How do I set up a pop-up gazebo and pack it away?

What is a pop-up gazebo?

A pop-up gazebo (or pop-up marquee) is a folding frame that opens out like a concertina, with the printed canopy already fitted. Our Gazebo 2 Go event marquees have an aluminium frame that is light to carry and won't rust once it gets wet. The frame, with the canopy still attached, folds down into a carry bag with handles and a full-length zip.

Set-up is tool-free: pull the frame out, lift the canopy, drop the legs. It can be done in less than 2 minutes once you've had some practice.

Why does it take two people?

The frames aren't light. The 3m x 3m frame weighs 23kg and the roof another 5kg, and the 3m x 6m frame and roof together weigh 43kg. Send two people to set it up and to load the van. Opening the frame is a two-person job too, and pulling too hard as it opens can bend the side supports.

Use the following steps to set up a pop-up gazebo

1. Check the site rules before the day. Ask the organiser or council how structures must be secured. For events in the City of Sydney's parks, for example, the council's event guidelines say all structures must be weighted and not pegged, and no structure may stand beneath the dripline of a tree.

2. Lay the bag where the centre of the gazebo will be, unzip it and stand the folded frame upright on its feet.

3. Stand opposite your partner. Each of you takes hold of two outer legs, lifts the frame slightly off the ground and takes a step back, stopping at arm's length.

4. Open the frame fully. Each of you takes hold of the top and bottom of the X formed by the side supports on your side, and pushes your hands together while stepping back until the frame is fully open.

IMPORTANT: Keep your fingers clear of the moving joints, and don't pull back too hard, or the side supports can bend.

5. Check the canopy is fixed at every corner. The canopy stays on the frame between events, so you only need to make sure each corner strap is buckled and snug.

6. Lock each corner. Push the slider at the top of each leg up until the ring-pull pin clicks into place. Do all four corners before you raise the legs.

7. Raise the legs. With your partner, lift two neighbouring legs at a time until the inner leg locks, then do the other two. Keep all four at the same height so the canopy sits level. At full height the head clearance under the canopy edge is 2,150mm.

8. Weight or anchor every leg, to at least what the event or council requires. Use weights such as our steel base plates (7kg each) or sand bags (7kg each when filled), and pegs only on soft ground where the site allows them. Clarence City Council in Tasmania, for example, requires 25kg on each leg of a small gazebo where anchoring isn't available, and larger weights for larger gazebos.

IMPORTANT: A gazebo is a sail. In high winds, take it down. Agree before the day who makes that call.

9. Fit the walls, if you're using them. Attach each wall to the frame with the velcro straps and zips supplied.

10. Finally, step back and check the frame is square, every leg is locked and weighted, and every strap is done up. That's it, you're done!

Use the following steps to pack a gazebo away

1. Take the walls off and fold them separately from the frame, so the hardware can't rub through the print.

2. Remove the weights or pegs.

3. Lower the legs. With your partner, lift two neighbouring legs slightly, release the leg lock and slide the inner legs back in. Repeat for the other two.

4. At each corner, pull the ring to release the pin, then slide the slider down.

5. Lift the top of the X on each side a little, shake the canopy so it doesn't catch, then walk towards your partner until the frame is three-quarters closed. Lift the outer legs and push them together to close it fully.

Note: Never push hard on a frame that won't close. Something is caught, so open it a little and try again.

6. Finally, make sure the canopy and walls are completely dry, then zip the frame into its bag. If you have to pack up wet, open it out to dry as soon as you're back. Check the joints and velcro as you go, and replace a worn part before it fails on site. You're done!

Note: For sizes, wall options and accessories, see our branded marquee buyer's guide and the full marquees and gazebos range.