Carnival combine: Shopping for the soul

This weekend is all about browsing and bargains. Wear your sturdy walking shoes and sip on cups of soda as you get set for not one but three bazaars. The Madras Carnival, The Soul Makers Market and The Makers’ Market are all scheduled for this weekend and promise entertainment, shopping and philanthropy.

Take me home
The Madras Carnival is a pet-friendly event with an adoption drive for abandoned dogs. The event has about 15 stalls of food, art collectibles, clothing and accessories from retail, start-up and online brands. Open mic is a special part of this event, where those with a penchant for stand-up comedy and music get to showcase their talent. Make sure that you  send in your profiles after registering online. On May 28 from 11 am to 9.30 pm, at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall.Highlights: Pet-friendly, with an open mic.Tickets are priced for `50 at BookmyShow (early bird offer)Details: 9962020240.

Art at the backyard
The Makers’ Market in Adyar is an event that promotes paintings, three-dimensional arts, stationery and more, and  promises to be a sure treat for art enthusiasts. The event has about 15 stalls and all the makers and products are Chennai-based and recently established. "This market shatters the stereotype that art ( in any form) is an indulgence or luxury," says Aarthi Sivaramakrishnan, founder, The Colour Company. An overview of it includes amigurumi toys from Comal Crafts, body butters from Allure Suds, canvasses from The Colour Company and leather journals from  Doodlebox, among others.  On May 27 from 11 am to 8.30 pm. Highlights: Chennai-based creative art enterprises. Entry free.Details: 7358458117

Soup for the soul
The 11th edition of The Soul Makers Market in Alwarpet is being organised by Women Craft Fair, an indoor exhibition that supports women entrepreneurs, artisans and makers.The two-day makers market, with about 12 stalls, will feature  handmade stone jewellery and accessories by designer Utharaa Balakrishnan, a handpainted mythological mural by Eva Mura, magical miniature terrarium craft by The Artium, exclusive batik fabric creations by designer Rakhee Haran from Punjab, and other crafted goodies. We provide a variety of right shopping choices to the customer."Expect economical, handmade and unique creations, all under one roof," Smitha Krishnan, founder, The Soul Makers Market. The show will also have indoor plants, accessories and ceramic pots from home decor stalls. On May 27 & 28, 10 am to 8 pm.Highlights: Unique Terrarium Plants, Kerala Mural textile paintings. Entry free. Details: 7871249012