Toronto Toy Riot is a two day artist-run pop art expo, focusing on the world of hand made, small run independently produced toys and pop culture artworks. Also known as Designer Toys or Art Toys, the Independent toy community is a broad network of artists, designers, hobbyists and enthusiasts working across a variety of materials and form factors. Many of the artists working in these spaces are interdisciplinary, also producing zines, prints and various assortments of ephemera.

 

This event pays homage to the punks, weirdos and misfits who take inspiration from popular culture and create their own mutations in plastic, plush, print, and more. We view Toronto Toy Riot as an event for artists to share their visions with the public, and as an artists’ gathering for us creative misfits to meet, hang, connect and collaborate!

 

If this sounds like you, apply to become a vending artist at the event! We invite artists of all disciplines working in pop culture appropriation art: art and designer toys, print, comics, etc. Please note that while we are working to accommodate as many artists as we can, we will be prioritizing artists whose primary work is toys, focusing on local and regional artists first, while also doing our best to accommodate those from further afield. 

 

All artists who apply should be creating work that is, in some stage of the process, handmade. We also understand that AI is a sensitive issue for many artists - since we serve and respect our artists, this event will not accept AI generated work. Sorry, future robot overlords! You can take your revenge on us humans later! 

 

Our call for Artists is Live 

 

Our Ethos:

 

As our name implies, our ethos is firmly rooted in the social and aesthetic practices of Punk. We believe in supporting and communing with our fellow misfits. We believe in creating a safe and inclusive space where all are welcome. As a wise fellow from Krypton recently reminded us; kindness is punk. 

 

Our commitment to creating an accessible space lies in the belief that tabling at events should be accessible to artists of any stage of their practice - as such our call is open and has no application fee of any kind. Table costs will be reasonably priced, with the hopes of giving artists of different needs space. 

Finally, Toronto Toy Riot  will be free and open to the public for the duration of the event. We will have local signage in the neighbourhood all weekend to encourage passers by to drop in and explore!! No matter their shape or size, toys are a ubiquitous and accessible media form! Toronto Toy Riot is committed to sharing the inherent cultural value of these objects with any and all. 

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Toronto Toy Riot Location:

Toronto, Duh! We’ve chosen the Tranzac club in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood for Toronto Toy Riot. The Annex has a history as a hub of indie culture, hosting independent businesses, restaurants and venues. We encourage anyone visiting from outside of Toronto for the event to take some time to explore, as the annex is a unique neighbourhood nestled within walking distance of Toronto’s Chinatown and Little Korea.

We’re also planning on putting together a little guide to some great pop art businesses and venues around the city!

 

About the Venue:

Located in the heart of Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood, the Tranzac Club is a non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to supporting, presenting, and promoting creative and cultural activity in Toronto. Operating since 1971, the Tranzac has been supporting independent creators across media for over 50 years. 

 

We’re excited to be working with the Tranzac on this event, and to bring Indie Toys to the broader indie community in Toronto! 

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Vendor Information: 

 

Vendor Applications will open in October 2026 and close on December 11th, 2026.   Vendors will be notified of acceptance in early 2027. After which, payment will be required to reserve your table.

We invite local, Canadian and international artists to apply to become a vendor at Toronto Toy Riot !

 

We are offering 3 different lengths of tables, based on the furniture being provided by the venue. As we’ve mentioned, we have costed it out, and these are the most reasonable table fees we can offer, given venue and promotional expenses for the event. 

 

When applying, please select your preferred table size, noting that we may not be able to accommodate everyone’s ideal selection. We would also like to encourage those of you applying to consider more vertical displays, and select smaller table sizes, as this would mean we could accommodate more artists!  

 

The table fees are listed below, this is the cost for a table for BOTH days of the event. 

6 foot tables - $130
4 foot tables - $90

3 foot tables $70

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Event Features: 

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Toy Riot exclusive toys and artworks made just for this show by a number of different artists!

A vendor area featuring 30+  Indie toy makers and artists from across Canada and beyond! 

 

Be a Toy Artist in the Kitbash Room! 

 

This was so popular last year, we’re expanding it to make space for more kitbashing!

Select from bins of action figure parts and assemble your own 3 ¾” figure! Give them a paint job, and when you're done, draw or paint your own custom backer card! Protect it in a resealable plastic blister, and it’s ready for play or display!

 

Fun for the whole family. Minors must have an adult present to participate in this activity. 

Thank you to DKEtoys for supporting the kitbash table! 

 

Special Guests (To Be Announced) 

 

Good Hangs!