pop up toronto

The top 7 pop-ups in Toronto this summer

Summer 2015 pop-up shops may only be in Toronto for a limited time, but what they lack in longevity they make up for in excitement. A handful of these temporary retail experiences are completely new to the city and many (if not all) make it a point to support Canadian design. Whether they're a one-day event, weekend, or month-long stint, these pop-ups are worth a gander.

Here are my picks for the top pop-ups in Toronto this summer.

The Eastside Pop-Up Market (June 20-21, July 18-19, August 22-23, September 12-13, October 3-4)
The Eastside Pop-Up Market happens once a month in the east end and features a mishmash of local vendors under a theme. This weekend, catch the "Good for the Soul" edition at Jimmie Simpson Park for all your health and wellness needs. Future locations have yet to be announced, but keep an eye out for "Baby Be Good," "Fashionista," "Autumn Breeze," and "Mom-Preneur" throughout the summer.

The Apt by 800 SQ FT (June 25-26)
Design firm 800 SQ FT knows all about making a small space beautiful, so it's no surprise their latest endeavour lives inside a cozy downtown apartment. The space is (tastefully) filled to the brim with objects you can admire and buy, including art on the walls made by local artists and designer garments in the closet. To make a visit, register online for a time slot next Thursday or Friday.

Pink Market (June 27-28)
During Pride's closing weekend (June 27-28), Pink Market - a queer craft, fashion, art, and literature fair - will pop up at Artscape Youngplace to showcase quirky vendors from a slew of different creative areas. Snack on Bar Ape's handmade Italian gelato bars, flip through the new issue of Bush Magazine, or find the perfect piece of Taylor Made wall decor that may or may not declare something vulgar.

The Everyday (June 5-July 5)
Earlier this month, Vacantful (1516 Queen St W) opened their summer edition of The Everyday, a pop-up dedicated to growing the support for local brands. This time around, find clothing by Wanderlust, apothecary by Peculiar Potions, and prints by Swell Made Co. amongst the dozens of vendors on the shop's roster.

Toronto Urban Collective (July 19)
If you're into snacking and shimmying while you shop, Toronto Urban Collective's got the pop-up for you. On July 19th at 99 Sudbury, peruse the (shoppable) work of a whole whack of Toronto-based artists, photographers, designers and gourmet food makers -- all while listening to the sweet tunes of TBA local DJs. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door.

Etsy (June 28, July 24-26)
To ring in their 10th anniversary, Etsy will pair up with summer festivals across Canada to bring the website's lust-worthy goodies to real life. Launching with a float at the Toronto Pride Parade (June 28), the tour will take on other cities before finishing off with a bang at WayHome (July 24-26) with 20 local vendors selling handmade and vintage accessories.

I Love Ugly (August 27-September 7)
New Zealand-based menswear brand I Love Ugly made waves in L.A. with a recently opened brick-and-mortar, and they've just begun a cross-Canada tour to give us a taste as well. Torontonian fans can rejoice; when I Love Ugly's done with Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Calgary, they're heading straight for 76 Scollard Street.

What did miss? Add the summer pop-ups on your radar in the comments.

Photo via Etsy's Facebook


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