An outdoor market in Tempe is getting ready to reopen, and although the experience will be slightly different because of COVID-19, the 6th Street Market will still connect local makers, artists and business owners with customers.

The market will operate on Sundays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 29 at 6th Street Park in downtown Tempe. The spring market will run Feb. 14-April 25.

Vendors and patrons will be required to wear masks. There won’t be live entertainment but there will be hand sanitizer stations and touchless payment systems. The market has expanded into an adjacent parking area to provide better spacing.

And, for the first time, shoppers can order items from vendors by phone or online for quick pick-up.

The market will still be a place where local entrepreneurs can sell handmade products and foods. Julie Kent, director of creative placemaking for Downtown Tempe Authority, said events such as the 6th Street Market help vendors to support themselves and their families.

“This is how they make their livelihood. They are eager to get back,” Kent said.

Each week, a mix of returning and new vendors will take part in the market. Food booths and trucks will offer Indian, Italian, American and Asian-inspired food and beverage options.

Vendors will sell paintings, photographs, ceramic pieces, jewelry, artisan items such as soaps or candles and packaged foods. New this year, vintage-style vendors will be taking part in the market.

Photos: These new restaurants are coming to The Watermark in downtown Tempe

Kent said the event allows newer vendors to get experience with being part of a market.

“For people that are new, it’s a non-threatening environment. They can dip their toe in and see if this will be good for them. We like to foster the new businesses and help them along,” Kent said.

Some vendors who have participated in the market have gone on to take part in larger arts festivals, start their own food trucks or open businesses.

“We are really trying to foster the smaller businesses that are trying it out. It’s really neat when you see people go on and get a brick-and-mortar,” Kent said.

While visiting the 6th Street Market, patrons can grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on Mill Avenue or check out the stores.

Photos: Inside the reopened bars on Mill Avenue in Tempe

“It’s a good thing for us on Sundays in downtown Tempe because it’s a little slower. People will come, and even if they don’t eat from a food truck, they are going to go sit somewhere and eat, or they will see a restaurant and visit it next time,” Kent said.

The Downtown Tempe Authority also hosts spring and fall arts festivals on Mill Avenue, as well as foodie strolls. The next foodie stroll, a taco-themed happy hour that offers food and drink specials at downtown restaurants, is 5-8 p.m. Oct. 17. Details: https://www.downtowntempe.com.

6th Street Market

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 4-Nov. 29 and Feb. 14-April 25.

Where: 6th Street Park, 24 E. Sixth St., Tempe.

Admission: Free.

Details: https://www.downtowntempe.com.

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