craft shows toronto

The top 10 craft shows & pop ups in Toronto this spring

Spring 2015 craft shows, markets and pop-ups bring the best of handmade Toronto to you. The city's craft and independent design scene is booming, with more platforms than ever before for indie creators to flog their clothing, accessories, and skincare lines. (Seriously, there's no excuse to be buying your jewelry at H&M these days, people.)

Here are my picks for the top craft shows and pop-ups this spring in Toronto.

Inland
After a strong debut last fall, the Canadian fashion fair is back at 99 Sudbury May 2 and 3. No crocheted stuffed animals here - just sleek, sharp pieces from 80 Canadian fashion designers that would be at home next to any designer finds.

The Everyday
From the same folks that brought you the Yonge and Gould holiday market comes this new pop-up space on West Queen West, which launches April 1. Some vendors of note: Shop Wanderlust, who will be bringing an array of on-trend apparel, and Wildthing Vintage (who, rumour has it, will be offering a 200-strong collection of vintage T-shirts from legendary Canadian punk acts for sale).

ReBash
If there's a wedding in your future, this one-day sale on April 18 is your place to deck it out. The market at 918 Bathurst features all manner of handmade and upcycled decor items (mason jars, burlap runners and wooden crates, ahoy).

DBeatstro Community Pop Up Market
Want to help this DIY community hub find its legs? Head over to the former home of Bike Pirates on June 6 and 7 and check out the work of local makers and crafters. (Will there be vegan treats? Probably.)

Fitzroy Boutique x Burt's Bees
Toronto's favourite pop-up boutique is back, taking over the space just vacated by Bicyclette for the month of April (in conjunction with Burt's Bees, fueler of your lip balm addiction and mine). The title of their festival-fashion-friendly pop-up? "Bee You".

Bit Bazaar
Another season, another slew of indie games to check out at Bento Miso's Bit Bazaar fair, which returns to the co-working space May 9. Expect a slew of nerd-friendly DIY and handmade items, as well as some tasty libations.

Bazaar of the Bizarre
On April 19, lace up your six-inch black platform boots and head down to Pia Bouman Ballet School, where you can shop the works of Toronto's creepiest craftsfolk. This spring's theme: Circus Sideshow (there will be at least one spooky clown, I'm warning you now).

Pai Monday Market
Nuit Regular's newest Thai joint is inspired by market street food, so it's no surprise that they've rolled out an actual market, complete with local vendors and even a $1-a-minute Thai massage booth. Look for it to return the last Monday of every month.

Field of Dreams Market
On Saturday, May 2, head down to Mirvish Village to enjoy some open-air snacks and shopping, with vendors like Vivid and Yo Sox taking part. It's all in support of the Jays Care Foundation. (Maybe Daniel Norris will pull up the camper.)

City of Craft Spring
This veteran craft fair is returning to the Theatre Centre on April 18. But if you think you've seen it all before, think again - the organizers are promising 70% of the vendors at the spring edition will be brand-new.

BONUS

Beaches Arts and Crafts Show
Returning to ring in summer for another year is this open-air craft fair, coming to Kew Gardens Park on June 13 and 14. Last year's event featured a whopping 150 vendors - and though they lean more toward family-friendliness than artsy edge, you'll find some surprisingly gorgeous, avant-garde finds.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite spring craft show or pop-up in the comments.

Photo by Morris Lum.


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