At the DCPA, we know a little something about “makers.” After all, our entire Theatre Company Production Team designs, paints, builds, lights and stitches unique sets, costumes, wigs, and props all season long. So we wanted to celebrate makers — those local creators who share their passion for art.

Denver Bazaar

Unlike a farmers’ market, a makers’ market focuses on things made by other people, rather than items grown and harvested locally. Think hand-crafted wooden bowls, crafty kids’ toys, colorful cloth napkins and wonderful smelling candles. The choices are endless, and as more and more markers’ markets pop up in and near Denver, we wanted to celebrate the movement. After all, art is art, no matter if it’s on the stage or in your home.

Denver Makers Market

You can expect about one market each week in neighborhoods such as Denver’s Midtown and Park Hill, as well as in Centennial and Lakewood, where this lively market recently popped up in the Casa Bonita parking lot (6715 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood). Each market hosts between 30 and 60 unique vendors, ranging from hand-crafted jewelry, hanging art, pet toys, bath bombs, potted plants and so much more. Plus, food galore and plenty to for the kids to do.

Make a day of it and eat, shop and enjoy the weather. To find the full schedule, including times, dates and where to go, visit denvermakersmarket.com.

Photo by Tiffany Patterson

Cherry Creek Makers Market

Though you can find a farmers’ market in the Cherry Creek neighborhood, there’s also a makers’ market running May 7 to November 5 from 9am to 2pm at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center at 1st Avenue and University Boulevard. It’s managed by Colorado Fresh Markets, which also handles the farmers’ market. While there, look for unique pottery, hand-made jewelry, woven baskets and more. There’s often live music too, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.

Bonus: this spot also throws special pop-up holiday markets on October 15, 22 and 29, and November 5 from 9am. to 2pm Visit coloradofreshmarkets.com for more information.

Denver Bazaar

With various dates around the year, this market usually features around 40 independent businesses including art by Miriam Dubinsky, unique plant holders by Tessa Lation Studios, bath products by Soapherb, baubles by Vixen Jewelry and so much more.

Denver Bazaar

Right now there’s a steady market each Saturday night from 4 to 8pm in Sloan’s Lake at 1611 Raleigh St., and it will go until September 24. It’s free to enter for all ages and your dogs. Denver Bazaar often has other pop-ups around the city too, so check out the website for more details at denverbazaar.com.

Firefly Handmade

Though not as big or constant as some of the other makers’ markets, this quaint one pops up in Denver and Boulder all year round in the form of a spring, summer, fall, and two holiday markets. Expect over 80 carefully curated vendors and shop for items such as repurposed cans made into lightweight jewelry by Canned Goods, hand-crafted women’s apparel crafted Goddess Goods, hand-made paper, ceramics, locally made booze, pet items and more.

Photo by Tiffany Patterson

Find more details on the website, fireflyhandmade.com.

Urban Market

Enjoy the fresh air while you shop downtown at this seasonal makers’ market, which has been going strong since 2005. There’s a wide range of local artists selling items from clothing to jewelry to furniture. Plus plenty of food and drink stands to sample.

The remaining markets in 2022 are August 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, September 22, and October 8, 9, 15, and 16. Visit the Urban Market at Skyline Park in downtown Denver, located on the 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe Street. Find more information online at urbanmarketdenver.com.