Columbus is a Midwest mecca for creative types all around and has a bustling arts and craft scene with tons of local makers participating in markets throughout the year. Columbus locals also love bolstering their local, small businesses and makers and turn out for the city’s myriad of markets and events year in and year out. Here are some of our favorites to catch, especially as the holidays roll around and the ever-stressful gift shopping begins.
The Columbus Flea
The Columbus Flea is one of the more popular markets in the city, and it takes place in the Italian Village area at Seventh Son Brewing and has quite the cult following—if you’ve ever purchased one of their “flea bags,” you’ll know what we’re talking about. Dozens of vendors line their parking lot outside seasonally to bring you vintage clothing, candles, art, handcrafted leather goods, ceramics, plants, and so much more.
During the winter months, the flea moves indoors on the second floor of the brewery, which is the perfect location for an afternoon market like this. Sip on locally-brewed beer or drinks from Seventh Son while you stroll around and look at the booths—make sure you say hi to Horatio, the resident brewery cat, if you see him.
Not Your Mama’s Craft Market
Not Your Mama’s Craft Market is another Columbus market that has gained a pretty big following since its inception in 2014. They’ve gained a reputation for hosting the best of the best when it comes to local vendors, and they don’t tend to double-dip, meaning you likely won’t find the same exact vendors at the next market. Rest assured, the two women behind NYMCM always focus on selecting vendors with quality, authenticity, and style. You can expect to find bags, art prints, ceramics, jams, clothing, candles, and tons more at any of their markets.
NYMCM is hosted all over the Columbus area with 3 markets happening in November, and 2 happening in December before the holidays to ensure everyone has the chance to pick out thoughtful, handcrafted gifts for their loved ones.
German Village Makers Market
Running monthly from April through December, the German Village Makers Market is one of the biggest of its kind on the southside. As the name implies, the market takes place in German Village, typically in a closed-off parking lot on the corner of City Park and Thurman Avenue. With over 65 different vendors, there’s quite a bit to look—plan on being there for a while taking in all this market has to offer.
Be prepared to find apparel, fresh-cut flowers, ceramics, leather goods, art, and plenty of home décor from some of Columbus’ best. While you’re going booth to booth, be sure to stop by one of the multiple food trucks that show up to this event, grab some good eats, and stick around a while.
Columbus is full of talented makers and artists, and these markets are just a fraction of where you can find them.