Fri 11/26-Sun 11/28
Everywhere you look this crazy weekend, there’s a holiday show or market or sale, hosted by a gallery or artist building or local business. If you blocked out this whole weekend, you could get all your holiday shopping done without every setting foot in a chain or big box store. And if you celebrate Hanukkah, it’s in the nick of time. Hanukkah’s early this year, starting Sunday November 28!
Our business & fashion columnist Dru Thompson has outlined some of the Small Business Saturday shopping opportunities. But wait! There’s a lot more, with Black Friday events as well and some markets extending to Sunday. Get going and support all these local businesses, makers and artists.
Fri 11/26-Sun 11/28
Little Italy was the first neighborhood to become home to artists and host artwalks, and while they’ve largely moved on, it’s still got a great variety of small storefront shops and boutiques. Its three-day Holiday Art Walk + Small Business Fest gives you plenty of time to explore and of course stop and eat in one of the neighborhood’s many restaurant. Maps are available at local businesses, or stop in the Murray Hill School building (now home to artists studios and shops) and drop in painter Tricia Kaman’s studio — she ALWAYS knows what’s going on. Hours are Friday November 26 @ 5-9pm, Saturday November 27 @ noon-9pm and Sunday November 28 @ noon-5pm.
Fri 11/26-Sun 11/28
The 50th (!) annual Larchmere Holiday Stroll will be taking place on this shop-lined street just north of Shaker Square Friday November 26 @ 10am-8:30pm, Saturday November 27 @ 10am-6pm and Sunday November 28 @ noon-5pm. Be sure to stop in Loganberry Books for the tenth year of Otis’ Old Curiosity Shop, featuring lots of handmade arts & crafts, toys, cute gifts, unique cards and of course books. They’ll also have free gift-wrapping and local authors signing their books in the store. Out on the street, there’ll be horse-drawn carriage rides on Friday and Saturday, and warm beverages and cookies at select locations. The big days are Friday and Saturday; some stores will also be open on Sunday.
Sat 11/27 & Sun 11/28 @ 11AM-4PM
The Waterloo Arts Co-op Sale at the Waterloo Arts gallery features 30 artists and vendors with a range of original art works and locally created products including books, jewelry ornament, prints and even fragrances. They open this weekend and will be open every Saturday, Sunday & Tuesday @ 11Am-4pm through Sunday December 19.
waterlooarts.org/2021-holiday-co-op/
Sat 11/27 @ 10AM-5PM
The Hildebrandt Provisions Building isn’t as well known as 78th Street Studios or Lakewood’s Screw Factory, but it’s also home to an interesting mix of artists and makers who work in ceramics, woodworking, painting, photography and yarn, among other mediums. But the Hildebrandt is different in that it’s also home to coterie of food and beverage entrepreneurs who make coffee, teas, popcorn, fermented foods and sweets. The Abattoir fine arts gallery is also located in the building, so there’ll be a wide range of things to check out for gift-giving including guest vendors in the new Vendor Mall.
Sat 11/27 @ 10AM-5PM
The Morgan Conservatory’s annual holiday features items created by its members (anyone can join and contribute items). They’re not strictly made of paper, and they range from high-end fine art works to jewelry, cards, journals and other little stocking stuffers. The market launches on Saturday November 27, and will be open Tuesday-Saturday @ 10am-4pm through Thursday December 23.
Sat 11/27 @ 11AM—4PM
Sun 11/28 @ 11AM-3PM
The nonprofit Crafty Mart is the main presenter of maker markets in Akron, and it’s been hosting its annual holiday market for 13 years. After a year off, it’s coming back in spectacular fashion, hosting its first holiday market in its new Carbon Black space at the Bounce Innovation Hub in downtown Akron. There’ll be 70 regional handmade vendors chosen by a jury who offers such items as toys, jewelry, ceramics, body products, apparel and accessories, home décor and more. Food trucks and local breweries will be onsite and there’ll by holiday workshops taught by art students. Admission is free, although you can get early-bird admission for $15.
Sun 11/28 @ noon-5PM
Artists Sunday at Summit Artspace features unique works by both resident artists opening for shopping and pop-up vendors. It’s free and family-friendly.