

    11. Access of Location During Event: During the event hours, you will not be allowed to operate a motor vehicle to and from your vending location. Please have your supplies there. This rule must be enforced for the safety of all guests.

    12. Health Department Inspection: Vendor may be subject to an inspection by the Marathon County Health Department. If you have any questions regarding the Health Department requirements or licenses, please contact at 715-261-1919. This is your responsibility.

    13. Event Schedule: Food shall be available for the duration of event hours.

    14. Exclusivity: WRD is unable to guarantee any exclusivity or restrictions on the number of vendors or the type of products sold unless negotiated in advance. You will be assigned a space based upon the judgment or our staff and electricity available. No locations are guaranteed. We will do our best to provide you with a convenient and suitable space for the sale of your products.

    15. Security: WRD will provide security for our major events. However, it is the vendor’s responsibility for the protection and safeguarding of valuables and release WRD for any losses.

  • 1. The 2024 Night Market events will take place on 3rd Street in downtown Wausau (streets will be closed for the duration of each event).

    2. Applications without photos/links to photos will not be considered.

    3. The Health Department requires food truck vendors to have HOT WATER available. You may need to use an appliance to keep it heated.

    4. We encourage vendors to bring battery-powered lights for the later Market hours. Please consider if a reliance on natural light/vendor-supplied lighting will be an issue before applying.

  • 1. Wausau River District cannot control the weather - although we really wish we could! Night Market events will continue rain or shine except in cases of dangerous storms. (We do not provide indoor backup spaces for this event series). Vendors will be notified as soon as possible in case of a cancellation; booth fee refunds will not be given.

  • 1. Refunds will not be given to vendors who cancel or fail to show up to an event.

Thank you to our sponsors!