Arts & CultureBusiness DevelopmentCommunityDealFamilyFeaturedTravel, Shopping & LeisureFara IllichNovember 18, 2016
Photo: NBMA Photography
Looking to avoid stressful malls and crowded big box stores this season? Yeah, us too. Fortunately, Downtown Phoenix hosts an amazing array of arts festivals and markets beginning Black Friday through December, which can actually be categorized as joyful shopping experiences. From Native-themed ornaments to vintage clothes and crafts — we take holiday shopping from chore to cheer.
CityScape Phoenix / Friday, Nov. 25 / 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Free Sleep in, avoid the crowds and still get great deals on gifts. This annual event features more than 30 local vendors with a wide selection of handmade jewelry and crafts, in addition to vintage furniture, décor and clothing. As an added bonus, the event is located in the heart of downtown, a mere skipping distance to the best bars and restaurants in the Valley. Click here to learn more.
Heard Museum / Friday, Nov. 25 / 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Free This annual event offers a wide selection (and price range) of beautiful, intricate and handmade ornaments artfully created by Native artists of the southwest – many of them local. In addition to one-of-a-kind ornaments, the sale features carved wood, miniature baskets, pottery, beads, decorated wreaths, books and other gifts. Most ornaments are priced between $10 and $40. Click here to learn more.
Heritage Square & Science Park / Saturday, Nov. 26 / 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. / $5 For vintage treasures, fine art, locally-made fashion, jewelry and artisan food, Phoenix Flea is the place to be. Timed in line with Small Business Saturday, this is a great opportunity to shop more than 100 local vendors. This is family and pet-friendly affair, so it’s easy to relax, shop, eat and make a day of it. Click here to learn more.
Lynwood Street from Seventh to Sixteenth avenues / Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. / Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. / $15 for the home tour, market is free In addition to seeing some of the oldest and most beautiful homes around, the F.Q. Story neighborhood will host a street fair marketplace on Sunday, perfect for the whole family. The tour begins on Saturday night with carolers and decked out streets, lined with luminarias and lights. On Sunday, the home tour continues with the addition of dozens of arts, crafts and yummy food vendors. Click here to learn more.
Roosevelt Row Arts District / Friday, Dec. 2 / 6-11 p.m. / Free Every first Friday, Roosevelt Row comes alive with local artwork, artisan crafts, vintage goods, jewelry and culinary treats. Over the years, the art walk has evolved into one of the largest in the United States, with wonderful gifts in all price ranges. Besides the outdoor vendors, check out some of the great local shops along Roosevelt Row open late like MADE Art Boutique, The Bosque Phoenix and Revolver Records. Click here to learn more.
New City Church / Friday, Dec. 2 / 6-9 p.m. / Free For December’s First Friday, New City Studio takes a minor detour from its typical art gallery opening to host vendors from around the Valley. From jewelry to home décor, all purchases support a variety of charities and organizations helping those in-need, both locally and globally. There’s a lot to choose from and a lot to feel good about. Click here to learn more.
Phoenix Public Market / Thursday, Dec. 8 and 15 / 5-10 p.m. / Free Back for its seventh year, the Phoenix Public Market expands its weekly farmer’s market for two Thursday nights in December — featuring more local vendors, more food trucks, lots of live entertainment, “Hipster Santa” and enough beer to stay cheerful the whole night through. Focusing on local and handmade jewelry, crafts, food items, clothing, artwork and more, Phoestivus makes stress-free, one-stop shopping a breeze. Click here to learn more.
Margaret T. Hance Park / December 9-11 / Friday 12-5 p.m. / Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. / Free From photography to ceramics, Phoenix Festival of the Arts offers amazing gifts for the holidays, handcrafted by Arizona’s finest artists and craftspeople. In addition to dozens of vendors, attendees can pause to check out top-notch performances, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and family zone for the little ones. This event is great for the art-lovers on your list. Click here to learn more.
