by Phoebe Sherman (Founder of Girl Gang Craft) We’ve put together a list of our favorite craft shows in the Bay Area (and beyond) to participate in as a maker. I really wish something like this existed when I was starting out, so we’ve made it easy for all you beginning or veteran creatives to know what to participate in. Here are our favorite shows and links to applications.
PS most of these involve some sort of application process. Some fairs are really great for beginning vendors, and some fairs (like WCC) are pretty selective in their acceptances. GGC STILL has not gotten accepted to WCC for the years we’ve applied. Anyways, if you get denied to a fair, KEEP TRYING. Shows like to see you improve and grow!
As a craft fair ourselves, we understand different shows are looking for different kinds of makers. We here at GGC are looking for high quality products, professional-looking photographs, authentic + cohesive branding, and businesses that are aligned with our personal values (ie we love a punk-y politicized vibe). Here are our favorite shows in the Bay Area (and Beyond) this Holiday Season. Good luck applying makers! We’ve obviously got to start the list out with ourselves! (everything else is relatively in order of dates)
1. Girl Gang Craft Girl Gang Craft is the ultimate craft fair for womxn, non-binary + trans makers and healers (and moving forward we will have limited spaces for allies). Plus we’re the only craft fair that has dope feminist merch AND works hard to aid in brand education so our makers can kickass in person and online. Next GGC Educational Event: GGC #smallbiz summit Aug 17 at Scottish Rite, Oakland, CA —> tickets + more info available here. GGC Holiday Market November 9+10, Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, CA applications open late august. GGC Holiday Market December 14, Scottish Rite, Oakland, CA applications open late august. 2. Headwest Headwest is thrown by Jimmy Brower of West Perro. His market is beautifully curated with vintage + handmade goods. Headwest offers numerous events throughout the year and has just merged with Bouquet Market as well for a market on 4th street. Next Headwest shows: September 14 Bouquet x Headwest on 4th St in Berkeley
GGC Holiday Show 2018
applications out now October 19 Headwest at Hangar One Distillery in Alameda applications out August 1 3. Urban Air Market Urban Air was established in 2005 and is the largest outdoor design festival in the country. They throw 2 shows in Hayes Valley, one in Oakland, and one in LA. These shows get tons of traffic. They open their applications at the beginning of the year and you can reserve your spot for all 4 shows ahead of time, so make sure you are on their newsletter to be in the know. Next Bay Area Urban Air Market: September 15, Hayes Valley SF. Applications are closed but please contact Danielle to get on the waitlist. 4. Good Omen Good Omen is a crowd favorite with a cult following. In the past this market has been at Classic Cars west but this year will be at the Humanity Hall (across the street from CCW). This market has a bit of a punk DIY vibe. Expect to find lots of pins, zines, patches + prints. Next Good Omen: October 13 Humanity Hall, Oakland Applications out now. 5. Patchwork Show Patchwork show is put on by Dear Handmade Life and has several shows throughout California. Their Oakland show is at Jack London Square outside along the water. This is a very inclusive show and was GGC Founder Phoebe’s first ever craft show when she was making jewelry. Nicole, the founder of Dear Handmade Life is also a badass and throws Craftcation, a weekend long conference located in Ventura, CA. Next Patchwork Show: November 2 at Jack London Square, Oakland, CA. Applications are open now.
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