As the holidays inch closer and closer, our crafters and artisans are busier than ever! There are craft shows and sales all over the country, giving you a chance to purchase local, handmade, unique gifts that will be treasured by those you love. Here is a sampling of some of the fantastic events from coast to coast this weekend:
Victoria, BC: Head to the Crystal Gardens for the Out of Hand Artisan Christmas Fair. Starting today from noon until 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $8.00, seniors and students are $7.00, kids under 16 are free. Fashionistas won’t want to miss the friday evening “fashion in action – a girls night out” from 6 – 9:00 pm, featuring DJ’s, cocktails, and models, along with all the fabulous handmade goodies. Need directions? click here for a map to the Crystal Gardens.
Edmonton, AB: Truly local flair is on tap at the 9th Royal Bison Craft & Art Fair. Taking place at 8426 Gateway Boulevard on Saturday and Sunday. Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Admission is only $2.00. You can even RSVP on Facebook to let them know you are on your way!
Halifax, NS: Billed as Halifax’s favorite craft market for over 25 years, you won’t want to miss the Dalplex Christmas Craft Market. With over 130 booths featuring vendors from across the country, it is sure to be a crafter’s delight. The show starts today from noon to 9:30 pm, then opens at 9:30 am on Saturday, and 10:00 am on Sunday. General admission is $6.00, seniors, Dalplex members, and Dalhousie students (with proper ID) are $5.00. Once again, you can RSVP for this event on Facebook.
Toronto, On: Put on some comfy shoes and be prepared to spend the whole day, because you won’t want to miss a thing at the One Of A Kind Christmas Show and Sale. Open now until December 5th at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, it is a yearly highlight for Southern Ontario lovers of arts and crafts. I will be stopping by next week, and I can’t wait! Doors are open from 10:00 am daily, and close at 9:00 pm (6:00 pm on Sundays). Parking and Directions can be found here (you will need to pay for parking, or take the TTC). Save $2.00 by purchasing your tickets online, costs at the door are $12.00 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and students.
Edmonton, AB: Vive la Revolution! It’s Edmonton’s turn to experience the Handmade Revolution that is Make It! After opening on Thursday evening, things get rolling again today from noon to 9:00 pm, then 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. This craft party is being held at the Alberta Aviation Museum (need a map? no problem!), and costs only $5.00. Print this flyer and you can save $2.00 off admission. On site parking is free. Keep your eyes peeled for Sarah, I have a feeling she’ll be lurking around there somewhere!
Vancouver, BC: Experience the Portobello West Fashion and Art Market, held on the last Sunday of every month, this is your last chance before the holidays! The market is open on Sunday from noon until 6:00 pm, and admission is $2.00. You can also become a market member for $15.00 and get admission for the whole year! The market takes place at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, and you can get directions online here.
Moncton, NB: Over 400 vendors are expected to take part in the Turner’s Christmas at the Coliseum Craft Show & Sale this weekend. The show is held at the Moncton Coliseum Complex (naturally), and admission is $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors, students, or members of our armed forces. Things get rolling from 2:00 to 10:00 pm today, then 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. A map link is provided here.
Winnipeg, MB: Thanks to a kind reader for letting us know about a joint event with Handmade Holiday and “This Aint Your Grandma’s Craft Sale“. It’s taking place tonight from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, and tomorrow from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Winnipeg craft fans can head over to the West End Cultural Centre to check out over 40 local crafters. Suggested donations for admission will go to charity.
You can also find shows in Oshawa, and Tillsonburg ON, Bear River NS, Muskoka cottage country, and maybe one just a few steps from home.
If you stop by and visit any of these shows, be sure to let them know C+H sent you! (and then drop us a line and tell us how much fun you had!).
Wishing I could be in 10 places at once…
~Jennifer
Ah September… prime time for great fall events! If you are in the Milton area (just a quick drive on the 401 from Toronto), be sure to check out The Milton Farm Fall Craft Show. The show runs on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, at Country Heritage Park. Cost for admission is only $6.00 (kids are free), and it is well worth it! I attended the spring show, and had a great time. There are over 140 vendors showcasing a great mix of woodworking, jewellery, glass works, clothing, decor, toys, and even delicious gourmet homemade treats.
If you are someone whose style is modern (or “not Country”) don’t let the word Farm scare you away. There are plenty of options to suit every personal style, from funky, to modern, classic, and yes- country.
Directions to Country Heritage Park can be found here. You can find more info about the show on the show site, or call 1-888-307-3276.
Enjoy!
~Jennifer
p.s. Don’t forget about the hundreds of local Fall Fairs going on across the country over the next couple of weeks! Find one near you and head out to support your local agricultural society. You will be sure to see local crafty talent on display in the home crafts area and have lots of fun while you discover the events, competitions, games and rides!
The last long weekend of the summer is almost here, and with it comes the New Brunswick Fine Craft Festival. The show opens today at noon, and running until 5:00 pm on Sunday at Officer’s Square in Fredericton.
In addition to the show and sale of wonderful handmade items, there are live demonstrations of woodworking, weaving, pottery, and more! There is even a children’s craft tent, where the kids get to participate and make a craft of their own to take home!
There are also free musical performances, food booths, and I’m told there may even be some prizes to be won…
For more information, head to the website, or call the New Brunswick Crafts Council at (506) 450-8989.
Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful long weekend,
~Jennifer
This weekend Head Lake Park in Haliburton plays host to the 46th annual Haliburton Art & Craft Festival.
Over 100 exhibitors are featuring woodworking, jewellery, clay and metal work, and much more. Doors open today at noon, and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is only $2.00 so if you are in the area, be sure to check it out! You never know what treasures you may find!
~Here’s hoping your weekend is filled with summer fun,
Jennifer
If you are in the Greater Toronto Area this weekend, you may want to stop by the Beaches Arts and Crafts Show! Held at Kew Gardens Park (Queen Street East and Lee Avenue), the show runs from 10 am until 6 pm this Saturday and Sunday.
In its 26th year, this show features 150 craftspeople from across Canada. The entries are juried, and selected to make an interesting and diverse mix of items for visitors to enjoy. Included this year is photography, jewelry, leather work, metal work, artistry, and so much more.
For more information or directions, click here. Here’s hoping that the weather holds out and that vendors and visitors alike have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Jennifer
If you are in or near Windsor this weekend, be sure to check out Art in the Park.
There are 275 exhibitors this year (the event’s 32nd), including Ceramics, Woodworking, Fine Art, Clothing, Jewelry, Glasswork, Metals, and so much more! Check out the full exhibitor list here.
There is also musical entertainment, food, and even a special children’s area.
Hours of Operation are:
Saturday June 5th, 10am to 7pm
Sunday June 6th, 10am to 5pm
You can find them at Willistead Park, and shuttles are available from several locations. Check here for shuttle info.
If you are exhibiting or attending this event, be sure to drop us a line and let us know how it went!
Happy Crafting,
Jennifer
I’ve just recently learned about Make It, a company putting a brand new spin on the traditional craft show scene. With 3 shows in Western Canada this year (Vancouver just a couple of weeks ago, Edmonton this coming weekend and Calgary in November), Make It’s brother/sister management team is giving craft shows a new look and feel.
According to their website:
“Make It is the largest event of its kind in Western Canada. It is an upbeat experience that gives enlightened shoppers the opportunity to buy directly from Canada’s top urban artisans and designers!”
Each 3 day event features music by top local DJ’s, yummy treats and over 100 funky, modern, urban vendors. Definitely sounds like my kind of event… unfortunately, prior commitments will keep me away from the Edmonton show this weekend, but I’ve already booked the Calgary weekend (November 5 -7th) on my calendar!
To learn more about this show, you can follow @makeitshow on Twitter or join their Facebook page at Make It: The Handmade Revolution
I love that there is a new option on the craft show circuit, and can’t wait to check it out in November. Until then, I’ll be stalking their exhibitor list!
Cheers,
~Sarah
Show Details for this weekend!
Make It Edmonton
May 29: 11 am – 7 pm
May 30: 11 am – 6 pm
Alberta Aviation Museum
11410 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton
