It seems every week there are market events occurring. All different sides of town. There are a few main markets, and new ones are popping up. Is this too many? Is the “market” getting saturated? There are a few similarities and differences between them. Here’s a quick guide on the main differences.

Ardovino’s Desert Crossing

• Actual farmer’s market vibe

• Fresh produce

• Fresh ingredients

• Artisans

• Very traditional

• Very simple booths with a table and their products

The vibe here is definitely something that you get from traditional farmers that are living off the land and are self sustaining. They make everything they eat from ingredients they have grown. No processed foods. Skilled in different ways of preserving, and making the most out of their resources.

Upper Valley Artist and Farmer’s Market

At the Substation and at Mesa Plaza in front of Hobby Lobby on the west side

• Modern market

• Lots of vendors

• Similar products within the market, but different execution

• More elaborate booth presentations

A modern take on the markets. These booths have a more elaborate presentation. Tables with table cloths, shelves with decorations. Presentation is a big part of their image. There are lots of vendors. Some will sell very similar products with very slight differences in execution. For example if they sell tumblers, some will be themed as very cute, while other may be themed as darker horror themes, but again still the “same” product.

Kaleidoscope Art Market

Currently occurring mostly at Sunland Park Mall aside from occasional LARGER market such as 4-20 market and Krampus Fest.

• Niched

• Dark themes

• Knick-knacks

• Curiosities

• Replicas

Kaleidoscope is more of an art market. Very little farmer’s and home grown products. There are a lot of homemade products along with artwork. This includes things like crotchet, jewelry, candles, and more. This market is more niched and themed. A lot of fans of anime, horror, musicians, vintage, etc.

El Paso Downtown Artist & Farmer’s Market

• Modern Farmers

• Vegan and Lifestyle options

• Modest booth presentation

• Original Artwork

This is a middle ground from the Ardovino’s Market and the Upper Valley market. This is modern take on the farmer’s market. There are farmers and other homegrown goods. They cater to the different lifestyles such as vegan, gluten-free, non-processed foods, etc. Artists are very original and unique. Very few of them use trademarked themes and characters.

Now you know!

Another little side note is that most of these markets are pet friendly (except the indoor markets) and some vendors even offer dog treats. More consistently at Upper Valley and Downtown markets.

We have sold at all but the Ardovino’s Desert Crossing market. So like us, a lot of vendors overlap in the markets. Each market did feel different, and attracted different customers. We felt different and responded differently to the different crowds and customers. We have been on both sides now.

We would love to hear from you? As a vendor or customer. Which markets do you like more, and why? Which vendors? What do they have that the others don’t? How do you stand out in the different markets? Or continue the discussion on our Facebook group for Artist/Vendor Improvements.

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