Hand Crafted for the City Slicker: Urban Traders Market Pops Up in Downtown

How do you like to spend a leisurely Saturday afternoon? May we suggest shopping your way through aisles of hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind creations by talented local artisans? Get ready, because for four consecutive months starting in March, Urban Traders Market is coming to Downtown Arlington.

Specializing in bringing an evolving (and revolving) mix of artisans to urban spaces, Urban Traders Market offers a variety of goods and services including upcycled creations, clothing, accessories, culinary art, woodworking, ceramics, painting, photography, metal work, leather goods, and much more. In addition, the market sets the mood with live music and other performances plus wine and light concessions.

A member of the new Downtown Arlington Pop-Up! Partner program, Urban Traders Market first began popping-up in Ft. Worth in 2016. Amber Richardson, curator of Urban Traders Market, shares its origin story.

“I grew up in Portland, Oregon,” said Amber, “which is home to the Portland Saturday Market. It’s the longest running hand crafted market in the country. After 14 years, I retired my photography business and decided to start a market that would be similar but with its own Texas flair!”

Over time, Amber’s concept evolved and grew. In the beginning, about 25 artisan vendors participated regularly in the Urban Traders Market; now there are close to 40. Additionally, the locations of the market have changed over time to accommodate vendors and shoppers alike. The mix stays fresh because vendors rotate, so it's always a little different every time.

The vision, however, has always remained the same.

“I felt it was important to give local makers and artisans a regular place where they could sell their goods to the public on a regular basis,” Amber said. “Now the artisans at UTM are really like another family to me. My artist family! Many of them have stayed with us for a long time and have become good friends.”

Amber is looking forward to introducing her artist family to Arlington and to Downtown in particular. “It's another urban living area that people are returning to, creating a new landscape and a way of life,” Amber said. “It's exciting to be a part of these areas that are being revitalized with fresh, creative energies!”

One more burning question: Is Urban Traders Market dog-friendly?

“Yes,” Amber said. “It had to be dog friendly because I come from a big dog family!”

Mark your calendar

Urban Traders Market is popping up from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on March 24, April 21, May 19 and June 16 at 400 E Division St. in Downtown Arlington.

How to Pop-Up in Downtown

Artisans interested in participating in Urban Traders Market should visit the vendor page on their website. “We love to see our artisans grow their business through the market,” Amber said. “When you buy from one of our vendors, you know you have something that is really one of a kind.”

Urban Traders Market is part of the Downtown Arlington Pop-Up! Partner program, an initiative designed to attract and support pop-up enterprises that are new and/or new to Downtown. DAMC actively seeks Pop-Up! Partners like Urban Traders Market that will make a visible and positive impact in our district. Learn more on our website.

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About Downtown Arlington

Designated by the State of Texas as the Arlington Cultural District, Downtown Arlington blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate.