Unique shopping, snacking, and socializing? The Dyzajn Market at Výstaviště returns for the fifth time this year on Oct. 26-27, offering the ideal place to splurge on original items like funky pumpkin hats or wine glass holders.
The Dyzajn Market is one of the largest open-air bazaars in the Czech Republic, attracting families, couples, and in the mix, five AAU exchange students.
“[I] loved the candles on one stand! It seems to me that they took care of every detail and that they made it with a lot of love,” said AAU exchange student Marta. The Dyzajn Market is a hotspot for unique pieces like homemade candles, earrings adorned with real flowers, upcycled clothing, wine glass holders, and images created out of moss.
The designers were also a highlight, receiving a gold medal from students for being the friendliest and most approachable sellers.
Ivana Mifkova, the designer behind the fashion brand ARTGI, feels like part of the Dyzajn Market family. She has set up her stand at nearly every annual six events for the past ten years.
“I travel from Ostrava, the journey takes about three and a half hours,” Mifkova explained as she tucked a cardigan into a bag for a customer. Along with interacting with visitors, she loves getting inspired by other designers and their original products.
The food festival accompanying the designer tents offers a much-needed break from the shopping marathon, with options like Spanish empanadas, churros coated with Belgian chocolate, and peanut-flavored popcorn.
For those on a budget or lacking an appetite, the Dyzajn Market’s location is surrounded by Czech history. Výstaviště opened as exhibition grounds in 1891 to celebrate the country’s industrial and economic success.
Prague’s largest park, Stromovka, lies behind the market. The land was previously used by the Habsburg family as hunting grounds and now serves as the perfect place to enjoy the autumn colors; perhaps while wearing a newly purchased mushroom hat.
The next Dyzajn Market is open on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27, from 10:00 to 18:00, with a student-friendly entrance fee of CZK 0.
