Sustainable Makers Market
Event
Public
Presented by OCAD U at the Water/Fall Festival.
585 Queens Quay W. (East side of the Community Centre)
12 - 5 p.m.
585 Queens Quay W. (East side of the Community Centre)
12 - 5 p.m.
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Come explore a market that’s more than just a place to shop — it’s a space to connect, create, and imagine a more sustainable future together.
Hosted by OCAD U's Global Centre for Climate Action, the Sustainable Makers Market brings together artists, designers, and community members of all ages to celebrate creativity rooted in care for the planet. The Market is part of Toronto's new Water/Fall Festival - an autumn-inspired arts and cultural festival spread across the city's waterfront between Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5.
Set against the breathtaking waterfront views at Bathurst Quay, the market brings together artists, designers, and creative changemakers working at the intersection of sustainability, climate action, and circular design. From natural pigment-making and circular fashion to plant swaps, art installations, and hands-on workshops, the market celebrates creativity as a force for community connection and systems change.
Join us Sept. 27 to 28, from 12 to 5 p.m. each day.
What you’ll find:
- Sustainable Colour Lab – See how artists make pigments from natural materials, and take home your own samples.
- DesignWith Tent – Explore zero-waste fashion and eye-catching bags designed with upcycled materials.
- Craft Futures Tent – Browse a collection of thoughtful, handmade goods from eco-conscious art and design students.
- Plant + OCAD U Library Swap Tent – Bring a plant, take a plant! Swap books, games & puzzles with your neighbours.
- Art Gallery Tent – View paintings and artworks by OCAD U students that speak to sustainability and living in harmony with nature.
- Free Workshops + Pop-Ups + More – Pull up a chair! Join us for hands-on activities, knowledge-sharing workshops*, live music and chalk art by the water!
Day 1 - SATURDAY WORKSHOPS (Circular Commons Tent)
1 to 2 p.m. | Sustainable Colour Lab
Eco-printing with flowers
Learn how to imprint real flowers onto fabric using simple, sustainable techniques. A hands-on way to weave nature into your wardrobe.
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | DesignWith
Zero-Waste Style
Turn fabric scraps into a statement necklace! Learn to design chic, one-of-a-kind accessories while keeping textile waste out of landfills.
Day 2 – SUNDAY WORKSHOPS (Circular Commons Tent)
1 to 2 p.m. | Sustainable Colour Lab
DIY Eco-watercolours
Ever wondered how to make your own pigments? Learn to create vibrant, sustainable watercolours—and take home your eco-conscious palette.
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Marina Blazevic – City Flora: Print & Perspectives
Nature in the City
Discover the overlooked beauty of urban green spaces. Collect plants, make ink-on-paper foliage prints, and reflect on how nature shapes city life.
*Workshop spaces are limited and are first-come, first-served. Sign-up onsite!
Please be advised that OCAD U hosted events may be documented through photographs and video. These images may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes. By participating in our events, both on campus and off-site, you consent to allowing OCAD University to document and use your image and likeness. However, if you do not want us to use a photo or video of you or your child, please don’t hesitate to let us know when you arrive at the event. You’re also welcome to get in touch with OCAD University’s Marketing & Communications office: communications@ocadu.ca.
Be mindful of those in our community who have scent sensitivities; please help OCAD U maintain a healthy, scent-free campus.