Connect With Local Artisans This Summer

As we welcome the warmer months of the year, our team at The Good Trade could not be more excited to grab our totes and visit the local maker’s markets happening in our city! While we love shopping our favorite sustainable brands online or in brick & mortar stores during the winter, there is something truly special about gathering with others to support artisans and makers in the community. The delicious food trucks, craft cocktails, and live music are always an added bonus!

So, whether you live on the west coast, in the Rocky Mountains, or east of the Mississippi, add one of these upcoming makers markets to your spring and summer plans. Because there is nothing quite as special as spending the day with your loved ones (and your dog—many of the markets are pet-friendly!) while learning about and supporting local makers in your city. 

1. Unique LA

Where To Find It | Los Angeles, CA
When To Go | May 12 & 13
Admission | $15

It’s an exciting market season for Unique LA: this year the beloved California pop-up will celebrate its 10th anniversary! With over 300+ hand-selected artists, brands, and designers, the organization is redefining the way consumers shop. Moreover, Unique LA’s events are showing shoppers just how fun and meaningful it is to buy small and support local makers. 

This summer’s market is sure to be memorable, so snag your tickets soon! General admission is $15 (with VIP options); the address is the 13th floor of the California Market Center (110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles).

Learn more about Unique LA

2. American Field Market

Where To Find It | D.C., Brooklyn, & Boston
When To Go | Various dates in May & June
Admission | Free

Three cities. Three historic warehouses. Three makers markets. 

East Coast friends, mark your calendars for the American Field pop-up events happening in Brooklyn, Boston, and D.C. this spring and summer! One of the nation’s largest growing markets, American Field is dedicated to promoting the best Made-in-the-USA brands and items. Check the website for specific venues in each city, as well as parking information (commute or use public transit when possible). Admission is free.

Learn more about American Field Market

3. Handmade Toledo

Where To Find It | Toledo, OH
When To Go | May 12
Admission | $1

We’re excited to announce the dates for Handmade Toledo’s annual Maker’s Mart, happening in May this spring! Like previous years, this pop-up is a one-day, indie art shopping event, featuring more than 120 vendors. Attendees can also look forward to local coffee, cocktails, and beer, as well as delicious food trucks! Admission is $1, and the event will take place at Handmade Toledo’s brick & mortar shop in the beautiful Uptown District in Toledo (1717 Adams Street).

Learn more about Handmade Toledo

4. Pop-Up Raleigh

Where To Find It | Raleigh, NC
When To Go | May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18
Admission | Free

For southeastern vintage finds, head on over to Pop-Up Raleigh—a monthly, year-round market held at Trophy Brewing in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. From vintage clothes to retro decor, artisan goods to handmade jewelry, shoppers can peruse the many talented vendors of North Carolina while sipping on a craft brew and enjoying bites from local food trucks. Admission is free; the market address is 656 Maywood Avenue.

Learn more about Pop-Up Raleigh

5. Indie Craft Experience Summer Market

Where To Find It | Atlanta, GA
When To Go | June 2 & 3
Admission | $5

Get ready for the Indie Craft Experience’s (ICE) 13th annual summer pop-up market, happening this June at the Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta (65 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE)! For a $5 admission fee (the first 250 shoppers get swag bags), attendees can spend an entire day listening to music, trying local food, and shopping more than 150 artisan and vintage vendors. The market, founded in 2005 by Atlanta natives, Christy Patterson and Shannon Mulkey Green, is one of the most loved markets east of the Mississippi.

Learn more about Indie Craft Experience

6. The Boho Market

Where To Find It | Dallas, TX
When To Go | June 9, July 14, August 11
Admission | Free

Founded by two sisters who desired to support local artisans and makers in their community, The Boho Market is an eclectic and vintage shopping experience happening in Dallas, Texas this spring and summer. With hundreds of vendors, local craft beer, artisan food, and family fun, you don’t want to miss out on this Texas-size makers market. Admission is free; the popup will take place at 920 S. Harwood (The Dallas Farmers Market). 

The Boho Market also hosts popups in McKinney and San Antonio—check the website or social media for upcoming dates in those cities. 

Learn more about The Boho Market

7. Firefly Handmade Marketplace

Where To Find It | Boulder, CO
When To Go | June 9 & 10
Admission | Free

The premier pop-up market in Northern Colorado for handcrafted goods, the annual Firefly Handmade Marketplace will feature 100+ local and indie artisans in its upcoming show this June. Since 2010, the organization has been supporting and celebrating local makers by hosting unique and selectively curated events. And, like previous years, attendees can anticipate a fun weekend of shopping, live music, and artisanal food. Admission is free and the event will take place at the Embassy Suites (2601 Canyon Blvd) in Boulder, Colorado.

Learn more about Firefly Handmade Marketplace

8. The Strawberry Swing Maker Faire

Where To Find It | Kansas City, MO
When To Go | June 23 & 24
Admission | Free

Buy handmade and support local artisans at Kansas City’s most beloved pop-up shop this summer. Voted the Midwest’s #1 Indie Craft Fair, we are thrilled to announce the summer dates for The Strawberry Swing’s Maker Faire, happening at the historic Union Station (30 W Pershing Rd)! In celebration of the nationwide makers movement and DIY mindset, the Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event featuring over 100 artisans and creators. Come to browse, shop, and support local indie artists in one of the country’s most widely anticipated pop-up events. Admission is free.

Learn more about The Strawberry Swing Maker Faire

9. Renegade Craft

Where To Find It | Various US Locations
When To Go | Various dates & times
Admission | Varies

Renegade Craft is back at it for the 2018 summer market season! The famous pop-up will be hosting events for artisan goods and small-batch products all over the United States. With markets taking place all over the country, almost everyone is close enough to attend one of Renegade Craft’s fantastic and memorable events. 

The cities for the 2018 spring and summer markets are San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Austin, New York, Seattle, and Portland. Market dates, times, locations, and admission fees vary, so make sure to check the site for details! 

Learn more about Renegade Craft

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kayti Christian, a staff writer for The Good Trade, is a storyteller, creator, activist, and avid traveler hailing from Colorado, now living in London. With 30+ stamps in her passport, she is passionate about responsible tourism and is always looking for new ways to be a more conscious traveler. She is currently pursuing her MA in Creative Nonfiction Writing at City, University of London.