Springtime got you in the shopping mood? You’re in luck, because Canada’s largest craft show is coming back to Toronto this week, and it’s bringing more than 400 local artisans and vendors along with it.
As sure a sign of spring as the blossoming of cherry blossoms in High Park or the sight of Canada geese flying north, the One of a Kind Spring Show has come around once again, supplying Toronto shoppers with a lineup of unique, handmade and, yes, one-of-a-kind goodies.
Taking over Enercare Centre from Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30, this year’s show also happens to celebrate a very special anniversary: the show’s 50th year.
The show was founded in 1975 as a largely grassroots effort on the part of three colleagues, co-founder Martin Rumack writes on his blog, with a budget of just $3000, and has since expanded year over year to be one of the city’s landmark biyearly events.
Following a particularly exciting winter show in November 2024, which, naturally, cashed in on the Taylor Swift Eras Tour fervour around the city at that time, the spring show promises to be equally riveting as the show welcomes its 50th season.
This year, over 400 vendors from Toronto and beyond will be setting up shop at the show, offering everything from handmade candles to kitchenware, clothing to tchotchkes, and, this year, in the midst of tariff mania, it feels a particularly poignant opportunity to support Canadian makers.
While the vendors you’ll want to check out are too plentiful to count, a few of this year’s standouts include Brightfield, a woman-owned candle and fragrance company based in The Beaches that donates three meals to The Second Harvest for every candle sold, and OBJ Studio, who create sustainable, modern home decor through 3D printing.
They’re joined by a whole host of artists, jewellers, designers, craftspeople, wood workers and even chefs who, together, weave a dazzling tapestry showcasing the best of Canada’s handmade goods market.
If you want a break from shopping (although, why would you?), you can also check out fashion shows, main stage presentations and a creative lounge where you’ll find a variety of creative workshops over the course of the show.
This year will also feature a special after-hours event on Thursday, March 27, where the show will remain open until 11 p.m., with special programming like a fashion show, hourly giveaways, and DJ sets keeping the vibes alive into the late night.
In honour of the show’s anniversary, you’ll also be able to share your favourite memories and well-wishes for the One of a Kind Show with the addition of a special audio guest book, where you can record personalized messages.
Tickets, which include free re-entry for all five days of the show, are available online, priced at $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and students and $15 for children aged 5 to 17. Kids 4 and under can attend for free.
You can also opt for a $35 GO Transit package, which grants you access to the show and a return trip via GO.
The show opens at 10 a.m. each day, and closing time varies based on the date.
