City of Craft 2026
City of Craft is returning to The Theatre Centre December 4-6, 2026!
“City of Craft showcases exceptional artists, artisans, makers, and craftspeople whose work is beautiful, unusual, unexpected, and delightful. The lively atmosphere and artistic craftsmanship turn shopping into a celebration of contemporary craft culture.”
— Nehal El-Hadi, City of Craft 2025 Jury Member and The Theatre Centre Residency Artist
City of Craft was formerly stewarded by an incredible group of dedicated independent craft artists, and The Theatre Centre took on producing the market in 2024 to continue its mission: strengthening the relationship between the studio craft and DIY (Do-It-Yourself) community, as well as increasing the city’s access to – and appreciation for – contemporary craft.
City of Craft is Toronto’s largest not-for-profit, juried craft show each December featuring craft-based installations, attracting approximately 4,000 attendees. Crafters and artisans from all disciplines are welcome to apply!
City of Craft 2026 will also see the return of our popular Small Paper-Goods Market downstairs in our BMO Incubator. This room is meant for handmade zines and paper goods priced $40 or less (higher priced paper/print artists are welcome to apply to be a part of our upstairs market).
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
There is an $11.99 application fee (includes tax and fees) to apply to City of Craft and an $6.16 application fee (includes tax and fees) for the Small Paper-Goods Market.
For any accessibility or financial barriers, please email [email protected] to inquire.
Applicants applying in the Edibles and Personal Care categories will be asked to share samples of their work for the jury. Samples can be mailed to or dropped off at the following address Monday – Friday, 9am-6pm to:
The Theatre Centre
1115 Queen Street W
Toronto, ON M6J 1J1
City of Craft 2026 lineup:
SMALL PAPER-GOODS MARKET VENDORS
INSTALLATION ARTISTS
Elicser Elliott
Elicser Elliott is a Toronto-based aerosol artist whose creations adorn the cultural landscape here and abroad. As an integral part of downtown Toronto’s street art community for over a decade, he has been recognized for his artistry and praised by both street and fine art collectors all over the world. His work has been featured in a multitude of publications, hung in prestigious galleries like the Art Gallery of Ontario, and for a number of years he had his own installation in the Royal Ontario Museum.
Merle Harley
Merle Harley creates continually building alternate visual realities. An artist of many different mediums, works often include illustration, watercolour, textiles, comics, installation and creation for theatre and TV. Merle has been published in many online and print publications and exhibited work across Canada and beyond. Recent projects in the Theatre and TV realm include building costumes, props and sets for shows such as Mad Madge (Nightwood), Cliff Cardinal’s Everyone I Love Has A Terrible Fate (VideoCabaret) and Nanalan (Puppet Island). They are known for an interest in creative problem solving and a playful artistic style.
Hours are as follows:
- Friday, December 6th – 6-10pm
- Saturday, December 7th – 11-6pm
- Sunday, December 8th – 11-6pm
Formerly stewarded by an incredible group of dedicated independent craft artists, City of Craft was the ultimate winter artists’ & makers’ market of the city. This is Toronto’s largest not-for-profit, juried craft show each December featuring craft-based installations attracting approximately 4,000 attendees.
FAQ:
When and where is City of Craft?
City of Craft will take place December 4 – 6, 2026 at The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St. W, Toronto, ON.
Where can I apply?
Applications are exclusively online through Jotform.
If you require access support or if you are facing any barriers with applying, please contact [email protected].
What happens if I miss the deadline?
In fairness to all applicants, applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
How much does it cost to become a vendor?
Applying only costs $11.99 ($10 + $0.61 processing fee + HST). Selected vendors for the upstairs Craft Market will pay $250-300 + fees & HST depending on the size of your assigned spot. Applications for the Small Paper-Goods Market cost $6.16 ($5 + $0.61 processing fee + HST) and accepted vendors will pay $50 + fees & HST for their table.
Why is there an application fee?
The Theatre Centre is a charity and runs in a not-for-profit model. The application and table fees help us make running this market possible – however, we make every effort to make the cost for artists more accessible! For any questions or for financial accessibility inquiries, please reach out to us at [email protected].
How many vendors participate in City of Craft?
Out of 70+ participating organizations, workshop leaders, neighbourhood partners, and installation artists, City of Craft typically features 55-60 vendors each year.
Can my crafty business and I sponsor City of Craft?
Yes! Email us at [email protected] for more information about sponsorship.
Can I do an installation at City of Craft?
We will be announcing a call for installation artists in the coming weeks! Keep an eye on The Theatre Centre’s newsletter and socials, as well as the City of Craft socials.
City of Craft is turning The Theatre Centre’s Incubator space into a zine and small multiples fair!
This year's illustrator
2026 City of Craft Jury
From l to r: Robin Fitzsimons, Janna Hiemstra, Stevey Hunter, and Zviko Mhakayakora
Robin Fitzsimons – Leather Artist and InstructorJanna Hiemstra – Manager, Craft and Design at Harbourfront CentreStevey Hunter – City of Craft Event Producer and Marketing Coordinator at The Theatre CentreZviko Mhakayakora – Board Chair of DesignTO
Small Paper-Goods Jury
From l to r: Aislinn Rose, Laura Bydlowska, and Emily Jung
The Small Paper-Goods Market jury includes Laura Bydlowska (Curator & Collections Manager at Open Studio), as well as Aislinn Rose (Artistic Director) and Emily Jung (Director of Communications) from The Theatre Centre!
Laura Bydlowska (she/her) is the Curator & Collections Manager at Open Studio, Toronto’s centre for contemporary printmaking, where she has worked since 2011. She curates exhibitions, manages the print collection, and oversees the Open Studio Shop, which features original prints and related handmade works by emerging and established artists. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Guelph, where she studied Art History and Studio Art, and a Master of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto.
Robin Fitzsimons is a Toronto based leather artist and instructor who has been part of the independent maker scene in Toronto for over 14 years. Her business Fitzy is a line of personalized leather goods with a focus on slow fashion and the celebration of craft. She has exhibited at countless craft shows over the years including One of Kind, Cabbagetown, Circle Craft and of course City of Craft. She also teaches leather workshops at various locations around the city. Robin graduated from OCAD University with a BFA in Sculpture/Installion and works out of her studio in the west-end.
Janna Hiemstra is Manager, Craft and Design at Harbourfront Centre, where she leads artist-centered programs that support contemporary creative practices through residencies, mentorship, visual arts programming, and strategic partnerships. With 19 years of experience in arts administration, curation, and cultural leadership, she brings a strong foundation in artistic practice and cultural management. Her work focuses on strategic program development, community engagement, resource cultivation, and creating sustainable opportunities for artists, while advancing contemporary art discourse and fostering thriving creative communities.
Zviko Mhakayakora is a design leader, curator, and relationship builder whose work spans arts and culture, real estate, education, and community engagement. She is the Board Chair of DesignTO, Canada’s largest annual design festival, where she has contributed in multiple capacities, including as a curator, awards juror, and board member.
Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, Zviko holds a Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design from OCAD University, where she also developed her practice in curation. Her creative interests are deeply informed by culture, place, community, and the traditions of Southern Afrikan art and design.
Zviko is the Associate Director of Corporate Relations at the Schulich School of Business, where she leads industry engagement and builds partnerships that connect organizations with emerging talent. Across her work, she is passionate about creating meaningful connections, championing creative communities, and supporting the people and ideas shaping the future of design.
Thank you!
Huge thanks to this year’s supporters: the Government of Canada, Noble Cashmere Co., Kid Icarus, and exclaim! Magazine. We would also like to thank The Drake Hotel and the West Queen West BIA for contributing to the giveaway bags!
December 4
to December 6, 2026
Applications are now closed! Stay tuned for our 2026
line-up coming soon!
Please be aware that we have had numerous folks reach out saying they’ve received emails from “City of Craft” asking them to apply/request table payments. These emails are a scam and are NOT from us and should be reported immediately.
Some of these emails include:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
City of Craft will never request you to pay via e-transfer.
RSVP to receive email updates about City of Craft, plus, receive special perks in your inbox!
$5 entry fee (FREE for Kids under 12), paid at the door!
Friday: 5-9pm
Saturday*: 11am-6pm
Sunday**: 11am-6pm
*First 100 people admitted on Saturday December 5 will get a City of Craft tote bag filled with goodies from The Theatre Centre, City of Craft artists, and West Queen West Neighbours.
**Sensory sensitive hour 11am-12pm. See “Accessibility” section for more information
The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen Street West)
Hello! Please note that the second floor spaces at The Theatre Centre will be temporarily accessible via stairs only.
Our accessibility lift is under renovation in order to be replaced. This update will help us improve wheelchair access for the building in the long term! Thank you so much for your patience.
For any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
During the first hour of the market on Sunday December 6 (11am-12pm), capacity will be
limited and music will be lowered to allow for a sensory-sensitive shopping experience.
Masking is encouraged and KN95 masks will be available. Individuals using mobility devices will
have priority entry.
The Theatre Centre Café/Bar will also be serving specialty holiday items baked by our Baker In Residence Akash Swar: which will include Cinnamon Buns and Gingerbread Cookies with our bar serving holiday drinks like Peppermint Hot Chocolate (spike it with peppermint schnapps!) and Hot Apple Cider (spike it with whisky or rum!) — making City of Craft a delicious shopping experience for visitors!
The Theatre Centre is a nationally recognized live-arts incubator and community hub. Our mission is to offer a home for creative, cultural and social interactions to invent the future.
We make work that spans disciplines and genres; work that pushes the boundaries of what is considered “art”. Our programming and our role as a community space are inextricably linked. Art is not made in a silo: it is connected to the world around it.