Photo: Made in the 604
With the leaves changing colour and the just-right temperatures, autumn in Vancouver is a lovely time to take a stroll in a neighbourhood—potentially visiting one of the city’s many seasonal markets.
Here are some suggestions for markets that will have you falling in love with fall produce, artisan crafts, and neighbourhood community.
Photo: Vancouver Farmers Markets
The harvest of local produce is bountiful in the autumn. At Vancouver Farmers Markets, you can expect to find apples, carrots, radishes, grapes, pumpkin, and artichokes in October, with November offerings including sunchokes, daikon, kale, and quince. Local artisans selling everything from skincare to pottery are in attendance, as well as food vendors that specialize in products like kombucha, perogies, and plant-based cheeses. Mount Pleasant (Sundays until October 27), Trout Lake (Saturdays until October 26), Riley Park (Saturdays until October 26), Kitsilano (Sundays until October 27), West End (Saturdays until October 26), and Downtown (Wednesdays until December 18) markets run into the fall. Other markets—Kitsilano Winter (Sundays November 3-April 27) and Riley Park Winter (Saturdays November 2-March 29)—will open later in the fall.
Photo: Got Craft
Since 2007, Got Craft has been championing local makers, organizing a variety of markets and pop-up events that exude charm, inclusion, and community. Got Craft will next make an appearance at the Vancouver Fall Home Show (October 24-27, Vancouver Convention Centre) with over 35 artisans, including Yes, Honey! and Coconama. After that, they’ll be holding their annual Holiday Market at the Croatian Cultural Centre November 23 and 24 (10am to 5pm).
Photo: Made in the 604
As their name suggests, Made in the 604 is all about spotlighting Vancouver crafters and artists. The organization began with pop-up markets at Mount Pleasant’s Heritage Hall in 2018 but have since expanded to host other markets at other locations in Metro Vancouver. They have two autumn markets lined up: the first at Heritage Hall on October 26-27 (11am to 5pm), with the first 25 shoppers on October 26 getting market money to spend. The second is taking place at the Pipe Shop at North Vancouver’s Shipyards District October 12 from noon to 6pm. Again, the first 25 people get market money. Admission is free to both. They’re great opportunities to get to know their respective neighbourhoods: grab brunch before or dinner after, and walk leisurely around each area, browsing local boutiques.
Launching just before the close of summer, The Marketplace Kitsilano is an outdoor marketplace that combines live music, artisan crafts, workshops and activities/games, and food and drink. The pop-up market (2966 West 4th Avenue) is located in an empty lot and features picnic tables, crate seating, and tented areas (in case of rain). Operating hours are Thursday to Sunday (see website for up-to-date opening and closing times). Local vendors selling everything from jewelry to bags are on site, in addition to local food trucks and their own beer garden. The Marketplace has also organized various events such as Dog Community Day on October 10 and a ticketed Pumpkin and Petals workshop on October 11.
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Little Bird Dim Sum + Craft Beer is just a few doors down, so you could grab some dumplings before or after the Marketplace. Also, the shops and restaurants of West Broadway and 4th Avenue are not too far away for further eating and browsing.
Photo: The Eastside Flea
The vibe at The Eastside Flea is chill and community-minded. This popular weekly market has reopened this autumn, with their final fall one taking place October 12 and 13 from 11-5pm ($5 entry) at 1101 Union Street. You’ll find over 50 local vendors (many selling vintage wear), in addition to food trucks outside, and seasonal drink options (e.g., autumn rickey cocktail and chai ginger spiced mule) inside. They’ll close for about a month and reopen November 9 for their Holiday Markets that run until December 14.
If you’re looking for a fun Halloween event, head to the Nightmare Before Christmas Market happening October 19 (11am to 7pm) and 20 (10am to 4pm) at the Maritime Labour Centre. This ticketed event will feature over 65 local vendors, food trucks, a kids’ craft table, and face painting on the 20th. Expect to find Halloween themed crafts, such as jewelry, candles, and cookies. You’re encouraged to wear a costume and get in the spirit of the Nightmare Before Christmas. Plus, the first 67 attendees receive $5 in market money to spend.
Photo: Bespoke Market
For those wanting to venture out of Vancouver for an easy and short road trip, consider visiting Bespoke Market in Squamish’s Railway Museum of BC November 8 (4pm-9pm), 9 (10am-5pm), and 10 (10am-4pm). This annual market is very popular, drawing visitors from all over the region. The venue is large and the selection of vendors particularly well curated. You can make a day of it by grabbing a bite and drink at a local establishment, such as Luz Tacos at Geo Cider or Backcountry Brewing, or explore other areas of Squamish.
Once November hits, the holiday markets start coming fast and furious. Ones to look out for include Circle Craft Holiday Market (November 6-10) at the Vancouver Convention Centre; the Portobello West Holiday Market (November 30 and December 1, 10am to 5pm) at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre; the Vancouver Etsy Co Holiday Pop Up (November 16-17, 11am-5pm) at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver; and Toque Craft Fair (November 29-December 1) at Western Front.