Farmers markets and flea markets are neighborhood traditions at parks across Philadelphia. Unplanned, unpermitted vending on parkland puts a strain on parks, creates safety hazards, and is against the law. 

At Clark Park in West Philadelphia, unpermitted vending has:

  • Put a strain on park operations.
  • Created safety hazards like blocking crosswalks and trolleys.
  • Made less space for recreational users.
  • Created significant challenges for longtime market partners UHURU and The Food Trust.

Parks & Rec and Clark Park partners are taking steps to stop unpermitted vending. These include:

  • Hiring a Clark Park engagement specialist to help build relationships with new members of the Clark Park vending community.
  • Offering unpermitted vendors clear pathways to permitted vending opportunities at Clark Park and elsewhere.
  • Connecting entrepreneurs with the Department of Commerce’s Office of Business Services for support with navigating City services.
  • Providing advanced notice of any planned enforcement activity at Clark Park.

Are you vending in Clark Park without a permit?  Here’s what you need to know:

  • Only permitted vending is allowed in the park.
  • Questions about vending permits? Contact the Office of Business Services.
  • Effective April 22, 2023 permits at Clark Park will be enforced by the City of Philadelphia.

Opportunities to vend at Clark Park include:

The Food Trust Farmers Market  

This market started in 1998. It offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked and canned goods, flowers, and more. The Food Trust works to provide delicious, nutritious food for all. They do this by working with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers, and policy makers. 

When: Year-round on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: North side of 43rd Street and Chester Avenue.
For more information: Learn more information about this market.
Vendors: Apply to be a vendor at this market.  

One Africa! One Nation!  Uhuru Flea Market  

Vendors at this market offer a variety of items to the community at their monthly markets. They also sponsor community events such as a book fair and health festival. Uhuru is a nonprofit organization. They support the economic self-determination of the African diaspora in Philadelphia. 

When: April through October on select Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. View the 2024 market dates.
Where: South side of 43rd Street and Chester Avenue.
For more information: Learn more about this market.
Vendors: Apply to be a vendor at this market. 

West Philly Bizarre

This new, non-profit market showcases the area’s rich culture and talent. It features a diverse and hyper-local gathering of artisans, makers, and culture-creators. The Bizarre provides low-cost vending opportunities to the neighborhood’s underserved and marginalized communities. 

When: April through November on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. View the 2024 market dates.
Where: South side of 43rd Street and Chester Avenue.
For more information: Learn more information about this market.
Vendors: View the guidelines and apply to join the West Philly Bizarre.

 

Questions about vending permits?
The Commerce Department's Office of Business Services.