Image: Sunfruits perform during Coburg Night Market 2023. Image by Simon Fazio.

Coburg Night Market 2025

Stallholder Expression of Interest

The Coburg Night Market, a summer highlight in Melbourne's north, drawing a diverse crowd across three nights and two days. Each day, up to 9,500 people come to enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, local artisan products, and great live music, all in a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Held at Coburg’s iconic Bridges Reserve, the market celebrates community, culture and creativity, with something for all ages.

We welcome applications from emerging and established First Peoples-led businesses, independent artists, artisans, makers and food and beverage vendors. First Peoples applicants are invited to express interest in a fully subsidised stall at Coburg Night Market.

Through this form, you can tell us a bit about yourself, what you’d like to sell or do during Coburg Night Market, and which days you’d like to attend.

Location: Bridges Reserve, Bell Street Coburg 3058 (google map)

Key Dates:

Expression of Interest Process 

• Expressions of Interest Open: Monday 28 July 2025

• Expressions of Interest Information Session: 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Tuesday 5 August 2025 (online). 
  Please email coburgnightmarket@merri-bek.vic.gov.au to request a copy of the recording.

• Expressions of Interest Close: 11.59pm, Monday 25 August 2025
  

Expression of Interest Confirmation

• Stallholders notified of outcome: Friday 5 Septembrer 2025 
  

• Stallholder Payment due: Friday 26 September 2025 (11.59pm)
  

• Compulsory Stallholder Briefing: 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Thursday 6 November 2025 (online)

• Compulsory Completion of Online Safety Induction Due: Thursday 27 November 2025

Coburg Night Market Season

• Bump In: Thursday 11 December 2025 (Specific times will be confirmed in November)

• Event dates:

  • 5:00pm to 10:00pm Thursday 11 December 2025

  • 5:00pm to 10:00pm, Friday 12 December 2025

  • 12:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday 13 December 2025

• Bump Out: Saturday 13 December 2025 (Specific times will be confirmed in December)

Checklist

Before you begin please ensure you have completed the following checklist:

• Read and understand the relevant Stallholder Guidelines on our website. 

• Have a digital copy of your Full product/menu list including prices ready

• Have 2 photos of your stall ready

• Have 2 photos or images of your products and display ready

You can click "Save and Complete Later" at the bottom of the page to receive an editable link to your submission.

Selection Criteria

Stallholder applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Local Preference: Priority will be given to makers, products, and providers based in Merri-bek.

• Product Quality and Uniqueness: Evaluation of the quality and uniqueness of the products or food offered.

• Stall Presentation: Assessment of the stall setup, including aesthetics and adherence to physical constraints.

• Experience and Financial Stability: Consideration of the stallholder’s retail and business experience, as well as their financial situation.

• Attendance: Priority will be given to stallholders committed to attending all three days of the market.

• Support for Small-Scale Makers: Preference for small-scale makers and businesses over those with commercially manufactured products at the Coburg Night Market.

Merri-bek City Council reserves the right to select stalls based on achieving a balanced mix of goods and services for the event. All decisions are final, and no negotiation will be entered into. 

Merri-bek City Council reserves the right to refuse incomplete applications.

Stall Categories

Category Descriptions:

We're seeking passionate foodies, talented makers, and vibrant community stalls to help shape the energy and atmosphere of Coburg Night Market. 

We welcome applications from emerging and established First Peoples-led businesses, independent artists, artisans, makers and food and beverage vendors.When filling out the form, please choose the stall category that best suits your offering.

When filling out the form, please choose the stall category that best suits your offering.

Food and Beverage Stalls: For traders interested in selling food and beverages including food trucks, carts, trailers and containers. All Food and Beverage stallholders must lodge a Statement of Trade.

Artisan and Craft Stalls: ‘Artisan’ comprises of anything ethically handmade, either by yourself or by someone else. 

Commercial / Merchandise Stalls: This category is for non-handmade products or those not ethically produced by others. 

Merri-bek City Council Units: For Merri-bek City Council Units to promote their services and activities.

For stalls selling pre-packaged food and beverage, e.g. for gifts or take-away sales, apply as an Artisan rather than the Food and Beverage category.

Image: Coburg Night Market 2022. Image by Simon Fazio.

About You and Your Organisation

Public Liability Insurance (PLI)

All stallholders must hold current Public Liability Insurance (PLI) with a minimum coverage of $20 million. 

If your Expression of Interest is successful, you’ll be asked to provide a digital copy of your Certificate of Currency. The certificate must clearly show the insured party’s name, coverage amount, and valid policy dates.

About Your Stall

Stallholders must comply with the relevant standards of all gas appliances set by Energy Safe Victoria.They ensure gas appliances are used safely and consider equipment, installation, ventilation and clearance, fire protection and emergency management.

FoodTrader Requirements

Food and Beverage traders are required to hold a current FoodTrader account. This ensures that your food service is registered with a local government authority and can legally trade.  https://foodtrader.vic.gov.au    

If selected, Food and Beverage traders will be required to lodge a Statement of Trade for the event via their FoodTrader account.

Closed Alcohol Sales

Coburg Night Market is a licensed area. Stallholders can express interest in selling takeaway alcohol products. Permission will be required from our Bar Manager, who holds the liquor license, and stallholders will require a Producers License. Stalls will not be able to sell alcoholic drinks to be consumed onsite. Samples and giveaways must adhere to the licensing requirements as directed by the Bar Manager.

The sale or supply of alcohol for drinking onsite is strictly prohibited. This includes any activity that encourages or enables onsite drinking, such as: 

• Providing cups, glassware or drinking vessels

• Opening bottles or containers 

• Offering tastings that do not meet licence conditions

Plastic Free Events

Serving up sustainability: unbleached serviettes, reusables, and plastic-free choices 

Coburg Night Market follows Merri-bek City Council’s Plastic Wise Policy, which supports the use of sustainable, low-impact materials. Stallholders are expected to minimise waste and choose reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives where possible. 

You can read more and download the full Plastic Wise Policy via the Merri-bek City Council website.

The following items are NOT allowed at the event: 

• Balloons 

• Single-use plastic including bags, bottles (e.g., water, soft drinks), cups, plates, bowls, straws, cutlery, and take-away containers 

• Non-recyclable packaging 

• Compostable plastic cups, plates, bowls, straws, cutlery, and take-away containers 

• Avoidable plastic packaging like cling wrap, plastic bags, or similar 

Preferred materials include: 

• Reusable or recyclable containers 

• Unbleached paper serviettes 

• Fabric or compostable banners and signage 

• Washable cups, plates and cutlery 

Please use reusable event materials like promotional banners and flags whenever possible. 

Exemptions can be obtained for coffee and ice cream traders where non-single use cups are unavailable. Please indicate in your Expression of Interest if you wish to apply for an exemption.

Performances, workshops or activities

It may be possible to facilitate a performance, workshop, or activity as part of your stall. They need to be planned and confirmed in advance so please describe your activities and indicate if they involve noise, distractions, or extend beyond your designated 3 x 3m or 3 x 6m site.

Image: Over 29,000 attendances during Coburg Night Market 2024. Image by Simon Fazio.

Food and Beverage Stalls

Food and beverage stallholders can nominate their preferred stall size and request power, marquee hire, or other equipment as needed.

Please use the section below to indicate which days you would like to trade and what site, power and equipment you require. Due to the complexity of site planning at the Coburg Night Market, preference will be given to stalls operating across all three days.

If your expression of interest is successful, you’ll receive an automated email with payment instructions based on your selections in this form.

Artisan and Craft & Commercial / Merchandise Stalls

Stallholders can nominate their preferred stall size and request marquee or equipment hire if needed. These sites are unpowered and come with a battery-powered LED light.

Please use the section below to indicate which days you would like to trade and any equipment requirements. Due to the scale and layout of the Coburg Night Market, priority will be given to stalls that plan to operate across all three days.

If your expression of interest is successful, you’ll receive an automated email with payment instructions based on your selections in this form.

Merri-bek City Council Unit Stall

Council units can book a 3 x 3m space within a shared larger marquee.  Available dates and times are listed below. You’ll be expected to attend for the full duration of each session booked.

Note:
Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you’re only planning to attend for one night, please be aware that preference may be given to Council units available for two or more nights. This helps with overall stall management and ensures Council services are represented across the full market period.

As Council Unit stall numbers are fixed, we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences, but specific dates and times cannot be guaranteed.

First Peoples-led businesses

We welcome applications from emerging and established First Peoples-led businesses, independent artists, artisans, makers and food and beverage vendors.

If you identify as a First Peoples applicant, you are invited to express interest in a fully subsidised stall at Coburg Night Market.

Please select the business category that best applies to you when completing the form. If your application is successful, your site and equipment hire fees will be fully subsidised.

3 x 3m Stall - Food & Beverage (powered):

Inclusions: 1 x 15 Amp power outlet
Not included: Marquee, lighting, trestle table, chairs and additional power (available to hire per day)
Site fee + power: $224 per day (incl. GST)

Please select the days you plan to trade:

3 x 3m Stall - Food & Beverage (unpowered):

Inclusions: 1 x Battery-powered LED light
Not included: Marquee, trestle table and chairs (available to hire per day)
Site fee: $170 per day (incl. GST)

Please select the days you plan to trade:

3 x 6m Stall - Food & Beverage (powered):

Inclusions: 2 x 15 Amp power outlets
Not included: Marquee, lighting, trestle table, chairs and additional power (available to hire per day)
Site fee + power: $448 per day (incl. GST)

Please select the days you plan to trade:

3 x 6m Stall - Food & Beverage (unpowered)

Inclusions: 1 x Battery-powered LED light
Not included: Marquee, trestle table and chairs (available to hire per day)
Site fee: $301.50 per day (incl. GST)

Please select the days you plan to trade:

3 x 3m Stall - Artisan & Craft / Commercial & Merchandise:

Inclusions: 1 x Battery-powered LED light
Not included: Marquee, trestle table and chairs (available to hire per day)
Site fee: $99 per day (incl. GST)

Please select the days you plan to trade:

3 x 6m Stall - Artisan & Craft / Commercial & Merchandise:

Inclusions: 1 x Battery-powered LED light
Not included: Marquee, trestle table and chairs (available to hire per day)
Site fee: $159.40 per day (incl. GST)

Please select the days you plan to trade:

Merri-bek City Council Unit:
Site type: A 3 x 3m space within a shared larger marquee
Inclusions: Marquee, 1 x Trestle table, 2 x Chairs, 1 x Battery-powered LED light
Fee: $286. per day (internal recoup covering furniture and marquee hire)

Please select the days you plan to attend:

Mandatory Site Safety Requirements 

All stallholders must ensure the following: 

• All stallholders must include a securely weighted marquee for weather protection (excluding self-contained food trucks or trailers). 

• Pegging into the ground is not permitted anywhere onsite. 

• Food stalls must have three walls, or two walls if using gas appliances. 

• Stallholders must only operate within their allocated space (e.g. 3x3m or 3x6m marquee or assigned food truck/trailer footprint). 

• A small back-of-house area may be available by prior arrangement and must be kept tidy and free from waste. 

• Shared paths and areas outside your site must always remain clear and unobstructed. This includes A-frame signs, stock or equipment. 

• Generators, including those attached to vehicles, are not permitted. Power is supplied on site to meet PoPE safety standards and avoid overloading. 
  

• All electrical equipment must be tested and tagged by a suitably qualified person before being brought to the event. 

• All stalls will be inspected for safety before trading begins.  

• Stalls that do not meet requirements may not be permitted to operate.
  

Vehicles, Trailers, Caravans, Non-Marquee Stalls and Cool Rooms/Chillers

If you plan to trade from a stall that includes a vehicle, trailer, caravan, non-marquee stall (i.e. a container) and/or a cool room/chiller - these require special planning for site layout and movement.

Our capacity to accommodate them on-site is limited. You must provide exact dimensions (including drawbars) and indicate how they will be positioned in relation to your stall.

Use of Stallholder-Owned Generators (Not Permitted)

The use of stallholder-owned power generators is not permitted, including those attached to vehicles. This is to ensure we can maintain safe, reliable, and quiet power across the site. We use low-noise generators that meet electrical safety requirements under the PoPE and carefully plan power distribution to avoid overloading or tripping. All stallholders must estimate their power requirements in their application so we can manage supply effectively.

Safety Requirements for Marquees

All stall infrastructure must comply with POPE (Place of Public Entertainment Permit) safety requirements and meet applicable event safety standards. 

Bringing your own marquee is strongly discouraged. If your marquee is later found to be non-compliant with POPE safety requirements, your stall may be disqualified from participating. 

If you wish to use your own, you must provide correct documentation at the time of submitting your EOI that it: 

• Is rated for commercial event use, which means:
  1. A sturdy aluminium or steel frame (not lightweight pop-up or backyard gazebos)
  2. Fire-retardant, waterproof and UV-resistant canopy
  3. Engineered to withstand outdoor wind conditions, typically rated for winds of 55 km/h or more on a 3x3 m marquee
  4. Designed for use with ballast weights (not pegging)

• Meets minimum wind load requirements for outdoor events

• Includes certification from the manufacturer or a qualified engineer

Please note: 

Assembly instructions or general product specifications without relevant safety or compliance information will not be accepted as certification. 

Applications submitted without the correct documentation will not be approved. 

All on-site infrastructure will be inspected by a registered engineer. Marquees must comply with POPE safety requirements at the time of inspection. If your own marquee is later found to be non-compliant, your stall may be disqualified from participating.

Marquees and Weights 

All stall infrastructure must comply with POPE (Public Occupancy Permit for Events) safety requirements and meet applicable event safety standards. 

Coburg Night Market provides event-grade marquees and appropriate weights for hire. These can be pre-booked through this EOI application form. Hire fees will be outlined in the Additional Hire Charges table.

With the exception of self-contained stalls such as Food Trucks and Trailers, all sites must have a safe, professional structure that provides durable sun and weather protection.

Marquees:
Marquees and weights are not included in stallholder site fees but can be hired through this form. Hire is offered at cost price via Merri-bek. Hired marquees include weights and professional setup.

Weights:
All marquees must be securely weighted. You can hire individual 13kg weights through this form. Weights must be evenly distributed across all legs. Minimum requirements:

• 3 x 3m marquee (4 legs): 40 kg per leg | 160kg total

• 3 x 6m marquee (6 legs): 65 kg per leg | 390kg total

Pegging:
Pegging is not permitted on the Coburg Night Market site, for marquees or any other purpose.

Food trading:
Marquees used for food trading must have three walls, unless gas appliances are in use, in which case only two walls are required.

Marquees Hire

Coburg Night Market provides event-grade marquees and appropriate weights for hire. These can be pre-booked through this EOI application form.

All sites do not include a marquee. Hire Marquee will include weights and setup. 

3 x 3m marquee hire (includes weights and setup): $220 per day (incl. GST)
3 x 6m marquee hire (includes weights and setup): $440 per day (incl. GST)

Based on the site size(3x3m or 3x6m) and dates you selected earlier, please indicate below which days you would like to hire a marquee:

Marquee Weights Hire

You can hire 13kg marquee weights through this form. Weights must be evenly distributed across all legs. 

To meet the minimum ballast requirement per leg, we recommend:

• 3 × 3 m marquee (40 kg per leg × 4 legs): 4 weights (13kg) per leg = 16 weights total

• 3 × 6 m marquee (65 kg per leg × 6 legs): 5 weights (13kg) per leg = 30 weights total
  

Marquee weight hire: $3 per weight, per day (incl. GST)

Lighting and Power – Unpowered Sites

Unpowered sites come with:

• 1 x battery-powered LED light (provided as standard).

• No access to power hire options.

Please note:

• Food and beverage vendors can only request additional power if they apply for a powered site. Power cannot be added to unpowered sites.

• Power is not available to Artisan, Craft, Commercial, or Merri-bek City Council Unit stalls.

Power Requirements

Only food and beverage stalls can use power, and they can request additional power only if they select a powered site.

If you selected a powered site earlier in the form, it includes:

• 1 x 15 Amp power connection for 3x3m site, or

• 2 x 15 Amp power connectins for 3x6m site

• Lighting is not included, so you must bring your own or hire lighting separately

Please select with care the exact power requirements you would like Coburg Night Market to provide. Changes to power requirements are not possible after the stallholder selection process.

Important safety requirements:

• All electrical equipment brought on-site must be tested and tagged by a qualified professional, and must comply with WorkSafe Victoria’s industry standards.

• Power cables must comply with WorkSafe Victoria’s industry standards. Cables must be safely hung overhead or run inside a cable tray. PSOAs (Portable Socket Outlet Assemblies) must be used.

Additional 10 Amp power hire:$51.50 per day (incl. GST)
Additional 15 Amp power hire: $61.80 per day (incl. GST)

Equipment Hire - LED Lights, Tables, Chairs

Equipment is available for hire for your stall.

Unpowered sites include one battery-powered LED light. Additional lights can be hired below.

Trestle tables (1.8m x 75cm) and folding chairs are available to hire in sets, per day.

LED Light charge:$38.50 per day (inc. GST)
Trestle Table charge:$18.70 per day (inc. GST)
Chairs (set of 2) charge: $8.80 per day (inc. GST)

Image: Over 29,000 attendances during Coburg Night Market 2024. Image by Simon Fazio.

Join our stallholder database

Stallholders notified of outcome

Once stallholders have been selected, you will receive confirmation via the Expression of Interest form. The confirmation will prompt you to upload any final documents and details, as well as to make payment.  

Stallholders that have not paid their fees prior to event day will not be permitted on site. 

Cancellation/Refunds 

Stallholders must attend all the market days they book, and no refunds or credits will be provided for non-attendance, regardless of the reason. Inability to attend on alternative dates will also result in no refund or credit. Merri-bek City Council has the right to cancel the event due to circumstances, such as inclement weather, that may pose a reasonable risk to stallholders, the public, or staff. In such cases, stallholders cannot make claims for loss against Merri-bek City Council.

Privacy and Declaration

Merri-bek City Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).  

The personal information requested on this form is being collected by Merri-bek City Council for the purpose of administering and assessing applications for the Coburg Night Market and may also be used to update your personal information otherwise held by Council (for example, contact details including email address, phone number). 

The personal information will be disclosed to assessment panel members engaged by Council for the purpose of evaluating applications for the Coburg Night Market and may also be used by Council for related purposes. 

It will not be disclosed to any other external party without your consent, unless required or authorised by law. If the personal information is not provided, Council may not be able to process your application or contact you regarding the outcome. 

By submitting your applicationto take part in the Coburg Night Market, you confirm that: 

• You have read and understood the terms outlined above; 

• You acknowledge and consent to the collection and use of your personal information for the stated purposes; 

• You are a permanent Australian resident; 

• You are not currently bankrupt or insolvent under the Bankruptcy Act 1966; The information you provide is, to the best of your knowledge, true and correct; and 

• You understand that stallholder and equipment fees are non-refundable if you fail to attend the event. 

To secure your stall during Coburg Night Market please:

• Review the information provided in your Expression of Interest.  If any updates are required, this is your final opportunity to make them. 

• Upload any additional required documents.

• Accept the terms below.

• Pay any fees and costs.

This is due by Friday 26 September

Apply for Merri-bek City Council Public Liability Insurance Cover

We have a limited number of spaces that can be covered by Merri-bek City Council’s Public Liability Insurance. These spaces are reserved for first time Artisan and First Peoples stalls. If you a first time Artisan or First Peoples Stall holder, and cannot provide your own Public Liability Insurance, please visit https://merribekcitycouncil.snapforms.com.au/form/merri-bek-city-council-public-liability-cover-application-form 

If you receive Merri-bek PLI Cover, please upload the confirmation in the above field. 

Apply for Merri-bek City Council Public Liability Insurance Cover

We have a limited number of spaces that can be covered by Merri-bek City Council’s Public Liability Insurance. These spaces are reserved for first time Artisan and First Peoples stalls. If you a first time Artisan or First Peoples Stall holder, and cannot provide your own Public Liability Insurance, please visit https://merribekcitycouncil.snapforms.com.au/form/merri-bek-city-council-public-liability-cover-application-form 

If you receive Merri-bek PLI Cover, please upload the confirmation in the above field. 

Foodtrader

As a Foodtrader you need to lodge a Statement of Trade (SOT).  Please visit the Foodtrader website https://foodtrader.vic.gov.au/user-guide/statements-of-trade/ 

When lodging you SOT enter the following event details when selecting the event: 

Coburg Night Market 2025 Event ID: EV-0051636-MERR

Stallholder Briefing

It is compulsory for all participating stallholders to attend the Stallholder Briefing: 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Thursday 6 November 2025 (online). Visit the following link to register: 

[LINK HERE]

Safety Induction

A mandatory safety induction will be provided to each stallholder to complete online. Stallholders will not be permitted onsite without it, and this will be checked by event staff on the day. The online safety induction link will be provided prior to the event.