Sidewalk Sales

NEW for SUMMER 2025

BIG NEWS!

NEW for Summer 2025 – We’re making Sidewalk Sales even more flexible!

For the first time ever, you can choose a ONE-DAY participation option at a special reduced rate. If committing to the full event isn’t your style, now you can join us for just one action-packed day!

Location: Darien Commons – featuring a mini-Parking Lot Party including live music, free family-friendly activities as well as an on-site brewery partner.

Date: Saturday, July 12th (the final day of Sidewalk Sales!)

** Please note: Sidewalk Sales will run all three days at Darien Commons for participating stores, but Saturday is the only day available for one-day vendors.

Join the stores in Darien Commons and don’t miss this chance to showcase your goods, connect with the community, and be part of the excitement—your way! All welcome! See registration links below.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

MAY 1 - Chamber Members:

  • Registration for Chamber members only. Members will have a two-week priority registration period to sign up and pay. If you do not have a store front, this will be a first come, first serve basis for you!

MAY 15 - Non-Chamber members & Youth (14-22):

  • Registration will open to non-Chamber members and youth and will be collected on a first come, first serve basis.

After the dedicated spots are taken, a wait list will be implemented. Because the spots are limited this year, it is important to register asap!

If you would like to donate the space in front of your store to a vendor for 3 days, please contact execdirector@darienctchamber.com

Darien Commons Tenants – If you prefer to set up in down town Darien, please use the “General Registration” link.

Please note, this link includes the one day option for everyone, you do not have to be a Darien Commons tenant to be able to register for the one day option.

VENDOR INFORMATION

PARTICIPATION FEES:

  1. $275 - 3-day member rate. Location: downtown Darien (Corbin District, Post Road, Old Kings Market)
  2. $525 - 3-day non-member rate. Location: downtown Darien (Corbin District, Post Road, Old Kings Market)
  3. $200 - 3-day non profit rate. Location: downtown Darien (Corbin District, Post Road, Old Kings Market)
  4. Free - Youth (14-22): Saturday only at Bankwell Darien. See specific details below.
  5. NEW: $150 - 1-day rate for any business/organization. Location: Darien Commons, Saturday, July 12th only.
  6. Darien Commons tenants may set up 1, 2 or all 3 days at your store location. If you want to be in down town Darien, please choose the "General Registration" link.

 

  • If any visiting vendor would like to set up in Darien Commons on all 3 days, and is not a Darien Commons tenant, please let us know here.
  • No refunds will be offered after JUNE 1
  • After JUNE 1 we cannot guarantee you will be included in the advertising.
  • 1 spot = approx. 1 parking spot, or a 10x10 ft tent.
  • Please do not request a location. All locations are considered equal.

Tips for Success:

  • Prior to the event, we encourage you to promote your location on your social media and communication platforms as well. Tag us!
  • Order your tent asap, the 10x10s sell out and the larger tents will not fit in your space (see below).
  • Non retailers: having something to hand out, raffle or sell is attractive. Don't forget your permits if needed.

FOOD & BEVERAGE (includes packaged food and samples):

TENT RENTALS (no guarantees for last minute requests):

  • Order tables/chairs/tents directly from Norwalk Tent, mention Darien Chamber for a discount! Youth, this will all be provided for you.
  • Ask for Thomasena by June 15th at 203-249-2069 or email greene2484@optimum.net
  • If you miss the tent deadline, there is no guarantee A) you will get a tent, they sell out and B) the tent you want will fit your assigned spot. Some spots are smaller than 10x10'.
  • Delivery and pickup no cost. Set up of tents will take place the Wednesday before sales.
  • Full payment due prior to set up. Arrange with Norwalk Tent directly.
  • You may use your own tent. Please don't go larger than 8x8'.
  • A tent is highly recommended for sun and rain protection.

RULES:

  • All vendors must be present from 10am - 5pm all 3 days, rain or shine, and cannot move locations without permission from the DCC, doing so will result in expulsion from the sales.
  • One-day vendors can only set up in Darien Commons on Saturday.
  • The Chamber obtains town permits, ensuring that parking regulations, zoning restrictions and restrictions against obstructing the sidewalk are not enforced during the sidewalk sales. The Chamber ensures the event, and our liability insurance only covers pre-registered participants.
  • A participating business is only allowed to promote that same business from the outside of their location or tent. If another business is promoted outside, that business will have to pay the full participation fee.
  • Only the DCC can give permission for any company, non-profit or individual to exhibit or be involved in Sidewalk Sales.
  • In the week before and on the days of the Darien Sidewalk Sales, the wording “Sidewalk Sales” can only be used by paying participants. If a merchant uses this terminology in any signage outside or inside their Darien location, (whether a Chamber member or not) implies participation and therefore must pay the fee.
  • Every SWS vendor is to provide their own trash can.
  • All food and beverage vendors must obtain the proper permits and submit 2 weeks prior to SWS.

YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR TENT

Participation is for Saturday only, 10-5pm, and is free!

  • Youth Entrepreneur tent available Saturday only, 10-5pm, ages 10-22. If younger than 12, must be accompanied by an adult. All tents, chairs, tables and location will be provided for you. 1 chair per spot.
  • The youth entrepreneurial tent will be sponsored by and located next to Bankwell (in between Caffè Nero & Bankwell), registration is free and will be accepted starting May 15. First come, first serve.
  • You are registering for one space, with one chair. If you are under 12 and need a parent, or have a partner(s), please contact the Chamber at execdirector@darienctchamber.com so we can accommodate you.
  • By registering for one of the sixteen available youth spots you are confirming attendance for Saturday. Failure to cancel your reservation within one week of the event if you cannot attend will result in forfeiting any participation rights for the following year. It's important to note that these spots are in high demand, and your absence prevents another individual from participating.
  • FOOD & BEVERAGE PERMITS: Please see above and obtain your proper permits two weeks prior to Sidewalk Sales.
  • Please adhere to the rules listed above.