SHOP LOCAL IN TORONTO

The impact of shopping local is greater than you might think.  By supporting local vendors and makers at a handmade market, you are creating jobs, keeping money in the local economy, investing in entrepreneurship, and nurturing a sense of community.  

You are also supporting the environment by reducing waste and conserving energy, because purchasing goods from a local business reduces the fuel and materials used in transportation and packaging.   

Christmas is not the only time of year you can find a great market to attend! If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, there are some amazing handmade markets coming up in the first half of 2020 that boast a wide variety of products and makers.  These events are all open to the general public. Don’t miss out – mark these events on your calendar today!

> The Trinity Bellwoods Flea – New Year Market

DATE:  January 26, 2020

HOURS:  11 am – 6 pm

LOCATION:  The Trinity Bellwoods Flea on Queen St W

ADMISSION:  Free

Start 2020 off with some local shopping! The Trinity Bellwoods handmade market features a number of local vendors and is a great way to beat the January blahs.  Use the side entrance of the Great Hall to enter.  Pets and kids are welcome. And if you can’t make this one?  Good news – the venue is hosting markets in February, March and April as well!

> Toronto Made Market

DATE:  March 7-8, 2020

HOURS:  12 pm – 8 pm on both days

LOCATION:  Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto

ADMISSION:  Free

Enjoy browsing 70 of Toronto’s best local vendors at the Toronto Made artisan market.  The event is hosted outdoors, but under a heated pavilion – so don’t fear that chilly March weather!  Kids and pets are welcome.

> The One of a Kind Winter Show

DATE:  March 25-29, 2020

HOURS:  Weekdays & Saturday 10am – 9pm (with the exception of Thursday the 26th, with hours extending to 11 pm); Sunday from 10am – 6pm

LOCATION:  Enercare Centre, Toronto

ADMISSION:  Early bird tickets for adults are $13 until January 30.  Youth 13-17 and seniors are $8.50, while students are $10.

Since 1975, the One of a Kind Winter Show has been a fixture in local handmade markets in Toronto.  You can expect to encounter a wide array of local makers who are passionate about their craft.  Your best bet to avoid parking fees and Toronto traffic is to purchase the GO Transit / event ticket package for $27.

> Handmade in the City

DATE:  April 25, 2020

HOURS:  9 am to 4 pm

LOCATION:  Downsview Event Centre, Toronto

ADMISSION:  $5.00

For over 9 years, Picks and Giggles has hosted successful handmade markets and Christmas markets in the Oshawa / Durham region. This carefully curated event will feature high quality Canadian-made clothing, accessories, natural skincare products, home and garden decor and more! The event will be hosted at the spacious Downsview Event Centre. Tickets at the door are $5.  $25 will get you a VIP ticket which comes with additional gifts and perks. Parking is free!  And if you’re willing to trek out of the city to Bowmanville, you can catch the Baby and Kids Handmade Market and All Things Handmade Market on February 9 and March 15 respectively.

> Beaches Arts and Crafts Show

DATE:  June 13-14, 2020

HOURS: 10 am to 6 pm on both days

LOCATION:  Kew Gardens Park, Toronto

ADMISSION:  Free

Another long-running Toronto handmade market, the Beaches Arts and Crafts Show is celebrating its 35th year in 2020.  Come browse over 150 Canadian artists and designers at this outdoor market.

WHY SHOP LOCAL?  LEARN MORE HERE