Calgarians know how to make the best of their summer months. At the first sign of sun, we’re out on patios or rafting down the Bow. It’s no different when it comes to our shopping habits. The mall might have AC, but there’s no greater blow than seeing someone else wearing the same outfit you bought off the rack. With summer markets and pop-ups, there’s plenty of opportunities to stop shopping the racks and start snagging unique finds.
Curated. Summer Market #YYC and Market Eve
Each piece has a story to tell at a Curated Market. This market is filled with handmade items from Alberta makers and curators, so you can be sure that you’re getting an original. The Curated Market is split into the ticket-only event, Market Eve, followed the next day by the public market. Grabbing a ticket to Market Eve means you’ll have first dibs on one-of-a-kind pieces. Check out the curators ahead of the event (bycurated.com/curatives) to plan ahead and pick out who you want to see. That, and having cash on hand, helps with the shopping experience.
When: June 16-17
Where: My Bowness, 7904 43 Ave. NW
bycurated.com
Alternative Market
The Alternative Market at Studio Bell brings together unique makers and vendors, giving you the chance to pick up anything from local art to essential-oil-infused bracelets and beyond. Check out vendors such as Hyper Creative Art to grab prints of the old King Eddy and Drops of Gratitude, who were recently asked to join a market at the Billboard Music Awards.
When: June 25
Where: Studio Bell, 850 4 St. SE
facebook.com/events/1930098700337425
Calgary Night Market
The Calgary Night Market is a nearly-year-round staple for savvy shoppers, but the summer brings out the best in the event. The Market has taken up a new home in the Southcentre parking lot, meaning lots of space for local artisans selling jewelry and homewares and vintage retailers. The first market of the season saw around 13,000 attendees over two nights. Don’t be one of the few to miss this summer experience.
When: July 7-8, 28-29 and Aug. 25-26
Where: Southcentre
facebook.com/calgarynightmarket
My Treasure Sale
There’s nothing more nostalgic than a summer yard sale, which is why My Treasure Sale is the seasoned garage-saler’s dream. Anyone can be a vendor at this market located on the upper parkade a Northland Village. Arrive early to get that rare find and don’t count on it being there next week.
When: Saturdays
Where: Northland Village, 5111 Northland Dr. NW
mytreasuresale.com
Market Collective x Sled Island Block Party
Market Collective is teaming up with Sled Island to bring this community-based arts market to the city. Expect vintage finds from vendors such as Velour Clothing Exchange and new tunes from the Beatnik Bus. Market Collective encourages shoppers to chat with vendors to get to know about their work. You never know what might come out of a friendly chat.
When: June 24
Where: Inglewood
marketcollective.ca
EV Junction
If you weren’t already spending time down in the revitalized East Village, the EV Junction is your reason to show up. The Junction’s colourful shipping (or, if you prefer, shopping) containers are open Thursday through Saturday for the summer and offer handcrafted jewelry, woodworking and more. EV Junction offers shopping opportunities for the gents at Modern Menswear and is also the launch pad for their new unisex brand, Jante.
Where: Southwest corner of 4 St. and 8 Ave. SE
When: June 1 through October
evexperience.com/evjunction
Sled Island Poster Show
Phil & Sebastian’s Mission location will host this year’s Sled Island Poster Show where you can get your hands on limited runs of posters commemorating bands from this year’s lineup. Burnt Toast Studios produces only 30 copies of each hand-silkscreened poster, so the best time to shop is at the opening event.
When: June 20, 7-11 pm, June 21-25, 11 am – 6 pm
Where: Phil & Sebastian Mission, 2207 4 St. SW
sledisland.com
Marketspot YYC Canada 150
Celebrate Canada’s Day with Marketspot YYC’s Canada 150 Market providing a diverse shopping experience with over 60 local vendors and artisans. Marketspot will be highlighting select vendors on social media, so be sure to check in and plan ahead. Dogs may not be a big fan of the fireworks, but they’ll love being included in your daytime shopping. Marketspot will feature vendors selling accessories and treats for Fido.
When: July 1, 10 am – 11 pm
Where: Barclay Parade SW
facebook.com/marketspotcalgary
Inglewood Night Market
The Inglewood Night Market is another pop-up staple during the summer months. Stroll through over 50 vendors booths and take in the atmosphere of Calgary’s original Main Street. The market features a trunk show where vendors sell unique and interesting items out of their vehicles.
Where: 9 Ave. and 10 St. SE
When: July 14, August 11, September 8
facebook.com/inglewoodnightmarket
By Fraser Tripp
