Proposal would bring new Sunday market to Downtown Downey

DOWNEY — The Downey City Council will consider approving a proposal Tuesday that would bring a new monthly vendor market to Downtown Downey beginning this spring.

The proposal calls for the city to enter into a services and license agreement with Shop Small Soiree, a community market organizer that showcases local entrepreneurs and small businesses selling handmade goods, art, apparel, jewelry and other retail items.

If approved, the market would be held once a month on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the city-owned parking lot on Second Street between La Reina Avenue and New Street, the same location used for the weekly farmers market.

Nine markets are planned through the end of the year, beginning April 19. Additional dates include May 24, June 21, July 19, Aug. 23, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 22 and Dec. 13.

City staff said the event is intended to support small businesses while bringing additional foot traffic to the downtown area, particularly on Sundays, which are typically the slowest day for local activity.

Shop Small Soiree, which launched in 2019, hosts curated vendor markets throughout Southern California. Previous events have been held in locations including Uptown Whittier, Downtown Anaheim, Santa Anita Racetrack, Downey High School and Smorgasburg Los Angeles.

According to city staff, the Downtown Downey Improvement Association reviewed the proposal earlier this year and supports the concept.

Under the agreement, Shop Small Soiree would be responsible for managing the event, including vendor coordination, sanitation and security. The organization would also contribute $1,100 per market to the Downtown Downey Improvement Association to support downtown revitalization efforts.

City officials say the market is intended to complement existing events in downtown, including the Saturday farmers market and the Downtown Night Market, while creating a new daytime attraction for residents and visitors.

Following the nine-month trial period, the city and organizers would evaluate the event’s impact and determine whether to continue the market in 2027.

The item will be considered at a special meeting of the Downey City Council on Tuesday.