Toronto Toy Riot Is Bringing Indie Toy Chaos to Canada This May… And It’s Free!

There’s a new show stepping onto the scene up north… and if you’re into handmade, small-run, underground designer toys, this one feels like it’s coming straight from the heart of the culture. Toronto Toy Riot is making its debut this May in Toronto, Ontario, and it’s shaping up to be a proper celebration of independent art toy makers… the kind of event that leans hard into the DIY spirit, the punk edge, and the weird, wonderful side of collecting that a lot of us fell in love with in the first place.

Running May 2nd and 3rd, this two-day expo is bringing together 30+ artists from across North America, spanning everything from plush to resin, vinyl to custom plastics. This isn’t mass-produced shelf filler… this is handmade, small batch, artist-driven work where every piece has a story behind it. And honestly… that’s the good stuff.

What makes this event hit a little different is the intent behind it. Toronto Toy Riot isn’t just a marketplace… it’s a not-for-profit, artist-run event built to spotlight creators who are pushing the boundaries of what toys can be. We’re talking about work that lives somewhere between fine art, pop culture, and straight-up rebellion… pulling from appropriation, nostalgia, and underground aesthetics to create something that feels raw and personal.

And that tracks with where the scene is right now. Collectors aren’t just buying toys anymore… they’re buying into ideas, narratives, and identity. In fact, adult collectors have officially become the dominant force in the toy market, shifting the medium from simple playthings into legit collectible art. Events like this are proof of that evolution in real time. Behind it all is the Outlaw Plastic Syndicate, a Toronto-based collective made up of Skot Deeming, Jay Bragg, and Dominic Spina… artists who are clearly invested in building something bigger than just another vendor hall. Their mission is simple… make the art toy movement more visible, more accessible, and more inclusive.

And they’re putting their money where their mouth is… This event is completely FREE to attend. On top of that, they’re hosting a “kit bash table” where attendees can literally build their own art toys using provided parts and materials. That’s the kind of hands-on, community-first energy that you don’t see enough of… especially at larger conventions. So yeah… if you’re anywhere near Toronto, Toronto Toy Riot feels like a no-brainer. This is the grassroots side of the designer toy world… the side that’s still experimental, still scrappy, still driven by artists who care more about expression than mass appeal. And those are usually the shows where you find the most interesting work.

EVENT DETAILS

Toronto Toy Riot
Dates: May 2nd + 3rd
Location: Tranzac Club
Address: 292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, Ontario
Admission: FREE

If this is what the first year looks like… I’m already curious to see where it goes next. This could easily turn into one of those staple indie shows that collectors keep on their radar every year. Hit up their Instagram HERE for up to date info and drops!