Gift Akron Bazaar

Located near downtown's core, you can find the new home of the Akron Bazaar. It is located just a block from Main Library and catty corner from the PNC building, at 159 S. Main St. 

When you enter the historic looking building, you'll find a place filled with handmade gifts and loads of interesting makers. Akron Bazaar, the sister show to Cleveland Bazaar, hosts events where you can meet crafters, weavers, welders, artists and entrepreneurs.

Akron Bazaar features vendors from the surrounding local communities, offering them a place to thrive. 

Shannon Okey, the founder of the Bazaar, has brought the success right to downtown Akron. 

“Everything is handmade. We get as many vendors from the Akron area as possible,” Okey said. “So, everything inside the market is unique, handmade and local.” 

The Akron Bazaar is juried, meaning a panel of artisans review entries and evaluate them for quality and to ensure that the products are indeed handmade. Those visiting can rest assured that they aren't purchasing big box items repackaged.

Okey is also the founder of the successful,  sister show to the north, Cleveland Bazaar. The Cleveland Bazaar is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and Okey hopes to bring downtown Akron the same legacy. 

After its successful holiday market, Okey decided that Akron needed what Cleveland already had; a place for local artisans to show off their skills and give shoppers a place to support local businesses. 

“Downtown Akron Partnership and various arts organizations downtown are helping to expand and improve on what we started last year for the holiday,” Okey said. 

With the success of their show in 2023, Akron Bazaar located a permanent home at 159 South Main St., in Downtown. This former bank will be used for all their 2024 shows. With fun features such as a vault, this building is just as singular as the items found inside of it. 

Akron Bazaar is a one stop shop for visitors looking to find gifts, fashion, interior decor, art and more. It showcases the diverse talent of local artists and makers  providing them with a platform to share their creations. From handmade jewelry and ceramics to artwork and clothing, shoppers can expect a wide variety of creative items. 

“It is always nice to see what the local art scene is like. This show will give the city of Akron the chance to see 60+ local vendors in one spot,”  Okey said. “My favorite part is just seeing what people can come up with. Everybody is doing something unique, and it is amazing. It’s not like going to mall and seeing the same thing in every store” 

In addition to shopping, the Akron Bazaar will feature live music, entertainment, and activities for all ages. With a fun atmosphere and a strong focus on community engagement, the event promises to be a highlight of the spring and summer seasons in Akron. 

Even better, admission to the Akron Bazaar is free, and its markets are open to all ages. There will be events happening at their new location throughout the year. Each show will have the same features, but a special theme:

May 11 - Mother’s Day Market

June 28 - Summer Nights Market

July 20 - Summer in the City Market

August 3 - Buona Fiesta Market

August 24 - Pride Market 

September 6 - ArtWalk x City Fest

October 19 - This is Halloween Market

November 2- Coffee in an IV

November 29- Holiday Market

Their most recent show, the Eclipse Market on April 6, was a huge success. This show was the launch of their new location and showcased the Akron Bazaar. 

“This was my first time visiting the Akron Bazaar after many years of going to the Cleveland Bazaar. All I can say, wow,” Terry Shafer, a bazaar shopper, said. “It was a very cool location and there was so much stuff to look at.” 

Many people, just like Terry Shafer, walked around the Eclipse Market smiling and taking in the amazing artists and their work. Shafer, his wife, and their 12-year-old grandson loved it.

“Akron had so much to offer on April 6,, and I am glad I didn’t miss the Akron Bazaar,” Shafer said. “I didn’t see a single person leave there empty handed. There was something for every person. Even my grandson enjoyed it!”

The Akron Bazaar invites the community to celebrate the special women in their lives on May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  at their first ever Mother’s Day Market. This event will host over 50 local vendors showcasing their gifts for mom including jewelry, artwork, clothing and much more. Grab a special gift or take mom, grandma, or special mom to you to enjoy the market  together. 

By supporting the Akron Bazaar, you are not only discovering unique treasures but also directly contributing to the growth and success of Akron's local businesses. The Akron Bazaar offers these entrepreneurs an opportunity to reach wider audiences, build connections, and find a livelihood through their creations.

For more information, including a list of vendors, vendor features and a schedule of activities, please visit the Akron Bazaar website or visit the bazaar on instagram.