Information for customers visiting Toronto Dark Arts Market.
Location, TTC, Parking
All of our events take place at Ground Control, 1279 Queen Street West, in Toronto.
Ground Control is on the south side of Queen Street West, about half a block east of Brock Avenue. The nearest major intersection is Queen St West and Dufferin Street.
The closest parking is a block west in the Green P lot at 1325 Queen Street West.
To get here by transit from the east or west, take the 501 Queen Streetcar to Brock Avenue. Coming from the north, take the 29 or 929 Dufferin bus to Queen Street West and walk two and a half blocks west.
Admission
There is no charge to enter, admission is free.
Accessibility
Our venue is fully accessible, and includes an accessible washroom. All public areas are at ground level with no barriers at the entrance. Aisles are all passable for strollers and mobility devices, but can get congested if the market is busy. Occasionally, one or two vendors may be located on the stage, which is accessible by two steps. There is no seating available for visitors, as all seats are taken up by vendors.
Payment
Our vendors may each choose which forms of payment they accept. Most vendors are set up to accept debit and credit card payments, but there is also an ATM on site for customers or vendors who prefer cash.
Food and Drink
Our venue is normally a nightclub, so available food is limited to small treats such as cookies. The bar will be open for the entire event, offering coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer, wine, and cocktails.
Family-Friendly
The focus of TDAM is a marketplace for artisans, we do not include bands, entertainment, tattoos, psychics, or other activities, for either adults or children.
Our event is open to all ages; visitors are welcome to bring well-behaved children into the market as long as they are in the care of a parent or guardian at all times.
Please note that our market often includes oddity-type animal specimens, taxidermy, sharp instruments like swords, products that include swear words or images of genitalia, and occasionally items of a sexual nature, including fetish gear. We are a wholly 2SLGBTQ+ positive organization, and regularly include vendors selling items related to gender or sexual preferences.
Additionally, our vendors will not be required to censor themselves from using potentially salty language because of the presence of children, and many of us are known to curse like sailors.
YMMV on whether this is appropriate for your particular family.
Dog-Friendly
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. If the market is busy, we advise that smaller dogs be carried if possible so as not to get stepped on, or be a tripping hazard. Owners will obviously be expected to take responsibility for cleaning up accidents, although it is also your responsibility to ensure that accidents don’t happen in the first place.
Coat Check
The coat check is not open for this event and we are unable to store coats, strollers, carts, buggies, etc., while you are shopping.
Inclusivity
We will not tolerate, ignore, or condone discrimination or harassment, and are committed to promoting respectful conduct, tolerance, and inclusion. We have a zero tolerance policy for intentionally abusive language (different from salty swears indicated above), bullying, and harassment of staff, makers, and visitors. All persons at our markets are responsible for respecting the dignity and rights of vendors, TDAM and venue staff, and other members of the public.
Photography
Visitors are requested to ask individual vendors before taking photos of their merchandise. Many small-scale artisans regularly have their original work copied or stolen, and many vendors are (rightly) wary of having people take images of their work.
Please also be aware that TDAM staff and/or individual vendors may take photos or video recordings of the market for promotional purposes while customers are present. By entering the market, you consent to being photographed/recorded.
Cooties
By attending Toronto Dark Arts Market, you voluntarily assume all risks related to potential exposure of any viral respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, or similar.
We encourage all TDAM and venue staff, participating vendors, and guests to:
– not attend the market, even wearing a mask, if you are showing signs of, or have been in recent close contact with any other person who has shown signs of, any type of viral respiratory illness
– wash hands regularly
– wear a high quality, properly fitted (KN95) mask to protect yourself if you have concerns about your own health
– remain up to date on vaccinations for both the flu and the most recent COVID-19 strain
Removal
TDAM and/or venue staff have the right to ask any person(s) to leave the market if we feel that person’s behaviour is inappropriate, harassing, abusive or presents a danger to others.