Handmade Canberra Market

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Posted 2022-04-27 by Sue W ⇒ follow

Sat 29 Jul 2023 - Sun 30 Jul 2023

The Handmade Canberra market is an event which happens 4 times a year and it showcases local and interstate producers of jewellery, fashion, homewares, pet treats, gourmet foods, stationary, toys, garden sculptures and more! If it is handmade in Australia, then you will find it at the Handmade Canberra markets. The large market is located in the Budawang pavilion, Conference Centre and Coorong Pavilion at the EPIC (Exhibition Park in Canberra). It generally attracts an average of 20,000 visitors over two days - see here for this year's dates.

It is an enjoyable way to spend the day as you wander through the stalls admiring the creativity and imagination of the talented people of Canberra and other parts of Australia. The event has free parking and it costs a small donation to a local charity to get in. The majority of designers at the event have EFTPOS/ credit card facilities and cash is also accepted. If you get hungry after all the shopping, there are a number of delicious food options in the Coorong Pavilion to choose from, as well as areas to sit and rest your feet. Let's go shopping!

When the markets first began in 2008, the organiser, Julie Nichols, started with 34 stalls - this has now increased to over 290 stalls at each event. With so many handmade products in the one place, there is a huge variety of products to choose from. As you browse the stalls, have a chat to creative people standing behind the tables and hear the stories behind their products. With hours of work going into each item for sale, you are sure to go home with an original piece not seen anywhere else.

To see who will be at the next market, see the Handmade Canberra Facebook .

Julie Nichols, the founder of the market, has won several awards for business, design and tourism due to the success of these markets. Handmade Canberra celebrated its 10th birthday in 2018 and it has been a popular event with locals and visitors every year. The market had to pivot and go online for a couple of years over COVID, but it is now back for 2022 and ready to celebrate its return.

With so much variety in one place, the Handmade Canberra market is a relaxing way to have a quiet shop by yourself or to walk around with friends and make a day of it. You are sure to go home with some unique goodies, and meet a few characters behind the stalls!