Behind every small business is a story of resilience and passion. The Island Market has become the place where these stories are shared, celebrated and supported. On 27 September 2025, the much-loved pop-up returns to the Town Hall outdoor car park, from 11.00 AM to 5.30 PM, bringing together makers, bakers and dreamers from across the island. More than a shopping experience, it has become a movement that uplifts communities and celebrates creativity.
A Platform with Purpose
The Island Market began as a modest weekend experiment, an informal gathering of home-based entrepreneurs showcasing their crafts and culinary creations. What started as a handful of vendors under temporary tents has since blossomed into one of Colombo’s most dynamic pop-up markets, attracting crowds of thousands and drawing in vendors from every corner of the country. Yet, the vision of The Island Market has always extended beyond commerce. At its core lies a mission: to provide opportunities to those who might otherwise be overlooked. Female entrepreneurs, particularly home-based business owners, have found a safe and supportive space to test their products and interact with customers. Equally significant is the platform’s inclusion of individuals living with physical challenges, as well as those with visual or hearing impairments. By ensuring accessibility in both participation and engagement, The Island Market creates a level playing field for talent to shine. It has opened doors for artisans and entrepreneurs who may not have had the resources or connections to reach wider audiences, giving them visibility and confidence to pursue growth.
Pathways to Growth
For many, The Island Market has been more than just a day’s trade, it has been a steppingstone towards bigger things. Several vendors have gone on to secure retail space in leading outlets such as ODEL, where their creations now sit alongside established brands. Others have gained the confidence and customer base to launch their own independent stores. Take Sticks and Co. and Café Longdon, two businesses that began their journey at The Island Market and today thrive as full-fledged establishments. Their stories are testaments to how a single opportunity, when nurtured, can transform into long-term success. The organizers have consciously built bridges between vendors and retail partners, mentors, and investors. This ecosystem of support extends far beyond the single-day event, creating pathways for small businesses to scale sustainably. The Island Market is no longer just a market, it has become a community accelerator.
A Culture of Social Responsibility
What makes The Island Market stand apart is its deep sense of social responsibility. Each edition of the pop-up has sought to contribute to charitable initiatives, ensuring that commerce is coupled with compassion.
Over the years, the platform has partnered with the Swashakthi Foundation of Persons with Disability, VOICE, Free to Flow, and Light a Future, channeling proceeds and visibility towards vital causes. It has also supported water relief projects, ensuring that rural communities gain access to clean water. This September, the focus will turn towards Child Action Lanka, an organization dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children across the country. In addition to selling upcycled products at the market, Child Action Lanka will be highlighted as a charity partner, giving visitors the chance to learn about their initiatives while contributing directly through purchases. Such partnerships underscore the belief that small businesses and social causes can, and should, work hand in hand, creating ripples of impact that extend beyond the marketplace.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Island Market is not only about today’s entrepreneurs; it is also about cultivating tomorrows. The Overseas School of Colombo has on multiple occasions, invited the organizers to engage with students, offering insights into entrepreneurship and the journey of turning small ideas into sustainable ventures. These sessions have inspired young learners to see possibility where others might see limitation. They have also demonstrated the role of creativity, resilience, and adaptability in building livelihoods. In nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in youth, The Island Market is investing in a future where innovation and self-reliance continue to flourish.
A Festive Day Out
While its deeper purpose is undeniable, The Island Market remains, at its heart, a joyous community event. The upcoming September pop-up will feature over 50 home-based vendors, offering everything from batik clothing and homeware to handmade soaps, jewellery, collectibles, and baked goods. This year promises an extra festive flair, with Sri Lanka’s largest picnic on the green inviting families and friends to gather and enjoy food in a communal setting. Live music, open mic sessions, and a vibrant children’s zone complete with a bouncy castle and interactive activities will ensure there is something for everyone. The market has earned a reputation for being more than a shopping destination; it is a day out, a chance to connect, discover, and celebrate community.
Vendors to Look Out For
Every edition of The Island Market introduces visitors to unique brands and creative talent. This September’s line-up includes:
- ARIYAA FRAGRANCES: artisan candles, essential oils and natural skincare crafted with sustainable materials.
- 100 KARAT: gemstone jewellery inspired by colour, culture and craft.
- POWER CRUNCH: vegan health foods that prioritize both nutrition and eco-friendly packaging.
- NUTSONTOP: handmade chocolates with adventurous flavour profiles, from garbanzo to kalu dodol and chilli.
- NARDELO MACRAME INFERNO: intricately handcrafted macrame pieces that blend art with function.
- Baked by 3: a sister-run bakery serving up homestyle treats.
- Purrs n Woofs: raising funds for street animals through thrift sales.
- Child Action Lanka: showcasing upcycled products, with proceeds supporting children’s welfare programmes.
Each vendor adds a distinct flavour to the market, embodying the passion and diversity of Sri Lanka’s creative landscape.
Voices from the Vendors
The most authentic testimony to the power of The Island Market comes from the vendors themselves.
CHELSEA OF ARIYAA FRAGRANCES reflects:
“I have been with Island Market since early 2023 and have taken part in over seven of their markets. Nisreen and her team put so much effort into each event, and it is always a great opportunity to meet customers and showcase products.”
FOR RIKAZ OF 100 KARAT, the experience was both professional and inspiring:
“Our first experience at Havelock City was a great success. The atmosphere was welcoming and the organization seamless. We are looking forward to being part of this upcoming market.”
SABIRA OF POWER CRUNCH highlights the supportive environment:
“The Island Market is always supportive and does an outstanding job promoting the event. It is a unique opportunity for vendors to build awareness in a lively setting.”
These voices reflect the essence of The Island Market - community, collaboration, and celebration.
Why It Matters
At a time when many small businesses struggle to find visibility, platforms like The Island Market play a vital role. They provide not just a marketplace but also a narrative space where stories of creativity and resilience are recognized. By bringing together diverse entrepreneurs and fostering inclusivity, The Island Market is rewriting what a pop-up can mean. It is not simply a space for commerce; it is a platform for empowerment, social impact, and collective joy.
Event Details
- Event: The Island Market Pop-Up
- Date: 27 September 2025
- Time: 11.00 AM to 5.30 PM
- Venue: Town Hall outdoor car park, Colombo
- For assistance, contact: +94 77 774 1681
The Island Market has become more than a shopping experience; it is a tapestry woven from the hopes, struggles, and triumphs of entrepreneurs who dare to dream. It shows how passion, when given opportunity, can blossom into sustainable ventures that touch lives far beyond the marketplace. As Colombo prepares for the September edition, one thing is certain: The Island Market is not just an event on the calendar; it is a celebration of creativity, community, and courage.
