First Fridays
Join Castro Valley Marketplace for local makers, food, music, and family-friendly community nights that bring neighbors together.
Next Event
First Fridays Community Night
- Makers market with local vendors
- Live music and DJs
- Food tasting and craft activities
- Free and family-friendly
- Drop in anytime during the event
Each month's full lineup is announced on @castrovalleymarketplace.
See Full DetailsWhy We Do This
At Castro Valley First Fridays, we believe in the power of community connection. We're building a marketplace rooted in our neighborhood — accessible, affordable, and curated for quality, craft, and community.
"Locals Supporting Locals"Every vendor strengthens our local economy. Every purchase stays in our community. Every conversation creates the kind of connection that makes a neighborhood thrive.
What Vendors Get
Everything you need to showcase your business and connect with the community.
Affordable Booth Fee
$100 per event. No hidden fees. No long-term contracts. Fair pricing for emerging brands.
Built-In Audience
First Friday draws community members actively looking to shop local and support small businesses.
Marketing Support
We promote vendors across social media and local partnerships. Your booth gets noticed.
Hassle-Free Logistics
We handle the details. You focus on your craft. Setup, coordination — we've got you covered.
Network with Vendors
Connect with other local business owners. Share stories, build partnerships, grow together.
Grow Your Business
First Friday customers become repeat customers, social followers, and long-term supporters.
Event Details
Everything you need to know before you visit.
When & Where
Date:
Event Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free and family-friendly
Good to Know: Drop in anytime during the event
Location:
Castro Valley Marketplace
3295 Castro Valley Blvd
Castro Valley, CA 94546
What to Expect
• Makers market with local vendors
• Live music and DJs
• Food tasting from Marketplace merchants
• Craft activities for all ages
Vendor Booth Fee: $100 per event
Each month's theme and lineup is announced on Instagram
You Belong Here
- BIPOC, AAPI, or Latinx-owned businesses
- LGBTQIA+ business owners
- Immigrant or refugee entrepreneurs
- Woman, non-binary, or trans business owners
- Disabled or neurodiverse business owners
- First-generation entrepreneurs
Your perspective, your craft, and your story are what makes this community thrive.
Ready to Join Us?
Fill out our vendor application. We review every submission and respond within 2 business days.
Apply to VendorVendor applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Event Guidelines
Setup Requirements
- Table Limit: One 6ft or 8ft individual table. Stand-alone shelving or displays may be placed in front, beside, or behind your table. Racks may be used in lieu of a table.
- Staffing: Maximum of two people per business behind your booth. One representative preferred to maximize space for attendees.
- Ground Floor: Vendors on the main floor will be allocated space for one 6ft/8ft table plus a front display.
Important Logistics
- Setup Time: Approved vendors receive load-in and setup timing before each event.
- Parking: All vehicles must be parked in lots outside Castro Valley Marketplace to comply with 3-hour parking restrictions.
Social Media Requirement
- Promotion: All vendors must post the event flyer on social media — minimum 2 stories and 1 feed post. Tag: @goodmorningmaxwell, @wesparq, @castrovalleymarketplace
Liability Waiver & Agreement
Hold Harmless Agreement
The vendor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Good Morning Maxwell LLC, WeSparq, and Castro Valley Marketplace, along with their respective partners, officers, directors, agents, and employees, from all liabilities, claims, expenses (including attorneys' fees), demands, suits, or costs of whatever nature for injury to, or death of, any person or persons or damage, theft, loss, or destruction of property arising out of activities conducted in connection with the patron's use and participation of all events conducted by the named entities.
I hereby release and agree to hold Good Morning Maxwell LLC, WeSparq, and Castro Valley Marketplace harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, of the named entities.
I understand that this release discharges Good Morning Maxwell LLC, WeSparq, and Castro Valley Marketplace from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against the space or event with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received.
Common Questions
What fits in my booth space?
One 6ft or 8ft individual table with stand-alone shelving or displays in front, on the side, or behind. Racks are permitted in lieu of a table. Keep your setup compact within your designated space.
How many people can work my booth?
Maximum of two people per business. One representative is preferred to maximize space for attendees.
What time should I arrive?
Approved vendors receive setup timing before each event. Public event hours are 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Where do I park?
All vehicles must be parked in lots outside Castro Valley Marketplace to comply with 3-hour parking restrictions. Plan accordingly for load-in.
What's the booth fee?
$100 per event. Fees are non-refundable. No long-term commitment required. Payment details are shared with approved vendors after acceptance.
What can I sell?
Handmade goods, vintage items, artisan food (with proper permits), small business products, art, jewelry, clothing, home goods, and more. Products should align with quality and community values.
What's the social media requirement?
Post the event flyer minimum 2 times on stories and 1 time on your feed. Tag @goodmorningmaxwell, @wesparq, and @castrovalleymarketplace.
When will I hear back?
We review applications within 2 business days and notify you by email.
Questions?
Email: questions@castrovalleymarketplace.com
Instagram: @castrovalleymarketplace
Produced by Arté (Good Morning Maxwell × WeSparq)