to me, fall screams festivals + fairs + totally unique opportunities to start that all-important holiday shopping. but one of the things i love about festivals + fairs is getting to support other handmade artists….whether it’s clothing or home goods or food, there’s something so special about supporting your fellow handmade entrepreneur who puts their heart + soul into what they make. 

and, of course, i love keeping a pulse on local markets, and thought i shouldn’t just keep these all to myself! because if you’re in the area, or you have a couple of hours open on a gorgeous fall weekend, why not grab a pumpkin spice latte + head out to support some local artists? (and, maybe, just maybe, start crossing some gifts off your holiday list?)

here’s a rundown of some upcoming festivals that i’m super excited about….because i’m either going to them, i’m going to be a vendor, or i have handmade artist friends who will be vendors there! 

photo from urban farmgirl’s facebook page

urban farmgirl main street market | rockford, illinois
saturday, 9.12.15

this will be first trip to check out the urban farmgirl main street market, which is right up the way from the studio in northern illinois! but if pics from previous markets are any indication, it’ll be a blast! featured as an open-air market, i can’t wait to check out all of the vintage + handmade goodness from the 120+ vendors! (p.s. we’re making this trip a girls day out! can’t wait!)

photo from hobnob market’s flickr collection

hobnob market | effingham, illinois
friday, 9.11.15 + saturday, 9.12.15

confession: i knew nothing about the hobnob market until a couple of weeks ago, when a handmade artist that i follow shared that she is a vendor at the event! (p.s. if you get to go check out this vintage greatness, be sure to stop by + say hi to lois pearl designs!) another open-air market, the market also features food, live music, and my personal fave….wine. 🙂 even though i had already bought my tix for the urban farmgirl main street market in rockford for this same weekend, i think i’m gonna have to put hobnob on my list for the next market i attend!

washington street market | naperville, illinois
saturday, 9.19.15 + sunday, 9.20.15

a little shameless self-promotion: i’m a vendor at this event! woohoo! i can’t wait to join the other
fantastic vendors at this open-air market, right in the heart of downtown naperville. (have you ever been? it’s ad-orable!) hosted by room 363 (an adorable home decor + vintage shop in naperville), this is one market that has literally been on my list for over a year! i can’t wait to be able to bring my re-nest designs to a whole new market + see how people a little further east of me take to my creations. it’ll be a great weekend + i have to give pre-market shoutouts to my sister, who’s joining me for both days; her fiance, for being cool with her hanging out in downtown naperville for a weekend; and of course, my three boys, for supporting me in trying out this new market! i can’t wait to share with you how it goes….and of course, if you are anywhere nearby, please stop by + see me! i love visitors + i’ll have candy + stickers (who doesn’t love candy + stickers?!?) 

tell me: what markets/craft fairs/vendor shows are on your list for this year? and, what kinds of goodies do you love to check out at events?