Vendor, Musician and Member Applications – James Bay Market

Interested in Joining the James Bay Market’s Family of Vendors and Performers?

Vendor Applications for 2026 are Open!

The James Bay Market is a vibrant Saturday market celebrating local farmers, food producers, artisans, and musicians from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

We welcome applications from vendors and performers who are passionate about sharing high-quality, locally made products and live music with our community of locals and visitors. If you’re interested in applying as a vendor or live music performer, please review the information below for application details and requirements.

At the James Bay Market, we pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where vendors can thrive. We look forward to another wonderful season at the James Bay Market – hope to see you there!

Products for Sale at the JBM

The James Bay Market is adjudicated, and our criteria is “handmade, homemade, homegrown”. Vendors of foods, body care products and crafts must have products that have been substantially altered from its original state to qualify for acceptance.

All products are reviewed to ensure these guidelines are met. New vendors will be reviewed by our committee before acceptance as a vendor to the JBM. There is a $20 non-refundable fee payable at time of review which is done by appointment only. We will contact you with timings. Returning vendors with new products must have those items reviewed by our Committee prior to selling them at the Market.

Market Rules and Policy Manual

Whether you are a farmer, food producer, crafter, artisan, non-profit or service provider, please read the following documents. These documents contain important information regarding the JBMS policies, general market rules, vendor insurance requirements, vendor categories, what to expect on market day, etc.

• James Bay Market Society Policy Manual
• JBM General Market Regulations

Application Process

Our application is done through an online service, LokoBuzz. You will need to register with an email and password. Note: if your email hasn’t changed, you can use the same login information as last year.

The Vendor Application includes the required annual membership of $20 to the James Bay Market Society (with voting rights).

• You can start and save your application at any time to finish later, but won’t be accepted or reviewed until you click the SUBMIT APPLICATION button.

To help make the process go more smoothly, please have the following files and/or documents on hand:

• Photos: We require a total of 4 high quality photos – 3 of your products plus 1 of your booth or studio. These photos must be originals (no stock photos) and saved in jpeg (.jpg) format. Please ensure they are clear and can be enlarged without becoming blurry.
• Market Insurance: The James Bay Market Insurance only covers the market’s property, i.e., market owned tents and equipment. It is highly recommended that all vendors purchase their own liability and product insurance. A minimum of $2 million liability insurance is mandatory for all food vendors, sellers of body care products, certain service providers and vendors operating a food truck/cart or catering operation.
• Farmer: Food or Market Safe Certificate plus copy of Insurance Documents (If you are selling prepared food, please see below for additional requirements).
• Sellers of Alcohol: copy of LCB Permit and Insurance Documents plus Serving it Right Certificates for all persons working at the Market.
• Sellers of Body Care Products: must provide CNF numbers corresponding with the products included in their application plus copy of Insurance Documents.
• Food Vendors: Please refer to the Island Health Authority Manual before completing this section (link below). If you have any questions regarding which category you fall under or what is required by Island Health, please contact them directly at 250 519 3401 or email gateway_office@islandhealth.ca. Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/learn-about-health/food-safety/food-safety
• Food Low Risk: Food or Market Safe Certificate plus copy of Insurance Documents.
• Food High Risk, including Canning: Food or Market Safe Certificate plus copy of Insurance Documents. Please also provide necessary Island Health Certificates, i.e. Catering Permit, Commercial Kitchen Inspection, Acceptance of Product, etc. If you are not certain exactly what is required for your product, please contact their general office at 250-519-3401.
• Service Provider: Copy of your current Professional Certification and copy of Insurance Documents, if applicable.
• Non-Profit/Community: Insurance Documents may be required.
• Artisans: Insurance Documents -recommended but not required to be a vendor at this time.

Note: You must fill in all your desired dates to sell at the market to complete the form. Make sure you click on the SUBMIT button once your application is ready. All applications are reviewed. Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance either in the form of an invoice (through our online service provider, LokoBuzz) or letter. For those requiring product review, you will be contacted with a time and date for the adjudication.

Vendor applications are accepted throughout the market season; however, we recommend applying by the deadline (Feb. 8th, 2026) to receive first consideration of space and dates.

If you require assistance with the completion of your forms, please email info@jamesbaymarket.com or leave a voice mail at 250-381-5323. We are happy to assist you.

Add Your Voice to the James Bay Market!

We had such an amazing array of talented local musicians and performers last year that we can’t wait to do it all again in 2026!

We’re always on the lookout for musicians whose tunes seamlessly blend with the relaxed yet vibrant ambiance of a farmers market. From acoustic melodies to folk, jazz, light indie vibes or the classics, we welcome a diverse range of musical genres that enhance the market experience.

Let your music become the soundtrack to a day filled with local flavours, community connections, and the joy of supporting our local Makers, Bakers, Brewers and Growers.

Music applications are accepted throughout the market season; however, we recommend applying by February 1st, 2026 to receive first consideration of openings.

Here’s Some General Info (with more on the application):

• There are 3 sets each Saturday:
  • 9:30 – 11:00am (morning)
  • 11:15 – 12:45pm (mid)
  • 1:00 – 2:30pm (afternoon)
• You will need to provide a direct link to either a demo(s) or video(s).
• You can use up to 2 free vendor (or customer) parking spots during your time at the market.
• We’ll have the following equipment ready to go:
  • Generator-supplied power
  • Two microphones
  • 8-channel mixer (microphones pre-connected)
  • Powered speakers + stands
• Performance fees are paid by cheque at the end of your set.
• The payment rates are:
  • Solo – $75
  • Duo/Trio – $100
  • Group (4+) – $125
  • You’re also welcome to accept tips and sell your own CDs!
• There will be lots more information within the application as well.

If you have any questions, please contact info@jamesbaymarket.com or visit us in person every Saturday from May 2nd to October 3rd, 2026 at the corner of Menzies and Superior in the heart of downtown Victoria.

Check out this blog post to learn a bit more about why you’ll want join the James Bay Market Family!