Annual Events Hosted by the BMA
Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of the Bristol Merchant Association events.
Our annual events are a great way for you to connect with other business owners in the community and promote your business. Your participation is key to the success of these events and the downtown businesses. Join us and be a part of the thriving business community in Bristol!
The State Street Fair Series
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The Bristol Merchants Association hosts four State Street Fairs between April and October. Each fair features different local artists and vendors along with live music. It brings foot traffic to downtown Bristol and creates a unique experience for residents and visitors each time. BMA members are able to participate for free
Halloween Walkabout
The Halloween Walkabout in downtown Bristol takes place on the Sunday afternoon before Halloween from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Local businesses who are members of the BMA give out candy and sometimes dress up in costume. Kids up to 12 years of age, in costume and accompanied by an adult, are invited to participate.
The BMA designs a map every year for "trick-or-treaters" to follow, showing which businesses to visit for a treat. This event takes place in the downtown area but welcomes businesses outside this area to set up on State Street.
Shop & Dine Local
The Snowflake Raffle has gone digital! The BMA is launching a local shopping app that gives shoppers a chance to win $1000 cash prize every time they shop or eat local! Shoppers simply download the app, shop and/or eat local, and scan the business's custom QR code at checkout to gain 1 digital entry. *Shoppers will receive triple entries with every purchase on Holiday Preview Night (November 21st 5-9pm)
This event will take place from November 10th - December 24th, 2025
You (your business) must be a BMA member to participate
Holiday Preview
The Bristol Merchants Association's Holiday Preview Weekend is the weekend before Thanksgiving and gives shoppers an early chance to see what the local merchants and restaurants will be offering for the Christmas shopping season.
Local businesses who participate will have their business name on the Holiday Preview flyers which are advertised in local newspapers, magazines, etc. Participating businesses will also receive flyers to display in their windows.
*If you are a downtown business and would like to participate in this event, you must submit your membership by September 1st to have your business advertised in our 2025 Holiday Preview Flyers. This event includes a trolley to transport shoppers to participating businesses. The trolley route must be created according to what businesses are participating.
State Street Holiday Fair
The Bristol Merchants Association is having a Holiday State Street fair! The fair will be held on the same day as The town of Bristol's Grand Illumination event. Vendors will be set up on lower State Street and indoors at the Bristol Maritime Center on December 6th from 10am - 4pm. The Grand Illumination will light up at 6pm.
What we're working on...
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We are always looking for new ways to make our Holiday Preview event better! If you have any ideas for this event that you would like to share, come to our next meeting and/or join the BMA!