Our Story
What began in 2012 as a single weekend market in Vancouver has grown into a network of festivals and fairs spanning eleven Canadian cities. The founder, inspired by Europe's vibrant market culture, wanted to create similar gathering spaces that celebrated local craftsmanship while fostering genuine community connections.
We noticed a gap between talented artisans creating exceptional work and audiences hungry for alternatives to mass-produced goods. Traditional retail spaces favored volume over authenticity, while artisans struggled to find affordable venues that attracted their ideal customers.
How We Operate
Each festival location is carefully selected for foot traffic, accessibility, and alignment with the surrounding community's character. We handle venue negotiations, permits, marketing, and logistics so artisans can focus entirely on their craft and customer interactions.
Our revenue comes from booth rentals and package services offered to participating artisans. We don't take commission on sales, which means vendors keep 100% of their earnings. This model aligns our success with vendor success—the better we promote events and the more value we provide, the more artisans return season after season.
What Drives Us
Beyond economics, we're motivated by watching first-time vendors discover their audience, seeing collectors find pieces that become family heirlooms, and observing how these events strengthen neighborhood identity. When a woodworker from Alberta connects with a buyer who returns annually, or when a textile artist's work ends up featured in local galleries, we see the ripple effects of what started as a simple market booth.
Every festival we organize reinforces our belief that people crave authentic objects with stories behind them, and artisans deserve platforms that respect the years of skill development their work represents.
Our Commitment
We maintain rigorous quality standards for vendor selection, ensuring every participant demonstrates genuine craftsmanship. We don't accept resellers or mass-produced items. This curation protects the reputation of our events and ensures visitors encounter only authentic, handmade goods.
We also invest in long-term community relationships rather than chasing short-term volume. Many of our most successful events operate in the same neighborhoods year after year, building anticipation and loyal followings that benefit both artisans and the broader community.