Hustling, Bustling IRL Shopping Events are Back!
A vendor booth packed with goodies at the Portland Flea.
Image: Courtesy Portland Flea
We have never shopped online more than we have in the last year. Points go to the safety, the ease, and the ability to scroll and tag in our jammies, but none of that can replace the energy that comes with a bustling market. And the good news is, we don’t have to. At long last, some of our favorite shopping events in town are returning from their COVID-imposed slumber with enhanced safety methods in place. Mark your calendars, grab your mask, and get out there and have some fun. We all deserve it.
PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
The market that kicked it all off returns this month, and, for its 48th season. Known as the longest continuously running open air arts and crafts market in the country (and for its quirk as the original breeding ground for our local Elvis and the Unipiper), the market is also a top tourist destination, and its organizers say it brings one million folks to our downtown core each year. Hit hard with the double whammy of COVID followed by the wildfires knocking them down, they have a GoFundMe up to try to help cover their fixed costs to keep the market going. The season starts Saturday, April 17.
Saturdays (beginning April 17)
2 SW Naito Parkway
portlandsaturdaymarket.com
PORTLAND FLEA
Portland Flea is always a good way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Get buzzed on coffee and pastries, then walk it all off with a wander from booth to booth, ogling a host of lovely things. This time around, the booths (with increased distance) will feature vendors items like locally design and easy-breezy womenswear from Altar, gorgeous handwoven baskets from Amsha, and sunny ceramic mugs from Sunflower Studio. They’ve published monthly dates to run the entire season until the end of September, with the next date on Sunday, May 30.
Sunday, May 30
Nova Building
240 SE Clay St
pdxflea.com
PORTLAND NIGHT MARKET
The unofficial party market returns with reduced vendors and advanced tickets required, but even with a smaller selection, expect some high-quality goods to choose from. Longtime event organizer Emma Evans lists off a few for us to expect, including fantastic vintage jewelry from Blue Mars Dry Goods , pop culture prayer candles from Wayward Saints (oh yes, there is one of Bernie in his chair), and a BBQ sauce folks swear will change your life from Felton and Mary's Artisan Foods.
Fri, June 25 to Sat, June 26
Alder Block
100 SE Alder Street
Tickets here
COME THRU MARKET
On the first and third Mondays of each month beginning in May, the Come Thru Market pops up in the parking lot of The Redd on Salmon Street. It’s part farmers market and part makers' market, but all of it is devoted to highlighting Black and Indigenous growers and artists. In one Monday afternoon shopping trip, you can pick up crochet goods from Urban Orange Boutique and gorgeous vintage Anatolian rugs from Nomadic Vintage PDX while also doing your produce shopping from local farmers like Good Rain Farm with everyday veggies and peaches and nectarines from Peachwood Orchards.
2021 season begins Monday, May 3
The Redd on Salmon Street
831 SE Salmon Street
comethrupdx.org
