The top markets and pop-up shops in Toronto this June get a solid A-grade for variety. Food, eco-friendly fashion, custom t-shirt parties, and one-night-only live recreations of violent paintings are all on the docket. There's plenty to see and do during these early summer weeks.
Here are my picks for the top markets and pop-ups in Toronto this June.
The Base Adidas Pop-up (June 3-July 10)
Adidas launches an interactive pop up shop celebrating Euro Cup. The Base (at 584 College Street) is a viewing lounge and retail store at 584 College Street featuring on-site jersey printing. This one's for the soccer fanatics.
teALCHEMY (June 3-17)
Setting up shop at 93 Bloor Street West, this is a pop up for tea lovers. They are loose tea and matcha specialists, but will also have healthy snacks on offer as well.
Triumph of Death pop-up (June 6)
Probably my favourite pop up shop this month is a recreation of artist Bruegel the Elder's The Triumph of Death. It's one of the most violent paintings in the history of Western art, and you participate along with craft beers and a skeleton army playing period-specific instruments like the lute and the hurdy-gurdy.
Eco Pop-up Show and Tell (June 9)
This pop-up is all about local DJs, socially conscious goods and brands, beverages from Greenhouse Juice Co. and snacks from The Good Grain.
Kingston Pop-up (June 10-12)
This pop-up is a chance to browse and shop the offerings of Kingston Ontario's artisans and makers, sample their hottest foods and enjoy some craft brew from Stone City Ales, MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, and Skeleton Park Brewery. There will also be live music. It goes down at 12 Ossington Ave from noon to 10 p.m.
Summer Sixteen Pop-up Market (June 11)
Shop around from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with brands like Maison 6ix, By Chance, Povrich Apparel and TOFU Toronto alongside music by DJ Wyette and cocktails.
Hello Happy Market (June 12)
Originally from Vancouver, this cute pop-up market showcases bright, modern Canadian design objects. You'll have a chance to shop, meet the local craft makers and all just for $2 entry.
Clutch Life 85 Summer party and Pop-up (June 17)
For the t-shirt enthusiasts, Clutch Life 85's pop up includes music, a tee bar with custom t-shirt printing and design happening all night. From 9 p.m. 3 a.m., so you'll have clothing for an outfit change through the night if you need.
Field of Dreams Market (June 18)
In support of the Jays Care Foundation, this market happens behind Honest Ed's. $5 gets you into this jam with local food and art vendors and Jays ticket giveaways.
Etsy Midsummer Market (June 18)
Here you'll find crafts, workshops, tutorials, snacks, all around the Campbell House at University and Queen. Admission to this market is free and the first 50 people get a swag bag. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Leslieville Flea (June 19)
The Leslieville Flea happens the third Sunday of every month and features over 60 vendors selling vintage, furniture, antiques, collectables, and crafts. It's kind of like the anti-garage sale, 'cause you'll be going home with stuff instead of leaving it out on the lawn. 10 a.m to 5 p.m. with beer from Left Field.
Waterfront Artisan Market (June 18-19)
This huge market on the waterfront is back for the second instalment of the summer. My personal summer fave Angie's Ice Pops will be there, along with over 50 other food and art vendors. Here are 18 of the best eats at the market.
Trinity Bellwoods Flea (June 18)
This massive market is in support of Toronto Etsy vendors. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you'll find fun, local, handmade goods, vintage, fashion and food from Steambox Dumpling and Chocollata Gourmet.
Liberty Village Art Crawl (June 11)
The massive Liberty Village art crawl doubles as an artist's market with 65 artists showing off their finest, food trucks and DJs. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pixel & Bristle (June 25)
For those of us who miss the good old days of print, this is a market at the Drake Underground that brings together the city's finest designers, illustrators and typographers. Admission is free and you'll find loads of unique prints, cards, signs, coasters, art, bags, and more.
What did I miss? Add more May markets and pop-ups in the comments.
Photo of the Artisan Waterfront Market by Hector Vasquez
by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO