Wednesday, September 24, 2014

It's Crafty Bastards Time Again [UPDATED]

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Hopefully you'll have fully recovered from the H Street Festival in time to enjoy this weekend's Crafty Bastards at Union Market (1309 5th Street). Crafty Bastards is a super fun two day sales event showcasing all sorts of creative stuff. You'll find over 170 vendors selling: screenprints, t-shirts, belts, scupture, stuffed animals made from upcycled sweaters, housewares, furniture, funky puppets, unique jewelry, and tons more.

UPDATE: Here's a handy map of the vendors.
Seriously, this is a great place to score a holiday gift for the friend who has everything. Also, they have a beer tent and MANY food trucks. One important note, vendors are not necessary the same on both days, so I would recommend two trips. Thankfully, a two day pass will only set you back $8 (as opposed to $5 for one day). Kids under 12 get in for free. The event runs from 10am-5pm this coming Saturday and Sunday. Most vendors will accept credit cards, but I'm not sure they all will. Read the full press release below.

FURNITURE, WEARABLE ART, TOYS, CARDS, JEWELRY & MORE: FIND IT ALL AT CRAFTY BASTARDS!
11th Annual Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair Returns to Union Market September 27 & 28

WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 170 artisans and crafters from all across the United States will set up shop outside Union Market on September 27 and September 28 for the 11th Annual Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair presented by Washington City Paper.

“Crafty Bastards is renowned for its carefully curated selection of quality hand-made goods that makes for a unique shopping experience,” says American Clothier Erika Schrieber. “As a Crafty Bastards rookie, I am excited and honored to be amongst so many other talented creators, makers, and artisans.”

The two-day outdoor exhibition will run daily – rain or shine – from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot in front of Union Market, located at 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, D.C. Tickets are available online in advance at http://wcp.xorbia.com/craftybastards (1-day admission is $5; weekend pass costs $8; children 12 years old and younger are FREE).

"Crafty Bastards creates an extremely well-organized event with an overwhelming sense of fun that makes the vendors and customers feel not only welcomed, but celebrated,” says Project Runway Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll. “I look forward to Crafty Bastards all year. I do a lot of indie craft shows on the east coast and the organizers, volunteers, food, entertainment and shoppers here truly are top notch!"

In addition to booths featuring hand-crafted wooden toys, screen printed art, greeting cards, unique fashion for the whole family, jewelry, furniture, housewares and more, Crafty Bastards sponsors will be on site with fun, interactive centers to educate and entertain. The 2014 sponsors include the DC Library, UrbanSitter, The Bike Rack, Live Nation, Casey Trees, Fiddleheads Salon, Car2Go, Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company, Pixilated Photobooth and Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café and Grill. New Belgium returns to sponsor The New Belgium Brewing Beer Garden again this year to quench craft beer thirsts, along with a delicious array of food trucks and craft food and beverage vendors, including The Big Cheese, DC Empanadas, Buffalo & Bergen, Paisley Fig, Number 1 Sons, Orange Cow and others.

According to McCarroll, “There's really nothing else to say other than Crafty Bastards f@*#ing rocks!"

The complete vendor gallery, as well as a full list of participating food trucks and craft food vendors, is available on the Crafty Bastards website at www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards. Join in the Crafty Conversation online via Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest & Facebook @CraftyBastards. #Crafty2014

About Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair

With more than 130 vendors selling homemade crafts in 2013, the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair was selected as one of Washington’s Top 100 Events and was voted by Washington City Paper readers as the Best of D.C. Runner- Up for Best Arts Festival. For more information about the 11th annual Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair, including a full vendor gallery, please visit http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards.


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

did anyone go last year? I am wondering if buying tickets ahead of time will prevent waiting in a long line.

inked said...

12:22,
I would suggest buying tickets ahead of time. Even if you do still end up waiting in line a tiny bit, it will be a shorter line. I plan to buy my weekend pass ahead of time.

Anonymous said...

Long lines, big crowd, don't expect to really be able to see the crafts. Think of the H Street festival as a preview.its for people who like to be part of the crowd.

inked said...

3:13,
I would bet that the last time you went to Crafty Bastards was in 2012. That was the first year the held it at Union Market & the crowds were horrible. You couldn't see the goods for sale & it was hard to move. That situation led to the expansion of Crafty Bastards in area & to its transformation into a two day festival instead of a one day affair. The crowds last year were not bad at all, & you could easily move about and shop. Maybe give it another shot?

Anonymous said...

I cannot wait to take a gander at some felt bird appliques!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmLljk2t8M