My calendar is full of notes about upcoming craft events in Spokane. It’s time to make lists of people to shop for and to support local artists. This weekend I walked through the Shadle Park Arts & Crafts Sale and was happy to see a nice variety of artists, price ranges (I purchased several handmade ornaments for just $5), and lots of shoppers. And afterward, I was able to cross one of the more challenging-to-buy-for people off of my Christmas list. Success! Before Thanksgiving!

Pre-Thanksgiving craft events are in abundance, and there always seems to be so much to do between Thanksgiving and Christmas that I try (and occasionally succeed) to get a few under my belt before the mad rush of baking cookies begins.

Here are some upcoming events that you might want to check out (maybe I’ll see you there!):

11/12 – 11/14: Inland Crafts: The vendors tend to be fine, contemporary artists, and are worth seeing; walking through this show is much like touring an art gallery. There are also $150 gift certificates awarded daily and shopping bag giveaways.
Hours: Friday: Noon-8pm, Saturday: 10am-6pm, and
 Sunday: 10am-5pm
Spokane Convention Center, ballrooms B & C
(Admission is $5, but on Friday night from 6-8 pm, admission is free.)

11/13: Spokane Community College Art/Craft/Food Fair: Art, crafts, and food?! I’m in! Entrance is free, parking is abundant, and the items for sale are various in every way.
Hours: 9am – 6pm
Location: Spokane Community College

11/13: Jubilee International Marketplace: This sale features fair trade crafts from around the world. I often find very practical items made from creatively repurposed materials (for great prices)—the best of so many worlds.
Hours: 9am – 4 pm
Location: First Presbyterian Church (318 S. Cedar St)

11/14 – 11/15: University High School Craft Fair
Location: University High School (12320 E. 32nd Ave.)

11/13 – 11/14: Holiday Craft Fair, Mead High School
Hours: Saturday: 9am – 5 pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Location: Mead High School (302 W. Hastings Rd)
(Admission is $1—that’s not bad!)

11/19 – 11/21: Custer’s Christmas Arts and Crafts Show []: The Custer shows are huge. There are tons of vendors and probably the biggest variety of sale items around. You’re pretty much guaranteed to leave with your tote bag full of gifts. I recommend shopping early for this one…and bringing coffee.
Hours: Friday: 10am – 9pm, Saturday: 9am – 7pm, Sunday: 10am – 5pm.
Location: Spokane Fair & Expo Center - Spokane, WA
(Admission is $6)

Every Thursay: Winter Indoor Market: Local growers and artists will be selling their work every Thursday, all winter long. If you’re missing the Farmer’s Market, this would be a great stop on drizzly Thursday afternoons…if only to pick up a delicious loaf of bread for dinner.
Hours: 10am - 2pm
Location: The Community Building (35 W. Main Avenue).

Let’s see how many of these shows I’ll be able to make. I would love to hear about the shows you attend (and any that I need to add to my list).

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