Third Thursday is Joplin’s premiere community cultural event. Every Third Thursday, March through October, thousands of people gather on Main Street in Downtown Joplin from 5:30pm to 8:30pm to enjoy local artisans, music, entertainment, and food.

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Makers Market

The Artisan Market at 3rd Thursday and indoor pop-up galleries throughout downtown are filled with some of the best collections from local makers and artists. Additional downtown galleries include Urban Art Gallery,  Spiva Center for the Arts, and Local Color.

makers market

Performance Stages

There are performances spread between 1st and 7th. Walk around to hear the different musicians, take hip-hop lessons, and watch vignettes. Whether it’s music, dance, theatre, or plein air art, you’re sure to find something that moves you!
makers market

Eat and Drink

One of the best things about Third Thursday is the food! Have dinner at one of our local restaurants or check out the food trucks with everything from frozen treats to tacos, barbecue, to pizza. Enjoy a drink at outdoor patios and beer gardens.
makers market

Shop

Many merchants stay open late on Third Thursday and offer special classes, discounts, and other goodies! The street is filled with all sorts of vendors and entrepreneurs. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re likely to find a source at Third Thursday!

VENDORS, ARTISTS & EVENTS INFORMATION

General Information

Vendors are responsible for all materials required for their space (i.e. tables, chairs, backdrops, etc.)

If selling, vendors are required by the city of Joplin to purchase a Special Event License. It is $5 per event and can be purchased on the third floor of City Hall.

If selling, you solely are responsible for any and all applicable state and federal revenue forms and taxes submissions.  www.dor.mo.gov or 573-751-5860, option 5, then option 1 for sales tax number information.

Limit one vendor per 10X10 space. For vendor collaborations, only one space is provided.

Vendors are responsible for cleaning up of their space. All trash must be taken with you. It may NOT be left at the trash barrels on site. Those are for attendees only.

Vendors may set up any time after 3:30 pm and must off the street by 9:00 pm.

Vendors may bring a tent for booth space, tent size is limited to 10’x 10’. Lighting is suggested for spring and fall events. String lights on tent frames work great.

If using electric, always bring at least 200 feet of extension cord to ensure you can reach electrical boxes. Electricity is not guaranteed.

Additional Questions? See the Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom of this page.

Food Vendors

To continue to appease the large crowds that come to Downtown Joplin on Third Thursday, Downtown Joplin does invite a number of food vendors with strict regulations to insure that Downtown restaurants are successful.

All Food and Drink vendors must pass the Food Safety Inspection as set forth by the City of Joplin.

FOR QUESTIONS ON INSPECTIONS CALL the Joplin Health Dept at (417) 623-6122 

All food vendors with fryers must have a type K fire extinguisher.

We strongly encourage unique products that set you apart from the many other options. You may be declined if a particular food type is saturated.

All food vendors must take trash with them at the end of the event. No trash may be left near the street receptacles.

Artists and Artisans

Artists/Artisans are responsible for all materials required for a professional display (i.e. tables, chairs, backdrops, etc.)

It is the artists’ responsibility to provide packaging for merchandise.

Artists/artisans must be available during assigned set-up time. Booth assignments and set-up logistics will be communicated prior to the event.

Artwork cannot include any graphic nudity or violence. (Family Friendly Event)

If selling, artists are required by the city of Joplin to purchase an Special Event License. It is $5/ event and can be purchased on the third floor of City Hall. You will also need a sales tax number. Missouri Dept of Revenue 573-751-5860 option 5, then option 1 or www.dor.mo.gov.

Artists/makers are welcome/encouraged to bring additional lighting (i.e. spotlights and table lamps) for artwork due to unpredictable lighting in each venue.

Limit one artist per 10X10 space. For artist collaborations, only one space is provided.

Display space must be kept clean and in good shape. Artists are responsible for cleaning their space.

Each artist must bring his or her own displays, such as easels, tables, and pedestals.

Musicians & Performers

Downtown Joplin Alliance invites all musicians from near and far to perform for Third Thursday. During Third Thursday, there are many places for performers including the North and South Music Stages, the Performing Arts Stage and on the street throughout the event. As a not-for-profit organization and a free event, at this time there is no stipend available for musicians.

Third Thursday is focused on all genres of music. We encourage unique genres of music. A PA system should be used, but volume should be minimal enough to reach the audience without drowning out the other performers or conversations on the block. Musicians should bring their own equipment and are responsible for their set-up and tear down.

ON THE STREET SIDE (Limited Availability)
Musicians are great additions to the event at storefronts, street corners, etc. Depending on where other acts are already booked for that month, DJA can usually reserve a location that doesn’t compete with other performers nearby. The length of these sets can vary.

Special Events, Races, and Competitions

We’d love to have you get involved! For more information please contact our Executive Director, Lori Haun at [email protected].

THIRD THURSDAY FAQS

What time does Third Thursday begin?

The event runs every 3rd Thursday of the month from March to October from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

What happens if it rains, storms, or snows?

Third Thursday happens RAIN OR SHINE! This is a rain or shine event and refunds will not be given.

What time can I setup?

Streets close at approximately 3:30pm. Businesses, sponsors and performers may begin setting up as soon as traffic has stopped and streets are fully closed.

Can my organization come and give away free food and drink during the event?

We do not allow for free food or drink giveaways during Third Thursday.
Bottled water and packaged candy are the only consumable items allowed to be given away.

Why have you made so many changes since the beginning of the event in 2008?

This event has grown tremendously since 2008. Every year, we take the feedback of our vendors, performers, restaurants, retailers, residents, and visitors and try to take the next step forward to improve the quality and effectiveness of this event.

How many people attend each month?

Between 5000 and 8000 folks come downtown each month to enjoy the community and see old friends.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Downtown Joplin Alliance offers many sponsorship opportunites. For each event, your logo and/or business name is on all printed materials, recognition in news releases, newsletters, emails, and social media. Sponsors of larger events may also receive recognition on signage, t-shirts, TV, newspaper, and radio ads.

OUR 2024 TITLE SPONSORS

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OUR 2024 MONTHLY SPONSORS

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How Can I Get Involved?

We have many opportunities available for those of you who want to lend a hand and volunteer your time. Click the button below to find out how you can get involved in contributing to the improvement of our community!