Running a vendor market in Evanston.
For an Evanston vendor market on public property, the organizer submits a Special Event Permit application ($150) with a $1,000,000 certificate of insurance, by January 31 and never less than 30 days ahead. Food vendors need a Temporary Event Food Permit from Evanston Health & Human Services, and vendors register for Illinois sales tax.
Updated
Event permit.
Special Event Permit
The organizer submits a narrative, site plan, signed hold harmless agreement and a certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured, then attends the Special Event Committee. A security bond or deposit may be required, and the city bills 100% of its service costs.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Evanston Parks & Recreation (Special Events)
- When
- Outdoor events on city property such as streets, sidewalks and parks, or events that significantly impact the city. City Council approval applies to lakefront events of 150 or more participants, non-lakefront park events of 250 or more, and street closures for 250 or more (except block parties).
- Fee
- $150 non-refundable application fee (except for city events); separate permit fees such as tent $50 per tent larger than 10x10 and park permit $150 ($250 for Lakefront Park)
- Timing
- Submit by January 31; applications less than 30 days before the event will not be considered
Parks and public space.
Park Permit for Special Events
The park permit is a supplemental form to the special event application and its fee is separate from the application fee. Metered parking spaces are $25 per space per day if the event uses them.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Evanston Parks & Recreation
- When
- Events in an Evanston park, including lakefront parks, where the number of Special Event Permits is limited
- Fee
- $150 park permit ($250 for Lakefront Park)
Fire safety, tents and cooking.
Tent Permit and related permits
The tent permit is listed among supplemental forms to the special event application. Evanston's food rules also require a tent or overhead protection over food service areas and electric or propane-fired equipment for holding hot food.
- Who
- Organizer and vendors
- From
- City of Evanston
- When
- Tents at a special event; electrical and loudspeaker permits are also listed as supplemental forms
- Fee
- $50.00 per tent larger than 10x10
Vendor and business licenses.
Business registration (city) and food establishment license
Evanston's registration page says the annual registration is required for all for-profit businesses, non-profits and home-based occupations operating within city limits, and a food business uses a Food Establishment License in its place. Ask the city whether a one-day market vendor needs it.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Evanston Business Registration; Health & Human Services (food)
- When
- Businesses operating within city limits; the pages read do not say whether visiting booth vendors at a permitted event must register. Food sales use a food license instead.
- Fee
- $75 annual registration for brick and mortar businesses; none for home-based and non-profit businesses
Sales tax.
Illinois Retailers' Occupation Tax registration and special event reporting
Vendors must register with the Department of Revenue and collect tax at the event location's rate. If the event is registered with the Special Events Coordinator, vendors report with the Form IDOR-6-SETR coupon from the organizer; otherwise they file Form ST-1. Vendors who travel to events regularly register as changing location filers.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- When
- Anyone selling merchandise at fairs, markets, pop-up events, flea markets or craft shows, including hobby sellers.
Food vendors.
Temporary Event Food Permit (and Seasonal Food Permit)
Vendors need the event organizer's approval before applying, and organizers must give the License Coordinator a contact list of all participating vendors at least 10 business days before. The permit is not renewable or transferable.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Evanston Health & Human Services Department
- When
- Any establishment or vendor providing food at a public event, for up to 14 consecutive days at one event and location
- Fee
- $111 for non-Evanston vendors (waived for Evanston establishments); $30 late fee if received 48 hours before; Seasonal Food Permit $274
- Timing
- Submit at least ten (10) business days before the event
What the rules ask of organizers about vendors.
Anyone who promotes or organizes an event with vendors must send the Department of Revenue the event name, address, dates and a contact at least 30 days before it starts, then report each vendor (business name, owner, permanent address, Illinois account ID, event dates and location) by the 20th of the month after the event. Failure to file is a business offense with a fine up to $250.
When to apply.
- Special Event Permit: Submit by January 31; applications less than 30 days before the event will not be considered
- Temporary Event Food Permit (and Seasonal Food Permit): Submit at least ten (10) business days before the event
Collect the paperwork with each application.
Ask vendors for their sales tax registration, business license, food permit and insurance certificate as required documents on your application form, so you can check them before you approve anyone. Booth fees, tickets and day-of check-in run from the same dashboard.
Selling at markets in Evanston, IL?
The vendor license, sales tax and food permits above are yours to get before the event; the organizer will usually ask for copies with your application. On bzar you apply to markets and pay booth fees by card in one place, and keep your licenses, permits and insurance certificates on file to reuse on every application. Free for vendors. Join bzar free or read how to become a market vendor.
Where the sources are unclear.
- The Evanston Special Event Permit page asks for completed applications by January 31 for the following season and says applications submitted less than 30 days before the event will not be considered.
- The City's food licensing notice says no food for public consumption may be prepared or stored in a private home.
Common questions.
Do I need a permit to host a vendor market in Evanston?
Special Event Permit (City of Evanston Parks & Recreation (Special Events)): The organizer submits a narrative, site plan, signed hold harmless agreement and a certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured, then attends the Special Event Committee. A security bond or deposit may be required, and the city bills 100% of its service costs. Park Permit for Special Events (City of Evanston Parks & Recreation): The park permit is a supplemental form to the special event application and its fee is separate from the application fee. Metered parking spaces are $25 per space per day if the event uses them.
Do vendors need a license to sell at events in Evanston?
Business registration (city) and food establishment license (City of Evanston Business Registration; Health & Human Services (food)): Evanston's registration page says the annual registration is required for all for-profit businesses, non-profits and home-based occupations operating within city limits, and a food business uses a Food Establishment License in its place. Ask the city whether a one-day market vendor needs it.
Who handles sales tax at a market in Evanston?
Illinois Retailers' Occupation Tax registration and special event reporting (Illinois Department of Revenue): Vendors must register with the Department of Revenue and collect tax at the event location's rate. If the event is registered with the Special Events Coordinator, vendors report with the Form IDOR-6-SETR coupon from the organizer; otherwise they file Form ST-1. Vendors who travel to events regularly register as changing location filers. For organizers: Anyone who promotes or organizes an event with vendors must send the Department of Revenue the event name, address, dates and a contact at least 30 days before it starts, then report each vendor (business name, owner, permanent address, Illinois account ID, event dates and location) by the 20th of the month after the event. Failure to file is a business offense with a fine up to $250.
Do food vendors need a separate permit in Evanston?
Temporary Event Food Permit (and Seasonal Food Permit) (City of Evanston Health & Human Services Department): Vendors need the event organizer's approval before applying, and organizers must give the License Coordinator a contact list of all participating vendors at least 10 business days before. The permit is not renewable or transferable.
How far ahead should I apply in Evanston?
Special Event Permit: Submit by January 31; applications less than 30 days before the event will not be considered Temporary Event Food Permit (and Seasonal Food Permit): Submit at least ten (10) business days before the event
Keep reading.
Sources.
This page summarizes official government sources and isn't legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and forms change; confirm with each agency before you apply.
Special events contact: Special events: specialevents@cityofevanston.org, (847) 866-2914; Health & Human Services licensing: hhslicensing@cityofevanston.org, (847) 448-4311
Every fact on this page comes from these official pages, checked on 2026-10-11. Details change; tell us at hello@bzar.app if something here is out of date.
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