Five outdoor markets to hit up this summer for art, antiques and artisan accessories

Five outdoor markets to hit up this summer for art, antiques and artisan accessories

Summer’s short! It would be a shame to spend it in a mall. Here are our top ways to sneak in a bit of retail therapy while enjoying the summer sun.

1. Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

A sprawling smorgasbord of pieces by more than 300 contemporary visual artists will take over Nathan Phillips Square from July 8-10. Discover row upon row of artworks by local creators like ceramic artist Christopher Reid Flock, jeweller Devon Thom, photographer Maureen O’Connor and mixed-media designer Shay Salehi at the 55-year-old outdoor exhibition. This year’s market will also feature an installation from local artist Max Streicher, whose Troika—three seven-foot-tall inflated horses—will be suspended in the square among the shoppers and vendors. torontooutdoorart.org  

Waterfront Artisan Market

 

  A photo posted by BB Tresors Jewelry (@bbtresors) on

The Toronto Market Company (TMK) is behind this monthly marketplace, which is new for 2016 (they also run the Royal Bank Plaza Farmers MRKT, Front Street Foods at Adelaide Place and the Union Station Holiday Market). The Waterfront Market is more food than fashion, but there are still plenty of artisans to satisfy style seekers. Check out pretty baubles from BBTresor, handmade bowties and pocket squares from Vivid and whimsical home decor from Len while noshing on snacks from Caplansky’s, Jamie Kennedy and others. waterfrontartisanmarket.com

3. Toronto Flower Market

A casual stroll through the city’s first outdoor flower market will have you envisioning a swoon-worthy home full of beautiful blossoms. The market runs monthly until October and highlights the best in Ontario-grown plants and flowers from vendors such as La Primavera, Pioneer Flower Farms and Sweet Gale Gardens. torontoflowermarket.ca

Club Monaco Market

 

  A photo posted by Sweet Woodruff (@sweetwoodruff) on

Club Monaco’s outdoor market, which opened last year in front of its flagship Toronto store at 157 Bloor West, is back. Pick up a customized bouquet from Sweet Woodruff and a Sam James coffee before ogling Club Monaco’s latest summer jumper or a dreamy chambray shirt. The market runs seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, until September 3.

Kensington Market Art Fair

Once a month, performers, artisans and vendors spill into the streets for Pedestrian Sunday, when Kensington Market’s roads are closed off to car traffic. The Kensington market Art Fair made its debut at Pedestrian Sunday in 2016, and returns this year with a curated selection of paintings, photographs and sculpture from more than 50 local artists. This year’s Art Fairs take place on June 26, July 31, August 28, September 25, and October 30. keep6.ca/kmaf