Information for customers visiting Toronto Dark Arts Market.
Getting Here
All of our events take place at Ground Control, 1279 Queen Street West, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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 Street 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.
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.
Accessibility
Our venue is fully accessible – 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.
Our venue has three washroom areas; one with standard stalls, one with stalls and urinals, and one accessible washroom with grab bars. All washrooms are gender-neutral and may be used by anybody.
Please note that our venue is normally a nightclub, and has black walls – vendors have been advised to bring additional lighting, but some corners of the space are dark.
Sound levels for our markets are set so conversations can be had easily in all areas of the venue.
To accommodate fragrance allergies, we do not include vendors selling scented products, however our venue does use scented cleaning products and air fresheners in the washrooms.
There is no seating available for customers.
Payment
Bring cash! Our vendors may each choose which forms of payment they accept, and while most vendors are set up to accept debit and/or credit card payments, many prefer cash to avoid service charges and processing fees. There is an ATM on site, located near the washrooms, but it often runs out of cash mid-market. The next closest cash machines are at Tilt Arcade Bar, or at Rhino Bar & Grill, both located one block east.
Food and Drink
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. Packaged snacks such as chips and chocolate bars are also available.
Activities/Entertainment
The focus of TDAM is a marketplace for artisans, we do not include bands, live entertainment, tattoos, tarot readers, face-painting, or other activities.
Kids
Our market skews to an adult audience, and 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.
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, but our vendors will never be required to cover or censor their work because of the presence of children.
Also, most of us curse like sailors.
Please keep this in mind when planning your visit.
Dogs/Pets
Please note policy change as of September 1, 2026
Guide dogs/service animals are welcome at our market. As per Government of Ontario guidelines, service animals should be identifiable with a vest/harness or with a letter from a regulated health professional.
Other animals of any species, including emotional support animals, are no longer permitted at our markets, even within enclosed carriers, due to space constraints and allergy issues.
Vendor Displays
Our vendors put a lot of time and work into creating their products and arranging their displays. Please do not set personal belongings such as bags and purses, drink cups, etc., on vendor tables.
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
Please note policy change as of September 1, 2026
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.
Customers may not take photographs or video recordings within the market, by any means.
In compliance with rules set by our venue, Meta glasses (or similar) are not permitted on the premises.
Media outlets wishing to film or photograph within our market for the purpose of offering promotional coverage may request a media pass.
Individual vendors and TDAM/venue staff may take photos or videos for promotional purposes. By entering the market, you consent to being photographed/recorded.
Livestream shoppers/resellers are not welcome at TDAM events.
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 any type of viral respiratory illness, or have been in recent close contact with any other person who has shown signs of the same
- 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.