Toronto's social calendar for October is peppered with Halloween celebrations leading up to the big day at the end of the month. The latest entry in the jam-packed schedule is Storm Crow Manor's first-ever Halloween market.
A family-friendly event, the market will feature local artisans and crafters selling a variety of handmade wares that are perfect for the spooky nerds in one's life. The event features free admission and will take place from 1-6 p.m. on Sunday at Storm Crow Manor. Kids in costumes will also get treats, so dress the little ones up!
October is a big month for the "sports bar for geeks." People love visiting the Manor because it's very "on theme" for fall and Halloween, Victoria Chin, senior marketing manager of Storm Crow Manor, said in an email to TasteToronto.
"We were inspired by Christmas Markets and thought why not Halloween Market?" she said. "Our audience loves horror, macabre, spooky and nerdy things so creating an opportunity to showcase local vendors who cater to that was our way of connecting with our community and providing an additional reason for people to visit Storm Crow Manor."
As for making it family-friendly, Chin said that the bar received feedback from patrons hoping to bring their kids to events. The Manor catered to these requests by making the event suitable for children as well, giving them an excuse to dress up.
The reception to the event has been overwhelmingly positive with Storm Crow Manor receiving triple the number of vendor applications than space available within 48 hours.
The list had to be pared down to 15 vendors, and the ones that weren't able to feature physically will be added to a digital gifting guide being distributed at the end of the month, Chin said.
As for the ones that DID make the cut, Chin said that the bar wanted a good mix of types of products, styles and "genres of geekery" so that there'd be something for everyone.
"Whether it's home decor, fragrances, clothing, or accessories, the common thread among all of them is they feature hand-made items," Chin said.
A complete list of the vendors that'll be present at the Halloween Market is below:
- Ahead of the Carve
- Cryptic Candles
- Dreaming of Knots
- Eugenia Lake Candle Co.
- Evoke Creations
- Ito Tramando
- Kim's Creations
- Modern Métis Beading
- New Moon Technocraft
- Playdead Cult
- Raven Court Clothing
- Solaire Sprout
- Spooky Sparkle Party
- The Grand Order of Divine Sweets
- Two Goth Girls in a Trenchcoat
- Weirdtakoyaki
Outside of the available vendors, the Halloween Market will be a great opportunity for adult patrons to experience Storm Crow Manor's fall lineup of cocktails for the very first time.
Due to seasonal rotation, fans will sadly have to bid adieu to summer specials like Blade Runner, Peach's Bourbon Lychee Iced Tea, Pi me to the Moon and Angels Take Manhattan. But fret not, for the fall cocktails will surely be able to fill that void with delicious concoctions.
Some of the cocktails that patrons can look forward to trying include Black Noir — a Black Manhattan named after a character from "The Boys"; Headless Horseman — a pumpkin spice sour; and Hot Toad-y — the Manor's take on a Hot Toddy featuring chai-infused Brandy.
So whether it be to have a spooky-fun day with the family, celebrate local artisans, or try delicious seasonal cocktails, make sure that Storm Crow Manor's Halloween Market is on your to-do list this weekend!
The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m on Sunday at Storm Crow Manor located at 580 Church St. Admission is free and the event is family-friendly with all ages welcome.
