A Year-Round Marketplace & Creative Community Destination
Artisans · Crafters · Specialty Foods · Coffee Bar · Community Gathering
Soft Opening: A Sneak Peek of What's Coming ✨
From October 16 through November 12, our makers will be moving in, setting up their studio spaces, and helping us shape the Market House from the inside out. This is your chance to see the magic as it's being built.
- 🌱Makers settling in — Studio Spaces will be evolving, displays will be taking shape, and you'll get to see each vendor's space come to life day by day.
- 🛠️A work in progress (in the best way!) — We'll still be doing small renovations and fine tuning details. Think of it like watching a handcrafted project come together — charming, creative, and full of heart.
- 🛍️Shops open & ready for you — Our vendors will be selling their goods throughout the Soft Opening, so you can shop local, meet the makers, and discover new favorites before the holiday season kicks off.
- 📸Behind the scenes fun — We'll be sharing vendor spotlights, sneak peeks, and stories from the makers who are helping us build this home for Forest City.
- 💬Your feedback matters — We're shaping this space with our community. If you see something you love — or something you'd love to see — tell us! This is the time when your voice helps us grow.
The Soft Opening is all about creativity, collaboration, and community. It's a chance to explore the Market House early, support local makers, and watch something truly special take shape right here in Forest City.
Forest City Market House Payments
Pay your monthly rent securely online
About the Market House
The Forest City Market House, located in the Historic Graham Cash Building.
Rooted in Local & Appalachian Traditions
The Forest City Market House will be a year-round, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Marketplace featuring artisans, crafters and makers, thoughtfully selected retailers, specialty food and beverage vendors, and a coffee bar.
Rooted in local and Appalachian traditions, the Market House is being created to showcase handmade, upcycled, locally crafted and carefully curated goods — while giving vendors an inviting place to grow and connect with customers.
We will also feature fresh and specialty foods, including locally sourced meats, fruits, vegetables, baked goods and other farm-to-market offerings.
What to Expect
Artisans & Makers
Handmade, upcycled, locally crafted and carefully curated goods from talented artisans, crafters and makers rooted in Appalachian tradition.
Community Gathering Space
Comfortable seating, a central fountain, lush greenery, and a coffee bar — designed to encourage customers to linger, explore, meet friends, and return often.
Farm-to-Market Foods
Locally sourced meats, fruits, vegetables, baked goods and specialty food offerings — fresh from local farms and producers to your table.
Opening Timeline & Transition Plan
The Forest City Market House is entering its inaugural season as a new home for local makers, artists, and small businesses. Our phased opening begins with a Soft Opening on October 16, followed by our Grand Opening Celebration on November 13, 2026, and a full transition into permanent, year-round operation in Spring 2027.
October 12–16, 2026
Vendor Move-In
Vendors receive early access to the building to begin setting up their studios, arranging displays, and preparing their spaces. Standard move-in hours are 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with evening accommodations available upon request.
October 16 – November 12, 2026
Soft Opening
The Soft Opening period provides a low-pressure environment for vendors to settle in, test inventory, refine layouts, and collaborate with Market House staff on operational adjustments. This phase allows the marketplace to evolve organically before the holiday season begins.
Friday, November 13, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Grand Opening Celebration
The Forest City Market House officially opens to the public with a community-centred celebration featuring: WAGY FM Remote Broadcast · Scavenger Hunt · Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Forest City Christmas Lights Celebration & DreamWeavers Dancers
The Market House joins Forest City's beloved Christmas Lights Celebration, participating in the town's annual holiday traditions and welcoming visitors with festive cheer. The DreamWeavers Dancers from the DreamWeaver Dance Studio will bring holiday magic to Main Street with a series of lively windowfront performances designed to draw energy, excitement, and foot traffic to the Market House: • Saturday, November 28 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM • Friday, December 4 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM • Saturday, December 5 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM • Friday, December 11 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM • Saturday, December 12 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
December 20, 2026 – January 14, 2027
Home for the Holidays
A scheduled rest period for vendors to enjoy time with family and friends, recharge after the holiday season, and prepare for the year ahead.
January – March 2027
Winter Shift
During the quieter winter months, the Market House will continue to refine its interior spaces and support vendors as they settle into their permanent studios. The marketplace will remain active and engaged with the community throughout this period.
First Week of April 2027
Spring Launch
The Forest City Market House begins full time, year round operation as a permanent hub for local makers and creative businesses.
Effective January 2027
Permanent Vendor Rates
Sustainable, low overhead monthly pricing designed to support long term vendor success as the Market House transitions into permanent operation.
Our Goal
To maintain a full, vibrant marketplace that remains fresh, inviting, and desirable to the public. As spaces become available, we will actively welcome new vendors whose products complement the overall mix of the market — and we are committed to offering affordable rental options sensitive to individual space and budget needs.
"At the heart of the Forest City Market House will be a welcoming community gathering space featuring comfortable seating, a central fountain, lush greenery, and a coffee bar."
Designed to encourage customers to linger and explore — a place to shop, relax, meet friends, and return to often.
Drop us a line!
We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form and we'll get back to you soon.
Better yet, see us in person!
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours, once we open!