Riverfront Vendors Wanted!

Posted on Thursday April 3, 2025

Vendors Sought for St. Louis Riverfront 2025

GATEWAY ARCH PARTNERS SEEK TO MAKE THE RIVERFRONT AN ACTIVE, VIBRANT DESTINATION
REQUEST FOR BIDS OPEN NOW!

Looking to sell unique merchandise, souvenirs and gifts, or a tasty menu of food and beverage offerings in an area where 2.4 million people visit each year? Or maybe you want to rent out recreational equipment or run programs and experiences like tours?

Gateway Arch partners are seeking diverse and creative entities to enliven the St. Louis Riverfront. A request for bids is now available for entities wishing to have a seasonal presence on the St. Louis Riverfront from mid-May to October, 2025. There are ten dedicated spaces available on Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard below the Gateway Arch. Full details, including measurements, specifics about lighting and electricity, and the full permitting process are available in the RFP, posted on the City’s website.

View and download the Riverfront Vendor RFP HERE

  • Vendors of all kinds are welcome! We are looking for people who want to activate and enliven the space.
  • Interested parties could be businesses, non-profit organizations or other entities.
  • Collaborations are encouraged! BE CREATIVE! Parties may want to rotate a variety of offerings through one space or combine efforts to make staffing work best for them.

Questions should be directed to: Trent Sturms, Great Rivers Greenway Operations Supervisor (email tsturms@grgstl.org or call 314-436-7009).

RIVERFRONT VENDOR QUICK FACTS:
  • Important dates:
    • Request for bids opens April 3 and closes April 24 at 4:00 PM
    • There will be an optional pre-bid meeting on Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd at the base of the Grand Staircase of the Arch grounds on April 9 at 10:00 AM to address questions from respondents
    • April 11 at 3:00 PM is the deadline for respondent’s pre-application question
  • While it is the intent to have some vending locations open at least six days a week, the Riverfront Vending Committee WILL consider reduced operating schedule. Be sure to include proposed operating schedule in submittal. Collaborations are encouraged! Parties may want to rotate a variety of offerings through one space or combine efforts to make staffing work best for them.
  • Vendors ARE NOT required to share a percentage of gross sales with the City of St. Louis or other entities.
  • In addition to the bid cost, other operating costs include health department permit, refundable $500 damage deposit, propane permit and Class K fire extinguisher (if needed).

RENOVATED RIVERFRONT

On the renovated St. Louis riverfront, ramps on the east slopes of the Gateway Arch National Park provide accessible routes from the Gateway Arch all the way to the cobblestone levee, where it greets the Mississippi Greenway, Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and the mighty Mississippi River. The 1.5-mile area has been raised to reduce flooding and allow for residents and visitors alike to visit the front door to the region. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch and Gateway Helicopter Tours are located on the Mississippi River below the Arch.

Media contacts: Anne Milford  amilford@grgstl.org