8 craft markets and seasonal pop-ups to shop in Vancouver this spring

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      Who says the holidays get to have all the fun when it comes to Vancouver's craft-fair circuit? Below, we've rounded up the eight best "shop-small" markets and seasonal pop-ups around town to visit this spring—just in time for gift-required occasions like Mother's Day and Father's Day, and all those summer weddings and birthdays on your calendar.

       

      Studio 1111

      From April 12 to 15 at Studio 1111 (1111 Commercial Drive)

      Shop a curated assortment of top-notch vintage wear for men and women at Studio 1111, an art studio, vintage boutique, and tea house tucked in the alleyway behind the Drive’s Sweet Cherubim (1105 Commercial Drive). Expect to rifle through everything from silk button-ups and breezy high-neck frocks to lightweight coats and accessories. As with any thrift or vintage hunt, you’ll want to arrive early for the best selection. Tunes will be spun and drinks will be served during the event’s opening night.

      Admission is free, though RSVP is required for the first night of the event. See Facebook for details.

       

      Cord and Stone

      Nifty for Fifty

      April 15 at Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street)

      Boxing Day in April or a “glorified fashion garage sale”—whatever you want to call it, Nifty for Fifty is a must-visit for conscious shoppers and bargain hunters alike. Now in its 11th year, the indie blowout will feature over 30 designers, ceramists, leatherworkers, and others, each of whom will be hawking a selection of handmade goods for no more than $50 a pop. Among the items available will be sterling-silver bling by Cord and Stone, one-of-a-kind sketchbooks from Bitter Melon Bindery, and Bali-produced clutches by Devi Arts Collective.

      Admission is $2 at the door. The event is cash-only. See event listing for details.

       

      Eastside Flea

      Eastside Flea

      From April 20 to 22; May 5 to 6 and 18 to 20; and June 2 to 5 and 16 to 17 at the Ellis Building (1024 Main Street)

      The bi-weekly Eastside Flea is a mainstay on Vancouver’s market circuit, but its April 20 edition is an especially big one given it will mark the event’s two-year anniversary at its home at the Ellis Building. That evening, guests can expect live performances from local bands War Baby and Basic Instinct, flash tattoos being done on-site, and tons of giveaways. Drink specials, access to artists’ showrooms, and food trucks will round out the night’s festivities. Of course, you can also shop vintage apparel, plants, collectibles, and other goods from 50-plus vendors, who will be there every other week until the end of June.

      Admission for the two-year anniversary party on April 20 is $5 at the door before 8 p.m. and $8 thereafter. Admission is $3 at the door or $5 for a weekend pass on all other dates. See event listing for details.

       

      Wild Tree

      Make It! Vancouver

      From April 20 to 22 at PNE Forum (2901 East Hastings Street)

      With a lineup of more than 180 artisans from across Canada, Make It! Vancouver’s spring iteration is one of the city’s biggest markets. This year’s affair features over 60 first-time vendors, including Itchyichi, producer of upcycled patchwork bags; Wild Tree, an Ottawa-based biz that crafts ceramic jewellery and homewares; and Dogwood Denim, manufacturer of raw, made-to-measure jeans. Foodies will also be happy to see a healthy roster of food vendors, plus an on-site beer garden and food trucks. A silent auction will benefit the Union Gospel Mission.

      Admission is $6 at the door and free for children 12 years old and under. See website for details.

       

      Tara O'Grady

      Refresh Market

      April 27 and 28 at West Coast Railway Heritage Park (39645 Government Road, Squamish)

      Take a day trip to Squamish for Refresh Market’s first pop-up of the year, where you’ll find 100 artists, designers, and others selling a range of locally made clothing, homewares, small-batch foodstuffs, and more. A whopping 48 artisans are new to this year’s show and will offer everything from comfy swimwear and aromatherapy goods to stationery and vintage décor. Mobile darkroom Tintype Trike will also be present, where photographer Ian Azariah will produce 1860s-style tintype portraits. The first 50 shoppers through the door on Saturday and Sunday will receive a free swag bag.

      Admission is $5 at the door, $3 in advance online, and free for kids under 12. See event listing for details.

       

      Bare Skin Bar

      Fall For Local

      April 28 and 29 at the Pipe Shop Building (115 Victory Ship Way)

      Support Canada’s small-business community at Fall For Local, a bi-annual market that goes beyond makers to give entrepreneurs of all sorts a platform. This year’s spring edition boasts 85 vendors, including Bare Skin Bar, graphic designer Emily Cheung, and Studio A-OK, who will be stocking items like rose-clay-and-cocoa bath bombs, punchy greeting cards, and aesthetically pleasing herb grinders. Attendees may also try their hand at a DIY workshop with Il Fioraio Floral Design on-site and enjoy food-truck grub. The first 50 people to arrive on each day will nab a free swag bag.

      Admission is $5 at the door, $3 in advance online, and free for kids under 12. See event listing for details.

       

      Got Craft?

      Got Craft?

      May 5 and 6 at Maritime Labour Centre (1880 Triumph Street)

      Nearly 80 artisans and DIY masters will gather in East Van for Got Craft?’s 11th spring iteration, where locally handmade goods and hands-on workshops will get the spotlight. Among the participating sellers are Fair Pour Toi, under which designer Anne-Marie Bélanger makes adorable felt dolls using recycled textiles; Make Merry Party Shop, purveyor of sustainably crafted special-occasion décor; and the Tin Shoppe, which makes a range of “faux-vintage candles”. The first 50 people through the door on each day will receive a free swag bag.

      Admission is $5 at the door or $3 in advance online. See event listing for details.

       

      Mind the Minimal

      Portobello West

      May 26 at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews)

      Portobello West, B.C.’s version of the world-famous Portobello Market from across the pond, is back for its annual spring pop-up with more than 50 vendors on deck. This season’s lineup includes Mind the Minimal, who will have a selection concrete planters and jewellery on hand; Beauty Secrets of Japan, maker of soaps that employ traditional Japanese ingredients; Revol Girl, a local startup that produces cheeky, period-proof underwear. Vendors such as EastVan Bees, BobAli Foods, and Crumble Bakery represent the edible offerings.

      Admission is $2 at the door. See website for details.

      Follow Lucy Lau on Twitter @lucylau.

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