Mark your calendars, because this spring and summer are filled with craft fests all over the city overflowing with home decor, upcycled art and quirky jewelry. Here are a few of our favorites, always sure to bring something new to the vendor table.
Fairmount Arts Crawl
www.fairmountcdc.org
April 6, 2-6 p.m.
Most activity will be on Fairmount Ave. from 19th to 25th sts.
Why we’re going: The event is centered around the idea of community. Businesses dress up store windows, live bands perform, and there are interactive kid-friendly events to get those crafters started young. Wander throughout the neighborhood and find over fifty local shops offering art, crafts, and food.
What we’re buying: Bites from Tela’s Market, home goods and kids’ toys at Ali’s Wagon, and the sweetest bike tee you’ve ever seen from Fairmount Bicycles.
Bring the kids to the 10th annual Fairmount Arts Crawl.
Credit: Fairmount CDC
Clover Market
www.theclovermarket.com
April 13 and June 8, 25 W. Highland Ave., Chestnut Hill
April 27, May 18 and June 22, 12 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
Why we’re going: Clover Market is flea market meets craft fair meets a yard sale put on by Martha Stewart. The goods for sale are often antiques or other collectibles. Come hungry — some of the area’s most beloved food trucks will be in attendance.
What we’re buying: Lunch from The Cow and the Curd truck, tchotchkes home chotchkies from Funsize Vintage and wonderfully sarcastic greeting cards from Black Heart Letterpress.
You never know what you’ll stumble across at Clover Market.
Credit: Carrie Hill Photography
Go West! Craft Fest
www.gowestcraftfest.blogspot.com
May 3, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Woodlands, 40th & Woodland Ave.
Why we’re going:We love a good West Philly-style craft fair that takes place in a giant cemetery. Unlike other fests, here you’ll find acrobats — in addition to all the handmade and vintage wares, local food and live music.
What we’re buying: Grub from Taco Angeleno, dark but cheeky artwork from Corina Dross and necklaces made from vintage china by As the Crow Flies & Co.
Art Star Craft Bazaar
www.artstarcraftbazaar.com
May 10–11, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Why we’re going: This is one of the biggest and most recognizable craft shows coming out of Philadelphia, and we love it. The great folks at No Libs’ Art Star know what they’re doing when they put together a list of vendors. It’s a coveted event for many DIY enthusiasts.
What we’re buying: The list of vendors has yet to be released, but based on previous years, we know we’ll want it all. Art Star’s Erin Waxman and Megan Brewster expertly handpick vendors, and we trust them to bring serious talent to Penn’s Landing this May.
Pro tips
• Remember to hit up the ATM before heading out. You won’t be waiting in a long line for a machine with a service fee.
• Bring an appetite. Most craft fairs are teeming with food trucks and/or local food vendors.
• Take your time. All of these fests will have outstanding vendors, but we make smarter buying choices once we’ve seen what everyone is selling.
