Vendor Events in Exeter, RI

15 spots open

Wednesday evenings during summer take on a particular rhythm when the Tilted Barn Brewery Summer Market opens its doors in Exeter. This weekly farmers market runs from June through August, creating a regular destination for people looking to spend their late afternoons and early evenings in a relaxed, community-oriented setting. Held at 1 Hemsley Place, the market brings together a mixed vendor community in a rural setting where craft beer, fresh local produce, and artisan goods converge naturally. The appeal of a farmers market like this lies in its blend of vendors and atmosphere. You'll typically find local farmers selling seasonal produce, prepared food vendors and food trucks offering meals and snacks, and artisans selling handmade goods ranging from crafts to value-added food products. The Wednesday timing, combined with the brewery's presence, creates an informal after-work gathering spot rather than a traditional Saturday morning farmers market experience. This shifts the vibe toward social and leisurely, where people come as much for the experience and community as for shopping. Summer in Rhode Island makes an outdoor market particularly appealing, with warm weather drawing crowds who want to browse vendor offerings while enjoying the evening. Running weekly from 4 PM to 7 PM gives vendors consistent foot traffic over a concentrated three-month season, making it a solid commitment without year-round obligations. For vendors, this means predictable scheduling and the chance to build relationships with regular customers who return each Wednesday. The brewery backdrop adds character and keeps attendees on-site longer, as people are likely to grab a beer and linger. The rural Exeter location feels accessible to surrounding communities while maintaining a more intimate, neighborhood feel than larger urban markets. Whether you're selling farm products, prepared foods, baked goods, crafts, or other merchandise, this market attracts people genuinely interested in local goods and willing to spend an evening supporting vendors. The mixed vendor approach means diverse offerings appeal to different customer interests, which typically brings a broader crowd than a single-focused market would draw.

If you're selling local produce, baked goods, or artisan food products in the seacoast region, the Exeter Farmers' Market offers a solid weekly opportunity to connect with your community. Running every Thursday afternoon from May through the end of October, this market draws residents and visitors to Swasey Parkway's scenic location along the river in historic downtown Exeter. The setting on Water Street gives the market a natural gathering-point feel, especially as the warmer months progress and people are actively shopping for their weekly fresh food needs. Thursday afternoons are prime time for farmers markets in New England, as shoppers are planning their weekend meals and looking to stock up on seasonal produce. The Exeter market reflects this dynamic, with vendor offerings typically spanning fresh vegetables and fruits at peak ripeness, artisan breads, local honey, preserves, and other value-added food products. Beyond produce, you'll find flowers, plants, and handmade crafts appealing to the broader community. The market's location in Exeter, a historic town with strong community engagement and a walkable downtown, attracts customers who prioritize local sourcing and are willing to shop intentionally for quality items. The market runs from 2:30 to 6 PM through Labor Day, then shifts to 2:30 to 5:30 PM for the final weeks of the season as daylight decreases. This timing works well for after-work shopping and gives the market energy during the mid-to-late afternoon hours. Being managed by Seacoast Eat Local, the market benefits from established organization and a network focused on supporting regional food producers and vendors. If you have products that align with the local food movement or seasonal produce cycles, the Exeter Farmers' Market on Swasey Parkway provides a consistent, well-positioned venue to reach engaged shoppers throughout the growing season.

20 spots open

The Exeter UFO Festival is an annual two-day community celebration held during Labor Day weekend in downtown Exeter, New Hampshire. Organized by the Exeter Area Kiwanis Club, the festival features UFO-themed merchandise and collectables (t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, posters), speakers and paranormal experts from across the country, children's activities including costume contests and parades, trolley tours to the historic Kensington UFO sighting site, local merchant participation with themed products, and music performances. The festival draws thousands of visitors from across New England and beyond. Local restaurants and shops throughout Exeter participate with special alien and UFO-themed offerings. All festival profits support local children's charities and community programs. Founded to commemorate the famous Incident at Exeter that occurred on September 3, 1965, this established festival has grown significantly in recent years and remains a major fundraising event for the sponsoring Kiwanis Club.

25 spots open

The Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival is an annual fall festival held on Swasey Parkway in downtown Exeter, NH. This 14th annual event brings together over 50 craft breweries alongside local restaurants, artisans, and food vendors. Attendees can sample unlimited craft beers, ciders, hard seltzers, and chili while enjoying live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a kid's zone. The festival features a vendor marketplace with local restaurants competing in chili competitions and artisans selling unique crafts. Held in early October, the event attracts thousands of visitors seeking quality beverages, gourmet food, and community engagement. VIP and general admission tickets are available, with the festival typically selling out due to its popularity as New England's largest beer festival.