Thanks for your interest in this event. Please read this essential information before registering to take part. Spaces are limited and registration will close when all spots have been filled.
Date
*rain or shine* 10am to 4pm, Saturday May 23rd AND Saturday July 11th
Vendors can choose to sign up for ONE date only.
Location
Macdonell Street, Downtown Guelph.
Overview
Community members with vehicles (cars, vans and pick ups that fit a 16ft parking spot) are invited to register for The Great Downtown Guelph Garage Sale! For just $25*, you will secure a parking spot on Macdonell Street – closed to regular traffic – and a space to sell your goods from 10am to 4pm.
*To encourage attendance and avoid late cancellations, vendors will pay $75 to register, $50 of which will be refunded upon check-in on event day.
Downtown businesses will be encouraged to set up outside their storefronts, creating a vibrant, open-air marketplace. Plus, a high-impact marketing campaign will draw thousands of shoppers to the heart of the city—don’t miss this exciting opportunity to sell and connect with the community!
Event set up and vendor expectations
Registered vehicles will park on Macdonell Street or in the Macdonell Street parking lot (closed to regular traffic).
Vendors will have access to the event site from 8am on event day. Directed by event staff, vehicles will flow in one at a time, parking one next to another (perpendicularly parked) and their goods set up on the road/parking lot, and at the sides of their vehicles where space allows. Tables, tarps and tents (tent weights MANDATORY) are strongly encouraged but not provided.
Vendors commit to being set up until the event end time of 4pm. No cars must leave the event site until directed to do so by event staff, no exceptions.
All cars will be parked perpendicularly (see image below).
What can I sell?
Just like a yard sale that takes place at your home, you can sell gently used or new items that already belong to you. It is important to only sell items that are functional and in good condition. Read Canada.ca – Facts for Garage Sale Vendors. It includes banned items, those that must meet regulatory requirements, items that could pose a safety hazard, and items like microwaves that must meet requirements under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act. This link to Canada Safety Council – garage-sales-and-yard-sales is also helpful.
Food items are not to be sold without explicit permission from the organizers.
Please note that only gently used personal items may be sold. New, packaged, or retail merchandise is not permitted.
What will happen if it rains?
This is a rain or shine event and there is no rain date for the sale. If there is a high likelihood of severe weather (lightning or strong winds) in the forecast we may recommend cancelling. If the weather allows the sale to go ahead safely but there is rain in the forecast, vendors are encouraged to plan on using tarps or tents.
Payment
Payment is online by credit card only. No refunds after May 1st 2026.
$50 in cash will be refunded to folks who show up on event day.
⚠️ Scam Prevention Notice
To ensure a safe and secure booking process, all event registrations and payments must be made exclusively through the official link on this website.
Please do not click on or follow any external payment links shared in the comments on our social media platforms. These are not affiliated with our organization and may be fraudulent.
If you are ever unsure about a payment request, contact Sam Jewell, Events Manager, at [email protected].
Look good? Let’s get you registered! Note, you’ll need to include your vehicle license number on the registration form.
Any more questions? Please email [email protected].