Frequently Asked Questions

To be a vendor at the Helotes MarketPlace, most must have a Texas Sales Use and Tax Form. For more information on obtaining that, please click here: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/forms/

All vendors must register in the vendor portal and then register for an open booth. Registration opens the first Monday after an event takes place at midnight.

https://www.helotesmarketplace.com/registration/

You must create an account, select a subscription type (one-day or recurring), choose a booth, and complete payment via credit card. A receipt will be emailed upon successful registration.

No, the Helotes MarketPlace only opens registration on a month by month basis.

During the Helotes MarketPlace, businesses are strictly prohibited from allowing vendors who are not registered with the Helotes MarketPlace to set up and operate on private property.

Per the Helotes, Texas – Code of Ordinances, Chapter 86 – Traffic & Vehicles, Article V. Parades, and Public Gatherings, Sec. 86-54, it is stated:

“The parade is not to be held if it conflicts with another proximate event, interferes with construction or maintenance work in the immediate vicinity, or unreasonably infringes upon the rights of abutting properties.”

Additionally, under Chapter 86 – Traffic & Vehicles, Article V. Parades & Public Gatherings, Sec. 86-51, a parade is defined as:

“Parade means any parade, event, demonstration, march, ceremony, show, exhibition, assemblage, extreme sporting event, pageant or procession of any kind, or any similar display in or upon any public street, public park, or other public place or public way in the city or gatherings of 25 or more people on private property in the city for any like or similar activity, either of which may reasonably require and necessitate special traffic control and/or rerouting, special police protection, and/or crowd control or other prior planning and which is organized for a common purpose, theme, or cause.”

Anyone hosting a vendor(s) is also required to obtain a special events permit from the City of Helotes, as mandated by Chapter 86 – Traffic & Vehicles, Article V. Parades & Public Gatherings, Sec. 86-52:

“No person shall engage in, participate in, aid, form or start any parade, unless a parade permit shall have been obtained from the city, with the approval of the chief of police, fire chief, mayor, and city administrator. Unauthorized parades are declared by the city to be a public nuisance and a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public. All unauthorized parades will be dispersed or abated by the municipal police department.”

Business owners are unequivocally forbidden from leasing, hosting, charging, or allowing vendors/participants to sell/solicit on private property during the Helotes MarketPlace or any other special event.

Special event staff and Helotes Police will enforce this ordinance by escorting unauthorized vendors/participants off the premises.

To view the Helotes, TX Code of Ordinances, click here. 

Registrations under the wrong category will be canceled and refunded. Future registration attempts under that category are not guaranteed.

One-Day Subscription: Booth purchase for a single event.

Recurring Subscription: Booth purchase automatically renews monthly until canceled via your vendor account.

Cancellations made by the 25th of the month prior to the event are eligible for a refund. No refunds or credits are issued after this deadline. For refund requests, please contact themarketplace@helotes-tx.gov 

No refunds or credits are provided for absences. Your booth remains reserved under your name.

All booths are approximately 10×10 feet. Vendors needing extra space must purchase multiple booths. Booth boundaries must be respected, and roaming, solicitation, or cart sales outside your assigned area are prohibited.

No. Each booth is for the registered vendor only.

Yes, the MarketPlace includes:

• Cottage Food & Farmer’s Market Vendors (85% of items must be cottage or farmer’s market goods)

• Food Court Vendors (prepared food only, no retail items, must have a Temporary Food License)

• Craft & Retail Vendors (handmade or consultant products; food sales prohibited)

• Nonprofit Vendors (501(c)(3) organizations; limited to distributing educational materials)

The Helotes MarketPlace does allow non-profits to participate in the Helotes MarketPlace. Each non-profit must upload a 501(c)3 form.

The Helotes MarketPlace only permits non-profits who are headquartered in The City of Helotes city limits to participate.

Non-profit vendors get a fee waived when registering. Non-profit vendors are not required to have a Texas Sales & Use Tax form.

All non-profit vendors must register on a month-by-month basis.

Nonprofit vendors may not distribute or sell products classified as Cottage Food, Farmer’s Market goods, or Food Court items. This policy ensures compliance with health and safety regulations and maintains fairness for licensed food vendors who follow strict permitting/no duplication requirements. It also helps ensure equity between food vendors who pay for both their booth and a food permit and nonprofit vendors operating from a complimentary booth.

Setup: 6:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Vehicles may drive up for unloading, but must be removed by 9:00 a.m.

Breakdown: Begins at 3:00 p.m. Vendors must be packed and off the road by 4:30 p.m. Delays may result in staff moving items to the sidewalk and potential disciplinary action.

Vendors arriving after 9:00 a.m. will not be permitted to set up, and the day will be classified as an absence under the Attendance policy.

Vendors must remain open for the entire event (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.). Early teardown may result in suspension and forfeiture of funds.

Recurring vendors are expected to attend at least 9 of the 11 Helotes MarketPlace events held each calendar year (January–December). Attendance resets annually.

Vendors are allowed up to two absences; a third absence will result in dismissal and cancellation of the booth, which will be made available on the Helotes MarketPlace website. All absences count, even if reported or acknowledged by the MarketPlace Coordinator. No excused absences will be granted.

Electricity is first-come, first-served. Vendors must provide their own extension cords. Generators are allowed if quiet (<60 dB), and solar generators are preferred. Items such as AC units, heaters, and large industrial fans are prohibited. Electricity is not guaranteed for any vendor.

Use electricity only for essential equipment. Non-food vendors have 15-amp outlets suitable for low-energy items. Overloading may cause outages affecting multiple vendors.

Yes, most vendors must have a Texas Sales and Use Tax permit. Cottage food and nonprofit vendors may have exceptions.

Yes. Options include one-day, annual, or food truck licenses, issued by the City of Helotes only. For a food truck permit, you must contact Helotes Development Services. Licenses must be displayed at your booth during the event.

Permits are issued by Helotes Development Services. For more information, please contact Helotes Development Services.

Christina Garcia
Development Services Coordinator
ChristinaG@helotes-tx.gov

Nicole Mayfield
Development Services Specialist
Phone: 210-695-5947
nmayfield@helotes-tx.gov

Abigail Izquierdo
Permit Technician
Phone: 210-695-5914
aizquierdo@helotes-tx.gov

To apply for a Helotes Temporary Food Permit, please visit here.

For any questions regarding a Helotes Temporary Food Permit, please contact Helotes Development Services.

To obtain or inquire about a Food Truck Permit, please contact Helotes Development Services.

Food trucks are permitted. Booths are 10X10 in size. If a food truck vendor needs more space, they must purchase multiple booth spaces side-by-side.

Food trucks require a food truck permit issued by Helotes Development Services. For information, please contact Helotes Development Services. 

No Food Court vendor may sell the exact item as another established vendor. All new Food Court Vendors should contact MarketPlace event staff via email at themarketplace@helotes-tx.gov to ensure their products comply with the vendor duplication notice. If a food court vendor adds an item to their menu, they must update their vendor description in their vendor portal. 

Exceptions include prepackaged and canned beverages (such as bottled water, soda, and juice pouches) and prepackaged snacks (such as chips and candy). Vendors also may not offer prepared food items that directly duplicate those sold by existing Old Town Helotes businesses. This restriction applies only to prepared foods and does not include prepackaged products such as bottled water.

Tents are permitted; smoking is allowed but should be considerate of neighbors. Open flames, candles, and incense are prohibited within 25 feet of booths.

The Helotes MarketPlace runs rain or shine on the first Saturday of each month, except May (Cornyval Parade). Vendors who do not attend due to weather will not receive refunds, credits, or excused absences.

Only the City Administrator or designee may cancel the event for severe weather. If canceled, recurring vendors’ fees roll over, and one-time vendors are refunded. The MarketPlace will not close for rain, high winds, or extreme heat; vendors must secure their booths and merchandise. Early departures due to weather count as absences.

Vendors should follow the City on Facebook and Instagram for weather updates. Canopy covers may need removal if winds exceed 25 mph; closures are at the MarketPlace manager’s discretion.

Lost & Found is at the City booth during the Helotes MarketPlace. Vendors or attendees may also email themarketplace@helotes-tx.gov about lost items. The City is not responsible for lost property. Found items are held at City Hall (12951 Bandera Rd.) for five business days and must be claimed by 4:00 p.m. on the first Friday after the event; unclaimed items will be discarded. The City cannot guarantee the condition of items.

By participating as a Helotes MarketPlace vendor, you agree to behave professionally and respectfully. Violence, threats, offensive language, discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate conduct of any kind is prohibited. Maintain reasonable noise levels and follow all staff instructions. Booths must be attended by adults (18+); minors cannot be left unattended. Violations may result in dismissal without refund.

Old Town Helotes District, corner of Old Bandera Road & Riggs Road, extending near John T. Floore Country Store (14391 Riggs Road, Helotes, TX 78023).

The Helotes MarketPlace is open to the public on the 1st Saturday of each month* at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 3:00 p.m. It is free for the public to attend.

Public parking is first-come, first-served. Restrooms are near the City booth, with additional port-o-potties near John T. Floore Country Store and the traffic circle.

The City of Helotes provides first aid services during the MarketPlace from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please locate the first aid booth for assistance if first aid is needed. Always call 911 for emergencies.

• Email: themarketplace@helotes-tx.gov

• Website: www.helotesmarketplace.com

• Facebook: Helotes

• Instagram: HelotesTX

• MyHelotes App: iOS, Android

Yes! The Helotes MarketPlace offers a “wishlist”. A vendor can put booths they are interested in on their wishlist and when it is available it will notify you via email.

*Note – The wishlist is not the same as a waitlist. When a booth becomes available, it will notify everyone who has the booth on their wishlist. Keep in mind that the Helotes MarketPlace staff DOES NOT personally notify staff when a booth becomes available.

Booth spaces at the Helotes MarketPlace event are ten ft. by ten ft. in size.

Effective October 1st, 2025, booth spaces cost $64.50. All transactions through the Helotes MarketPlace website are subject to a $3.00 credit card convenience fee. Therefore, the total cost for one booth would be $67.50. All transactions are done online using a valid credit card. Payments in person, by mail, or by other means are not accepted.

The Helotes MarketPlace only provides the booth space. Vendors are responsible for bringing and setting up canopies, tents, tables, chairs, etc. Booths, canopies, and tents must be weighted down and secure. Staff is not responsible for setting up or breaking down booth spaces for a vendor.

MarketPlace at Old Town Helotes Charges will appear as:

HE-GOVERNMENT PAYMENT TX

The Sales and Use Tax Rate in Helotes is 8.25%. A Sales and Use Tax number is REQUIRED to be a vendor; however, it shall be the sole responsibility of the vendor to correctly collect and report all sales tax information to the State Comptroller.

The State of Texas may require a Sales and Use Tax Permit for some vendors. For more information, visit the State Comptroller website.

All participating Helotes MarketPlace vendors shall maintain automobile liability insurance coverage in at least the minimum amounts required by State Law for all vendor vehicles and trailers used in the Helotes MarketPlace activities. The City of Helotes may require proof at any time.

If a vendor cancels their subscription through the Vendor Portal by the 25th of the month prior to the event, then they will be eligible for a refund. To receive the refund, the vendor must email themarketplace@helotes-tx.gov to request the refund.

If  a vendor cancels their subscription after the 25th day, then no refund will be given. When a vendor purchases a booth space through the Vendor Portal on this event website, the vendor is doing so with the understanding and agreement that no refund, rain check, or credit will be given if the vendor does not cancel through the Vendor Portal as explained above.

It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to select their Helotes MarketPlace subscription type – one-time or recurring – when registering through the Vendor Portal on this website. It is understood, by selecting a Recurring Subscription, the vendor’s payment method on file will automatically be charged each month until the vendor cancels the recurring subscription through the Vendor Portal on this event website. The vendor may cancel any time but is only eligible for a refund if the cancelation is done before the end of the current registration period.

The event takes place rain or shine, heat or cold. See the Weather Policy for additional details regarding inclement weather.

The Helotes MarketPlace is a family-friendly event designed to offer unique goods to the public. The event is primarily an arts and crafts fair. Vendors wanting to promote a business are not permitted. The following types of merchandise and services are prohibited from sale or promotion by a vendor at the Helotes MarketPlace event:

• Alcohol (open or unopened)
• Animals (the private sale or distribution of animals – pets or livestock – is prohibited unless the transaction is being conducted by a registered nonprofit organization, such as the Helotes Humane Society)
• CBD oil and CBD oil products
• Businesses wanting to promote, advertise, or sell their products or services (such as insurance sales,
travel agents, home improvement or repair, pool or spa sales, etc.)
• Firearms
• Flea market or garage sale items (such as used clothing or goods)
• Offensive, obscene, or vulgar items
• Political campaigns or candidates
• Tobacco

Sharing booths is not permitted. The booth is only to be utilized by the vendor who is it registered under.

The Helotes MarketPlace is a popular event, and booth availability may be limited. If your preferred booth is sold out, you can add it to your “Vendor Wish List” in your account. The system will email you if the booth becomes available, but staff is not responsible for missed notifications. Wish Lists reset at the end of each registration period, so vendors are encouraged to access the website promptly on the first day of registration for the next event.

Minors may never be left alone in a vendor booth at the Helotes MarketPlace. All children/minors must have an adult accompanying them at all times.

No, booths may not be utilized by a different vendor during ones absence.

The Helotes MarketPlace enforces a strict no-solicitation policy. Only registered vendors may sell items at their booth, and promotion or distribution of unrelated materials is prohibited. Service-based businesses cannot sell or advertise through any booth, including partnerships. Violations may result in removal and vendor suspension.

No, this would fall under business solicitation and this is not permitted at the Helotes MarketPlace.

The Texas Sales and Use Tax Form can be obtained from the Texas Comptroller. For more information, click here. 

Craft vendors sell handmade items, including jewelry, artwork, wreaths, etc. Retail vendors are usually independent consultants who sell items on behalf of a parent company, such as Tupperware, Mary Kay, or LuLaRoe.

The sale of Food Court, Cottage Food, or Farmer’s Market items within a Retail Booth is strictly prohibited.

Vendors are permitted to conduct demonstrations within their purchased booth space. A demonstration usually involves the vendor creating their items on-site for visitors to witness. For example, an artist may decide to paint artwork on-site for the education and enjoyment of the public. All demonstrations must directly relate to the products sold by the vendor, align with the family-friendly theme of the Helotes MarketPlace, and noise must maintain a respectful level for nearby vendors.

MarketPlace does not regulate duplicate Craft, Retail, Farmer’s Market, and Cottage Food Vendors. Vendors should use the MarketPlace website to determine what type of vendors will be located near their booth spaces.
When creating a vendor profile, it is important to list what business you are affiliated with, if applicable—for example, Lula Roe, Lipsense, Paparazzi Jewelry, Mary Kay, etc.

Municipalities and local health departments can no longer require permits, licenses, or fees—including sampling fees—from cottage food businesses. Vendors currently paying to sample at Helotes MarketPlace will no longer be charged if they qualify under the updated law.

Expanded Foods: Cottage food producers may sell all foods except prohibited items such as meat, seafood, dairy, CBD/THC products, and raw milk.
Income Limit: Annual gross income allowed increases from $50,000 to $150,000.
Sampling: Starting September 1, 2025, sampling cottage foods is permitted without a City of Helotes Temporary Food Permit.

Full bill info: HB2588 | Texas Cottage Food Law

No, as of right now, there are no plans to modify or extend the Helotes MarketPlace event map. 

To view the Vendor Policies and Guidelines, click here.