You have to have a canopy on outside shows. I wouldn't even try without one. It does give you additional show space. You can grid wall the back and sides to hang merchandise, and hang things from the top supports and crossbraces. Every little town in Texas has a festival of some kind. They are usually set up down the center and along the business fronts of main street. There is power available on some booths but it costs you a little more. If the town has lamp posts, they usually run extension cords from them. I actually look for the ones that have parades. Every parent and grandparent, teacher and most of the townsfolk come out to see their kid or float or business or club represented.