Welcome to Esther and Elsa. We're glad you're here and excited to help you build your next retail project.
Charlotte’s favorite way to spend a sunday.
First Sunday of every month, April through November. 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Atherton 2104 South Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203
90+ small businesses, food, fun, photo opps, and more. Join the thousands who visit every month.
2024 Calendar
APRIL 7
MAY 5
JUNE 2
JULY 7
AUGUST 4
SEPTEMBER 1
OCTOBER 6
NOVEMBER 3
DECEMBER 1
Our mission
Our mission to to provide a consistent platform for Charlotte and the surrounding area’s micro-retailers to sell products to the Charlotte consumer, to provide continued support and resources to businesses who work with Front Porch Sundays, and to grow the Front Porch Sundays brand as a organization of incubation, community, and local support.
Front Porch Sundays was the dream of Terry Shook of Shook Kelley. He felt his property, in the heart of South End, was underutilized on the weekends. He imagined a Sunday event where banjos were playing, coffee and mimosas were flowing, and newspapers were in the hands of everyone in attendance.
Since his original plan, Front Porch Sundays has organically grown to host 70+ local businesses in an open air market. On the first Sunday of April - December you can find multiple food trucks, mobile shops, live music, and fun happenings at Atherton!
attendee FAQ ✳
Where is front porch Sundays located, and what time is it?
We pop up on the first Sunday of every month at Atherton (2104 South Boulevard) from 11 am - 4 pm.
Is there an entry fee?
Front Porch Sundays is free to attend.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! We're very dog friendly, but we do ask that you keep in mind how hot the asphalt is on their paws! Before you leave the house, put your hand on asphalt that's in the direct sun. If it's too warm on your hand, it's too hot for their paws.
where is the closest light rail stop?
If you’re taking the light rail to the market, get off at the East/West stop in South End. Head South West towards Atherton and you’re here!
Is beer available at the market?
We’ve partnered with Trolley Barn and Legion Brewing to bring you two beer tents at opposite ends of the market. Find Legion in the fairy ring near Tremont Road/South Boulevard and Trolley Barn’s tent is just outside their patio (where you can also order from their market menu!) Please keep all alcohol on the property.
What food options are there?
You can enjoy the local food truck we bring out monthly or sit down at one of the restaurants in Atherton including Trolley Barn, Indaco, Tremont, The Eagle, Living Kitchen, or CAVA.
Are vendors cash only?
Vendors are not cash only and accept most credit cards, but cash always goes farther than a card. Some vendors allow a small cash discount.
What's the easiest place to park?
There is a free parking garage at Atherton, along with parking in front of the brick-and-mortar shops. Other forms of transportation to The Porch include biking, scooting, or walking on the Rail Trail, the Light Rail (get off at the East/West stop and walk just a few blocks away from the city), and Uber/Lyft.
How many vendors setup at the market?
There are 70+ tented vendors, 1-2 food trucks, and 2 mobile shops at The Porch.
Rico Marcelo Photography for Esther and Elsa Retail.
vendor FAQ ✳
What are the dates and time is the event?
The event is the first Sunday of every month from April through December. We operate between 11 am - 4 pm, with load-in beginning no earlier than 8:30 am in assigned shifts.
What type of vendors do you look for?
We currently only work with small businesses from across Charlotte and the surrounding region. We don't work with chains, big box stores, or direct sales representatives. We are constantly looking for vendors with great branding, a well-known presence, and a unique product and presentation.
Do I need an NC sales and use tax id to participate?
Yes, you must supply the above to participate, and we collect it on the application. Visit here to learn more.
How much is THE vendor fee?
Vendor fees are $170 for a 10x10 base tier space, $190 for a 10x10 mid-tier space (better traffic, easily accessible locations), and $245 for a 10x10 corner space. Mobile vendors are $250. Double spaces are also available.
IS THE VENDOR FEE REFUNDABLE?
Your vendor fee is non-refundable. If we host a market and you decide not to participate for any reason, your fee cannot be returned or credited towards another event. If we cancel a market due to safety issues with the weather, we will hold a non-refundable administrator fee and push forward the other portion to a future market.
What is provided?
Front Porch Sundays provide the overall event and foot traffic. All vendors must provide their own setup, including the required tent, weights, and any tables or chairs you may need. We do not provide wifi. In a broader sense, we have the right to choose which vendors are marketed via our social media channels, but you will be included on the Facebook event page. You'll also have priority registration in any educational events we host.
A tent, table, weights, and chair can be rented from Esther and Elsa Retail for $50 per event. If you would like your setup to be done prior to arrival, it would be $75.
When do applications come out?
Applications are released on a seasonal basis with four dates reflected per application (spring/summer and fall/winter applications). As certain application dates close, they are removed from their seasonal application. A community email list is sent out on a weekly basis with all open applications. If you can’t locate it in an email, that means that the application date in question has closed.
How does the waiting list work?
We generally have an average of 20+ businesses on our waiting list for each market. The waiting list is notified if there is a space for them as early as one week after acceptances go out, and have two days to pay their vendor fee.
How are vendors chosen for a market?
The first vendors accepted are the ones that best fit our brand and what attendees are looking for. We look for vendors that target millennial customers and sell affordable products. We then look at past sales numbers (if applicable), if you've participated in the past, your social media following, and the number of vendors in a specific category. We try our best to have an appropriate number of vendors in each category and do not guarantee exclusivity of a category. See Vendor Applications for more information on our selection process.
Do I have to be a registered business within the state of North Carolina?
Vendors are required to do what they need to sell legally in the state of North Carolina. Please visit www.nc.gov for more information.
Do I need to accept credit cards?
Yes, we require our vendors to accept credit cards.
Is there wifi or electricity for vendors?
We do not provide wifi at this time, and electricity is available throughout the space but not guaranteed. Generators are allowed upon approval and must be silent.
What are your policies so I can make sure I fully understand the operation?
You can find our TERMS and CONDITIONS here. You can find our GUIDELINES and GOVERNING POLICIES here.