Weary of oh-so-impersonal Taobao and soulless shopping malls? Then get ready to open your wallet wide for the creative vendors slinging distinctive wares at these local markets and bazaars.
Oct 19-20: 2019 Beijing Pizza Fest
Beijing Pizza Fest 2019 is back on, returning to Galaxy Soho on Saturday and Sunday, Oct 19-20. This year, we’re also sticking to our Ancient Roman and toga theme, setting the scene for a true feast of Bacchanalian proportions.
For this year’s fest, we’ve got a host of brand-new pizza purveyors and all the craft beer that will round out any meal. Also, to get you in the frame of mind to befit such an occasion, we’re giving each and every one of you the opportunity to buy an entire toga outfit along with your ticket ahead of this year’s Pizza Festival. Get your ticket package here. RMB 20-60. 11am-8pm. Galaxy Soho
Oct 19-20: OCDC Aesthetics Sharing Festival
In collaboration with OCDC, 5L Meet is organizing an outdoor bazaar at their beautiful rooftop this weekend. Many of the vendors will be popular fashion design brands, along with other vendors offering everything from arty crafts, to books and drinks. Interested? You can either come to browse or join in the exchange yourself: simpy bring along with items that you think have aesthetic value to either sell on the site or exchange with other vendors. Free. 11am-7pm. 5L Meet
Oct 19-20: Train Market
Around 80 artists, musicians, designers, and collectors and other vendors will be taking over the 751D. Park at 798 Art Zone this weekend, for a super fun day of artistic wares, vintage clothes, ornaments, food, with live performances. There will also be a DIY section where you can get crafty and creative. Free. 10am-7pm. 751D Park
Oct 20: Camera Stylo Vintage Market
Hutong cinema venue hero Camera Stylo is hosting a vintage market Sunday, Oct 20, where over 20 vendors will be selling clothes, antiques, film cameras, and a whole host of other treasures from yonder-year. If you’re a fan of unique, one-of-a-kind finds you won’t want to miss this one. Free. 1.30-7pm. Camera Stylo
Oct 26: Beijing Flea Market
The Beijing Flea Market Autumn Edition is back on Saturday, Oct 26. Come down and check out cool local vendors selling everything from clothing, to handicrafts, to food and much, much more, and help support local artists and artisans. Free. Noon-6pm. TechTemple (Sanlitun Branch)
Oct 26-27: Hutong Art Festival
Hutong Art Festival (HAF) is a two-day event that celebrates locally-created comics, illustrations, and storytelling. They feature creations from independent artists, professionals, brands, collectives to offer postcards, posters, fridge magnets, zines, comics, photography prints, handcrafted jewelry, and other artworks. Free. 11am-7pm. Big Small Coffee (Beiluo branch)
Ongoing Markets
Every Saturday: Xiaopu Village Street Market
Located in the artists’ community of Songzhuang, Chuzou Coffee acts as a meeting point for many of the young artists who own workshops or live nearby. That means this market is a great place to buy a range of local products such as pottery, leather wares, wooden sculptures, paintings, and more. We’re particularly fond of the great selection of secondhand items to be found here, available for bargain prices. Free. 4-8pm. Chuzou Coffee Shop
Every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday: Beijing Farmers’ Market
Since its first iteration in 2018, Beijing Farmers’ Market has remained one of the most popular pop-up food markets in the city. Here you’ll find organically grown food, artisanal cheeses, meats, vegan products, baked goods, herbs, skincare products, textiles, and more. In keeping with the farmers’ market spirit, please bring your own shopping bags to minimize waste. Free. 10am-2pm. Various locations (follow WeChat account ID: countryfair to find updated market schedules)
Every Saturday and Sunday: Farm to Neighbors
Advocating a zero-waste lifestyle, Farm to Neighbors (F2N) market offers fresh local vegetables and fruits, Beijing-made cheeses, bread, cookies, and numerous other delicious goodies. In keeping with the spirit of the other eco-friendly events on this list, please bring your own shopping bags along. Free. Midday-6pm. B1, Grand Summit
