Vancouver is home to many makers who love to showcase their talent at small markets around the city.
Especially on sunny summer days, pop-up markets are an amazing way to spend your time, browsing artisan goods, chatting with friendly vendors, and often fueling up on tasty food and drink. Their community vibe and picturesque Vancouver locations add to their appeal.
Below are some summer pop-up markets for lively shopping this season:
Photo: South Granville
South Granville is an upscale, fashionable neighbourhood on the West Side of Vancouver. This summer, the BIA has a ton of fun events planned, including bend and flow yoga (July 14, August 11, 10-11am, Vancouver School Board Park – Fir Street @ West 10th Avenue) and a Summer Sounds Concert Series (July 18, 7-8pm, South Granville Plaza West @ West 13th Avenue; August 22, 7-8pm, Vancouver School Board Park).
Another neighbourhood highlight are pop-up markets. In partnership with the City of Vancouver, Got Craft is holding a Summer Market Series in South Granville (July 13 and August 24, 11am-5pm, Granville St and West 14th Avenue) with vendors offering specialized artisan items. Meanwhile, SEEK Bespoke Market is taking place at the Vancouver School Board Park August 17 and 18 from noon to 6pm. The Market will spotlight goods like pottery, jewelry, and delicious handcrafted food products. Live music is in the works. You can enjoy a meal or a snack at one of South Granville’s numerous eateries, such as Sirka Gourmet Indian Kitchen or Small Victory Bakery.
Photo: Junction Public Market
Junction Public Market has launched at Granville Square, running until September 29, 2024 (Tuesday to Sundays and holiday Mondays 11am-7pm). The city’s first container market offers spectacular views of the mountains and water and consists of food and drink selections, photo ops, live entertainment, and shopping opportunities. Food and beverage vendors include Taco Nori, Tochi, and The Sipping Container (a patio for alcoholic bevvies). Meanwhile, visitors can browse goods at vendors such as Egg Atelier and Soumak Boutique.
Photo: Vegan Night Market
Locarno Beach is the gorgeous setting for the Vegan Night Market, happening every second Thursday until August 29 (next dates July 18, August 1, August 15, August 29, 6-10pm). This plant-based market features over 45 vendors, including restaurant pop-ups and food trucks, as well as artisans selling items like clothing and cosmetics. The market also features live music, in addition to sunset yoga with a sound bath (8-9pm). Ride your bike to the market and enjoy beach views as you browse goods, nosh on vegan food, and mingle with happy folks.
Photo: Hastings Community Markets
This summer market is special due to its connection to a worthy local non-profit organization. Hastings Racecourse and Casino, in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, is holding Community Markets on Fridays (6:30pm-10pm), Saturdays (2pm-6pm), and stat holidays (2pm-6pm) until August 10, 2024 (no market July 19-20, August 3) on their Mezzanine. The Hastings Community Market will be a gathering of local vendors reflecting a variety of goods. Check out the horse races while you’re there, or head over to nearby Playland for an entertaining outing.
Photo: Made in the 604
Made in the 604, which celebrates the best of goods made in Vancouver, has a busy summer ahead. They’re hosting a Summer Night Market Series (every Friday until September 13, 5pm-10pm) with a ton of local vendors in North Vancouver’s Pipe Shop at the Shipyards. This is part of the larger Shipyards Night Market, which encompasses unbeatable views, food trucks, live music, and a beer garden.
They also have a Summer Pop-up Market happening at Heritage Hall on July 20, 21, and August 18 (11am to 5pm), as well as an Artisan Market scheduled for the Flats Fest (565 Great Northern Way) on September 7, 2024 from noon to 9pm. The Fest will feature food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and a Kid Zone.
CREATE! Arts Festival 2023; Photo credit: Wendy D
Provided by Eastside Arts Society
In addition, many summer festivals in the city have a pop-up market component to them, including Powell Street Festival (August 3-4), West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts Festival (August 2-11), CREATE! Eastside Arts Festival (July 27, Art Shop in free concert stage and Art Zone at Strathcona Park; the Festival itself—with tons of events and workshops—runs July 22-28), and the Vancouver Mural Festival (Got Craft, August 8-9 at Main Street @ East 5th Avenue; the VMF will be on August 7-11).