Here ... but for a limited time only
Get up-close and personal with local artisans.
Just in time for the holiday gift-a-palooza, we’ve rounded up a list of craft fairs and pop-up shops (aka temporary boutiques) designed to introduce you to the independent artists, makers and chefs behind some of the L.A. area’s best handcrafted, locally-made products. Want to know how they did that, what inspired them or if they can make it for you in lime green? Meet them IRL and find out. The idea: Ditch the big box for the small biz, revel in a sense of discovery, and support new designers and talented neighbors in the process. Look for: small batch treats, one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, stationery, jewelry, apparel, art and more. Some of the very merry marketplaces offer pictures with Santa (even for fur babies!), plus artisanal bites. Note that pop-up times and dates can change: Best to check websites before you go. Find more events online at latimes.com/giftguide
The Ecology Center
Through Dec. 30
The historic 1878 Congdon farmhouse in San Juan Capistrano, a centerpiece of the nonprofit the Ecology Center, will host Handmade, a pop-up shop showcasing everything from handmade surfboard bags to children’s toys, home goods, fiber art and more. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
theecologycenter.org Mercado Sagrado Annual Fair
Nov. 16-17
“Mercado Sagrado” means “Sacred Market.” Tucked into Malibu Canyon at King Gillette Ranch (the 1920s home of the famed razor mogul), this holistic design fair, organic food showcase and music fest promotes an ethical lifestyle of mindfulness and a curated crowd of makers. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. mercadosagrado.com
Long Beach Patchwork Show
Nov. 17
The popular, pet-friendly, show spotlighting emerging artists, crafters and designers at Marine Stadium offers free shuttle service and bike valet. There’s a Patchwork Junior section showcasing makers under 18. Artisanal food, free workshops and live music add to the open air marketplace bliss. Free Admission. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. dearhandmadelife.com
Renegade Craft Los Angeles
Nov. 23-24
Local DJs will spin a lively soundtrack for shoppers at Renegade Craft Los Angeles taking place at Los Angeles State Historic Park. Browse art, apparel, small batch goodies, home decor and more. Pet friendly. Free admission. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. renegadecraft.com
Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair
Nov. 30-Dec. 1 (Small Business Saturday weekend!)
This year, the arts and crafts extravaganza is going underground (literally). The DTLA show will be held inside the newly renovated basement beneath Grand Central Market and feature handmade home decor, art, jewelry and fashion. Free admission. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. jackalopeartfair.com/visitdtla
Unique Markets: Downtown Holiday Market
The always popular Unique Markets is setting up shop in a new DTLA location this year inside historic Hudson Loft with a modern showcase of jewelry, clothing, art, home decor, apothecary, wellness items and more from independent designers and emerging brands. Free workshops, selfie stations and gift wrapping are part of the fun. Admission $12; kids 12 and under, free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. uniquemarkets.com
Craft Contemporary Holiday Marketplace
The strolling and shopping season on Museum Row gets underway with the Craft Contemporary, formerly the Craft and Folk Art Museum, annual marketplace offering a diverse array of of cool, curated art, crafts and home goods with a contemporary feel. Music and complimentary refreshments. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
cafamshop.org Winter Fantasy Sawdust Festival Nov. 23-Dec. 22 (weekends only)
Meet nearly 200 makers and artists in their booths at the annual Winter Fantasy Sawdust Festival a showcase of art, home goods, apparel and more nestled in a charming 3-acre village in Laguna Beach. Live music, workshops, glass blowing demonstrations, puppet shows, balloon art and meet-ups with Santa make it magical. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. sawdustartfestival.org
Santa Ana Patchwork Show
Dec. 1
This year, the Patchwork Show celebrates its 10th year in Santa Ana’s downtown Artists Village. The O.G. event featuring a diverse array of artisanal arts and crafts will span several city blocks and incorporate local shops, museums, restaurants and bars in the festivities. Pets allowed. Free admission. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. dearhandmadelife.com
Echo Park Craft Fair
Dec. 6-8
Drawing more than 150 modern makers from around the globe, the three-day Echo Park Craft Fair, now in its 10th year, offers a curated collection of handmade goods ranging from ceramics and jewelry to apparel, woodworking, home goods and beyond. Early bird preview party at 6 p.m. Dec. 6. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Inner City Arts. echoparkcraftfair.com