Artegon Marketplace

Shopping in Orlando just got better with the opening of the new Artegon Marketplace. Located on I-Drive in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district, this new shopping experience joins nearby outlet centers offering a great reason to shop locally. Formerly known as the Festival Bay Mall, this 1.1 million-square-foot shopping attraction is now open and bustling with shoppers.

Similar to Seattle’s Pike Place or New York’s Chelsea Market, the Artegon Marketplace features more than 160 studio spaces for entrepreneurs to sell their unique art, handcrafted items, diverse foods and one-of-a-kind boutique items. A kaleidoscope of products and services including eco-friendly handbags and accessories, soaps, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media artwork, custom clothing and much, much more are all located at this new Orlando shopping attraction. The artisans are some of Central Florida’s finest craftspeople!

Another draw to this marketplace are the anchor stores. Bass Pro Shops, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Sheplers Western Store and the Cinemark Theater complement the shopping with well-known offerings. Other big named stores are in the works, including Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill and Berghoff’s Octoberfest. More than 20 in-line retailers, including Subway, will round out the guest experience by spring 2015.

Not only can you shop at the Artegon Marketplace, you can also enjoy live music, caricaturists, henna and jawa tattoo painters, canvas airbrush artists, jugglers, singers, stilt walkers and other performers. Demonstrations, such as glassblowing, often take place as well. Have an active shopper in your group? The Artegon’s center court will soon feature an expansive rope climbing attraction. Orlando Tourist Tip: Weekends are the busiest, however, there is more entertainment, so depending upon the experience you are wanting, plan your trip accordingly.

Artisan studios are open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The center and anchor stores are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Holiday schedules are posted on the website at ArtegonMarketplace.com.

With plenty of parking (5,800 spaces), and so much to do, be sure to put the Artegon Marketplace on your to-do list. For the picky person on your shopping list, a handcrafted item might be the answer and the best gift you’ll find in Orlando. The Artegon Marketplace is located at 5250 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819.