Built by Artists, for Artists

Since launching in 2021, the West Side Creative Market has generated over $1,000,000 in artist sales — with more than $300,000 earned by local artists in 2025 alone. But the true magic of this space goes far beyond transactions.

The Market was created by artists, for artists — a place where buyers don’t just shop, they build relationships that last well beyond the season. Every conversation, every connection, every sale strengthens our creative community.

We intentionally invest in reaching people who care about artists — those who understand the value of investing in creativity. The Market isn’t just a place to sell your work; it’s one of the best marketing and relationship-building opportunities an artist can have.

Because at DAC, we know that relationships are the key to success — and this Market was built to help artists grow, thrive, and be seen.

Value for Our Artists

Earnings vary based on product type, presentation, and your presence. Most folks come out to buy multiple smaller items, but we also have many people who get commissions and wholesale deals after the Market has ended.
Treat every relationship like a sale. This is equally as good a marketing opportunity as a sales opportunity.
In 2025, the average reported sales were $425 per event. Some artists reported zero sales, with some over $2500 (one had a $5000 night!).
Some of our veteran artists report some months and days are better than others, but you never know who will come to a market.
This is a HUGE local’s spot, and we do that on purpose. We want local buyers to continue supporting you. Tourists love the market, but we find its about 50% locals / 50% tourists.
We have roughly 300-500 people come each night we operate. June tends to be a little slower, but we get higher reported sales on those nights because it’s mostly locals.

The Vendor Experience

You do not need a tent! The booth is 9’ wide, 6’ deep, and varies in height. We have (3) corner booths that are larger and can be requested. We provided a one-of-a-kind showcase experience that includes:
- (1) 6ft folding table
- (1) folding chair
- Electrical access (on request)
- Shaded booth with a roll-down awning and a back plastic covering to block wind and the elements.
- Marketing Investment in roughly $500+ per market through advertisement & partnerships.
- We have table risers, hooks, black table cloths, and other event items you are welcome to use! Just ask.
- Dedicated, attentive staff to support you during the event!
Bring your event set-up that you would typically bring. We welcome you to bring another table (two fit well in the space), and always encourage you to sit in front of your table! Things you should consider bringing:
- Table coverings
- Marketing materials, business cards.
- Neck fan, ice, ice packs for very hot days.
- Items to elevate your work higher like risers, crates, and displays.
- Things to weigh items down because of the wind.
- S Hooks, Zip Ties, and wire! These are the best items to hang things from the wooden slats.
- Cash bank, POS System for card payments
- Email List :) never miss out on a relationship.
- Battery-operated lighting to illuminate your booth. We have very limited electrical access.
- Water and snacks. We do have free water and a food truck on site!
We encourage you to visit the market prior to your first event with us. If we are not in season, you can stop by and take measurements or see the space. If you want a tour, please reach out to us.

How Does Creative Market Work

Beginning in 2026, all vendors will participate in a pre-season application process before sign-ups open.
- Applications Open: January 1, 2026
- Applications Close: March 1, 2026
- Acceptance Notifications: March 16, 2026
On March 16, 2026, the sign-up portal will open for all accepted West Side Creative Market artists. Each Artist can book up to (6) events for the whole season. You can sign up for additional days on the waitlist, which will be awarded based on availabiliy. Upon booking, you will pay the $75 vendor fee to reserve your spot.
When you arrive you will be greated by our Creative Market staff who will show you your assigned booth and be there to support you in whatever you need. We will watch your booth so you can use the bathroom, offer help with anything you forgot, and answer any questions. Parking is minimal and you will be told where to park. We do not allow artists to pack up early. The event ends at 9:00PM sharp.

Become A Member Now

Join to Show at Creative Market

The Market runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, every Monday and Friday evening (5–9 PM) at
📍 19826 Central Street, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Live music, food trucks, drinks, and over 20+ local artist vendors make it one of the most vibrant and well-attended creative events in the region.
The Creative Market exists to connect artists directly with their community. It’s more than a place to sell — it’s a place to build relationships, grow your audience, and create meaningful connections that lead to long-term collectors, commissions, and collaborations.
This is an excellent place for a first-time show for an artist just starting, or for a professional trying something new with low barriers to access. We welcome all creatives!
We intentionally target people who value local art, understand the importance of supporting small creative businesses, and want to know the story behind the work they buy.
Beginning in 2026, all vendors will participate in a pre-season application process before Market sign-ups open. This helps DAC curate a balanced, high-quality mix of artists and makers that align with our mission of fostering creativity, community, and professionalism.
Key Dates:
- Applications Open: January 15, 2026
- Applications Due: March 1, 2026
- Vendor Notifications: March 16, 2026
- Sign-Ups Open: March 16, 2026
All Creative Market event dates from Memorial Day through Labor Day will be available for sign-ups beginning Monday, March 16th. Vendor fees are due at the time of booking.
If you miss the March 1st application deadline, you must wait until 2027 to participate.
Just a reminder — Creative Market artists are permitted to share booths, allowing for collaboration and cost-sharing between vendors.
We’re investing in new weather-proofing solutions for the Market space, including stronger awnings, booth anchors, and drainage improvements. These upgrades will help keep vendors more comfortable and protect products during light rain or windy conditions, so the Market can stay open more often and feel more professional and reliable for both artists and visitors.
The vendor fee for each Creative Market event is $75, paid at the time of booking.
This fee is based on roughly 20% of the average sales most artists make at the Market (galleries typically take 40-50%!)— a structure we believe is equitable, predictable, and supportive of artist success.
This fee also directly supports:
• Paying fair wages to the staff who run the Market
• High-quality marketing that brings the right buyers
• Live music, lighting, power, and on-site support
• Continued investments in weather-proofing & infrastructure
Our goal is to keep the Market vibrant, sustainable, and artist-centered for the long term — while continuing to attract audiences who value and invest in local art.
To ensure fairness for all artists and to maintain a strong and reliable Market environment, all vendor fees are now non-refundable.
The Creative Market runs rain-or-shine, and booth space is limited. When artists cancel last-minute, it becomes difficult to fill the spot and affects both fellow artists and the community experience.

We understand that emergencies happen — and when they do — artists are welcome to transfer their spot to another approved vendor with DAC staff approval.
This policy helps us keep the Market consistent, supportive, and fair for everyone involved.
To keep the Creative Market fresh, diverse, and reflective of our full creative community, each artist may sign up for a maximum of six (6) Market dates during the 2026 season. This ensures that more artists have the opportunity to be seen, and that attendees experience new work and new connections throughout the summer.
Artists who join a waitlist for additional dates will be randomly selected. We will do our best to provide equal opportunities!
The West Side Creative Market will now operate rain or shine — with no advance cancellations based on weather forecasts.
Delaware weather changes quickly, and in past seasons, many forecasted storms cleared up, leading to beautiful evenings that artists and attendees missed out on. To ensure fairness and consistency for all vendors, DAC will no longer cancel Markets in advance due to predicted rain or wind.
- Markets will only be canceled onsite if conditions become unsafe for artists, visitors, or equipment (such as lightning, extreme wind, or flooding).
- DAC is investing in new weatherproofing improvements — including awnings, booth anchors, and drainage updates — to help artists continue vending comfortably through light rain or wind.
- Artists are encouraged to come prepared with weights, waterproof covers, and displays that can withstand light weather conditions.
This policy helps maximize opportunities for artists and maintains a consistent experience for the public.
We allow Artists to choose to participate if there is bad forecasted weather, but there are no refunds for fees.

Creative Market FAQ

Learn About West Side Creative Market

Since launching in 2021, the West Side Creative Market has generated over $1,000,000 in artist sales, including more than $300,000 in 2025 alone. But beyond the numbers, this space is about connection — where art lovers, collectors, and community members come together to invest in creativity and build lasting relationships with local artists.

The Market was founded by the Developing Artist Collaboration (DAC) as a space to empower artists, elevate creative entrepreneurship, and strengthen Delaware’s creative economy.

This isn’t just a sales opportunity — it’s a marketing platform designed to help artists grow visibility, confidence, and community.