Outdoor Events- Canopy Recommendation?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores various canopies used by participants for outdoor events, focusing on their personal experiences with different models, ease of setup, and recommendations for purchasing options.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions looking for an easy-pop up canopy that is affordable and simple to set up alone.
  • Another participant shares their experience with a 10x10 canopy from Costco, noting it requires two people to set up but is manageable with help.
  • One user discusses their quick shade canopy, which they find easy to set up alone with practice, purchased at Target.
  • Several participants highlight the importance of having sides for the canopy to protect against wind and rain, sharing personal anecdotes about events where sides would have been beneficial.
  • One participant mentions using a canopy with wheels for easier transport, purchased at Sports Authority.
  • Another participant describes using a tarp and clamps to create sides for their EZ-UP canopy, which they find effective for overnight use and low sun protection.
  • Several users discuss the affordability of canopies, with prices ranging from $39.99 to $200, and mention various retailers like Walmart, Ace Hardware, and Costco.
  • One participant notes that their canopy was not commercial quality and failed at their first fair.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the ease of setup and quality of various canopies, with no clear consensus on the best option. Some participants emphasize the need for assistance during setup, while others mention successful solo setups.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily discussing their personal experiences with canopies for outdoor events, considering factors like weather conditions and event requirements.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on canopies for outdoor events may find the shared experiences and recommendations helpful in making their purchasing decisions.

esavvymom
esavvymom
Staff member
Messages
7,881
For those of you that do outdoor events, what do you use (if anything) for a canopy?

I'm waiting for word back on a few events, and have another possible (3 total)- and they are all outside. Two would be in May in my local area- which I really want to try to get into. Most of my events to date have been within my county, but more than 20 minutes drive time for most of the leads I get. I'm trying to get more local leads.

Even though it will be May, if the weather is nice, it can get quite warm (North Carolina). The third possible event is early June...guaranteed to be warm!

I was looking at an easy-pop up canopy. Was just wanting some feedback on a nice one that doesn't cost a small fortune and that is simple to set up (especially if I'm setting up alone).

Thanks!!
 
The one I have (we live in AZ and it gets hot! and shade is a must) is a 10X10 canopy. The fabric part comes off when you store it and the frame folds down. I can't set it up alone. It takes 2 people, but it isn't hard to do so you can rope someone in to help. It is white (which is a plus because some events require it be white here). We got it at Costco. You may consider looking on craig's list for a used one?
 
I purchased a quick shade last year for events. It's easy to put up/take down. Can do it with 1, but practice first. Easiest if you have 2. Mine is a 10x10 also. Most fair spaces here are sold in 10x10 slots. Mine was purchased at Target for $99 on sale.
 
BlessedWifeMommy said:
The one I have (we live in AZ and it gets hot! and shade is a must) is a 10X10 canopy. The fabric part comes off when you store it and the frame folds down. I can't set it up alone. It takes 2 people, but it isn't hard to do so you can rope someone in to help. It is white (which is a plus because some events require it be white here). We got it at Costco. You may consider looking on craig's list for a used one?
Click to expand...
I got mine at Costco as well. It's King Canopy and it's very easy to set up. I can do most of it myself, and then I ask another vendor to help me pop it up. It was about $200 and it has sides too.
 
Last edited:
We got one for my DD and I to share last year at Walmart. I can't remember off the top of my head how much it was but believe me, whatever it costs is well worth it. The hot sun will cook you if you sunburn at all! Be sure to bring sunscreen too!
 
If you can get sides for your model, I recommend investing in those, too. I worked a 3-day event last summer that was under canopies, and I don't have sides. I had to repack all my stuff, put it under the tables, and lower the canopy. If I had the sides, I could have just tied them down (and it would have kept the rain out). Sides will also keep people from seeing the messy part of your area (usually the back) and prevent them from bombarding you with questions from all 4 directions at once.
 
pcchefjane said:
We got one for my DD and I to share last year at Walmart. I can't remember off the top of my head how much it was but believe me, whatever it costs is well worth it. The hot sun will cook you if you sunburn at all! Be sure to bring sunscreen too!
Click to expand...

I GOT MINE THERE TOO AND IT COST ME $78 LAST YEAR. I COULD HAVE PUT IT UP MYSELF BUT I AM TOO SHORT.

:chef:
 
I have a fiskars it needs 2 people but it is very easy to assemble it is not a pop up type
 
I have done outside events that offer canopies. I know it may cost a little more but if you are the only one it may be worth it.
 
Ours came with a cover that has wheels on it so you can tilt it and pull it on wheels behind you... very useful! Got it at Sports Authority - and it was under $100. also has a shade panel... used to have one with netting/curtain/sides and liked that as well.
 
I have an ez-up and love it too. I don't have sides so I take a large tarp or material and metal clamps and clamp the material to the legs.. making sides .. works very well. Great when you need to leave things over night.. and when the sun is low... can be a pain in the wind. I also bring either gallons of water or I have seen some bring cinder blocks to weigh down the legs in the wind... they will take off and fly if it is windy enough..
 
julia.poe said:
I have done outside events that offer canopies. I know it may cost a little more but if you are the only one it may be worth it.
Click to expand...

The last event I did, that little more was $100. My husband said I was in the wrong business, I should rent those canopies and get $100 a pop.
 
LOL! Your husband has a great sense of humor! Checkout sales at variety stores, Sam's Club and Costco. There are some canopies at online auctions as well.I made the mistake of a 12x12 - while it was nice, the market I do each Saturday always was a little grumpy with me.
 
I just picked up a 10x 10 easy up at a discount store called Marcs for $39.99.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
wow..that's a great price.I ended up getting a canopy from Walmart for $88. So far, I've used it at two events. The first one, it did fine- but we didn't tie it down as sturdy as we could have (wind kicked up as afternoon storms were coming our way). The second event, we did a better job. We have the legs sticking inside half-cinder blocks, and then took utility rope and tied the frame of the canopy down very well to the blocks. That event- it rained off and on and the wind kicked up. My canopy stayed put (we were on the street, so couldn't anchor into the ground either).Overall, it wasn't bad- and super easy to set up (just needs an extra person to fold/unfold the frame).
 
I have a 10 x 10 EZ UP. You need a minimum of two people to set it up. I've even used it at indoor events, it's great for hanging the PC banner from Merrill. Something to remember though, if you're using one outdoors you need to have sand bags or bricks to weight it down. Otherwise, they try to blow away.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
chefpenny99 said:
I have a 10 x 10 EZ UP. You need a minimum of two people to set it up. I've even used it at indoor events, it's great for hanging the PC banner from Merrill. Something to remember though, if you're using one outdoors you need to have sand bags or bricks to weight it down. Otherwise, they try to blow away.
Click to expand...

and not just brick/block or sandbags...good utility rope to tie it down to that bag/block otherwise your frame wobbles and shakes something fierce! :D Usually seem to be able to find that kind of rope in the aisle with the boating equipment.
 
I would say yes get one Walmart, or Ocean State job lot very cheap and worth it
 
I just bought a 10 x 10 at Ace Hardware for $50, it's the easy pop up kind
 
Krista Burson said:
I just bought a 10 x 10 at Ace Hardware for $50, it's the easy pop up kind
Click to expand...

I bought that one last year and it busted at my first fair. It's not commercial quality.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What size canopy is recommended for outdoor events?

For outdoor events, a 10x10 foot canopy is typically recommended as it provides ample space for a display while remaining manageable for setup and transport. However, if you expect larger crowds or need more space for demonstrations, consider a 10x20 foot canopy.

What type of canopy is best for weather protection?

A canopy with a waterproof and UV-resistant fabric is best for protecting against rain and sun. Look for canopies that have a sturdy frame and are designed for outdoor use to ensure durability in various weather conditions.

Are pop-up canopies suitable for outdoor events?

Yes, pop-up canopies are highly suitable for outdoor events due to their ease of setup and portability. They can be quickly assembled and disassembled, making them ideal for events where time and convenience are factors.

How do I secure my canopy at an outdoor event?

To secure your canopy, use weights or stakes to anchor it to the ground. Weights can be placed on each leg of the canopy, while stakes can be driven into the ground if the terrain allows. This will help prevent the canopy from being blown away by wind.

Can I use a canopy indoors for my Pampered Chef events?

While canopies are primarily designed for outdoor use, they can be used indoors if you have sufficient space and height. However, ensure that the indoor environment allows for proper ventilation and that the canopy does not obstruct pathways or exits.

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