Twilight Market Fundraiser

How to run a successful twilight market fundraiser

Twilight markets have nothing to do with sparkly vampires - but they are magical when it comes to bringing a community together and raising funds for your school, club or group. Held in the cooler hours of the late afternoon into evening, twilight markets are relaxed, social, and often quite profitable. Whether themed around Christmas, Mother’s Day, or even Halloween, they offer something for everyone.

Why choose a twilight market?

Twilight markets are an ideal mix of community gathering and boutique-style shopping. They’re quieter than a school fete and appeal especially to adult audiences looking to enjoy a relaxed evening out with local food, crafts, and entertainment. Best of all, they’re flexible, relatively low-cost, and don’t require the same scale of planning as a full-day event.

Planning tips for a twilight market

Set a Clear Fundraising Goal

Just like any fundraiser, it’s important to know what you're raising money for. A visual target (like a fundraising thermometer or poster) helps your community stay engaged. Refer back to your goal in communications to reinforce purpose and generate more support.

Choose the Right Date

Avoid clashing with other local events, sporting finals or holidays. Twilight markets work beautifully in spring and early summer evenings when the weather is milder and daylight savings is on your side.

Organise the Star of the Show – Your Stalls

Craft stalls are often the heart of a twilight market. Consider forming a craft group early in the year to steadily build up stock. Handmade items are meaningful, often cost-effective, and sell well.

Popular craft items include:

• Fabric bunting (great for nurseries and kids’ rooms)

• Felt iPhone covers

• Pencil cases and tote bags

• Hand-knitted beanies and scarves

• Aprons for kids and adults

• Superhero capes (always a hit!)

Include other types of stalls like pre-loved books, plants, and small artisan vendors. Work with your community to source stallholders, ideally locals with something unique to offer. Party plan reps also love these events as they can showcase products outside of the traditional home party setting.

💡 TIP: Create a ‘wish list’ of stall types and put out a call on your school’s Facebook page or local community groups to fill them.

Food & Beverage Ideas

Twilight markets are the perfect excuse for a nibble and a chat. Move beyond the cake stall (though we still love a good slice!) and think trendy and treat-worthy:

• Cupcakes, donuts, macarons

• Mini cheese platters

• Custom-labelled wine tasting (pre-orders available on the night)

• Coffee van with a kickback per cup

• Champagne bar (check local liquor licensing rules here for more info)

Don't forget to include savoury favourites like sausage sizzles or gourmet food trucks.

Entertainment & Atmosphere

While twilight markets are more mellow than a daytime fete, ambience matters! Think:

• Fairy lights and lanterns

• Acoustic music or local buskers

• Roaming performers (like stilt walkers or face painters)

• Relaxation zones with picnic rugs and low seating

Decor is key - simple touches like string lights and signage help create a charming, ‘marketplace’ feel.

Add a Fun Twist

Encourage interaction and movement with a “passport” activity:

• Create a passport card for attendees

• At each stall, they get a stamp or sticker

• Completed passports go in a draw for a prize

This keeps guests moving, chatting with stallholders and exploring all the market has to offer.

Fundraising Boosters

• Raffles & Lucky Door Prizes: Ask stallholders and local businesses for donations.

• Silent Auction: Showcase high-value items (art, hampers, vouchers).

• Custom wine orders: Partner with a supplier who offers personalised labels for fundraising.

Getting people to show up!

Getting people to actually show up to your twilight market is key - and fortunately, there are lots of tried-and-tested strategies that work beautifully for schools and community groups. Here are the most effective ways to boost attendance:

✅ Start with a Compelling Hook

Give people a reason to care:

• What’s the theme? (e.g. Christmas under the Stars, Mother’s Day Night Market)

• What’s unique? (live music, custom-labelled wine, gourmet food stalls)

• What’s the goal? (raising money for new playground equipment, for example - people rally around clear causes)

📢 Promote Early and Often

Start at least 6 weeks out, and promote consistently. Use:

• School newsletters (weekly countdown blurbs)

• Social media (create a Facebook Event and invite everyone!)

• Class rep WhatsApp groups (they’re gold!)

• Posters around school and local shops

• Local community pages and events calendars

🎯 TIP: Use “Save the Date” posts early on, then follow with sneak peeks of stalls, raffles, food options, etc.

🎁 Use Incentives

• Free lucky door prize entry for attendees

• Raffle tickets sold in advance + on the night

• “Bring a friend” bonus draw

• Passports or scavenger hunts for kids (stamp every stall, win a prize)

🤝 Engage the Whole Community

• Invite local businesses, kindergartens, sporting clubs, or churches to host a stall or activity

• Partner with a popular food truck or coffee van - these can draw a crowd!

• Offer performances from local dance schools or musicians (their families will come too!)

🎯 Make It Easy to Attend

• Offer free entry

• Ensure there’s plenty of parking and signage

• Have clear opening/closing times

• Set up spaces to relax: seating, shade, lighting

💬 Last-Minute Reminders

In the final days:

• Post daily to social media (use stories, videos, countdowns)

• Send out reminders through school apps

• Ask committee members to personally invite 3 friends each

Wrapping It Up

And when the last fairy light has lost its twinkle, don't forget twilight markets are a delightful and effective way to fundraise while giving your community a reason to connect. With a strong goal, well-curated stalls, delicious food, and thoughtful promotion, your twilight market can shine brightly - both in atmosphere and fundraising results.