A Guide to Holiday Art Bazaars

If you’d rather be yarn-bombed than trampled by the Black Friday masses, then these upcoming holiday art fairs are for you. From November 26 - December 24, you’ll be able to find both beautiful and bizarre handmade goods from local artists at any of these bazaars.

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market
November 26-27
11am-6pm
Palmer Events Center (Exhibit Hall 2)
Free
http://www.renegadecraft.com/holiday-austin

The Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market features over 150 local and national indie-craft artists hawking items such as jewelry, clothing, home goods, posters, artwork, and bath products. Hands-on crafting activities, such as an ornament-making workshop, offer an opportunity to exercise your own creativity while you’re inspired by all these crafters. Knitta Please (known locally for installations such as last year’s yarn-bombing 99 trees at The Blanton) will have a giant yoga ball installation, and Waterloo Records DJs will be spinning tunes. Food and beverages for purchase.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 30 - December 24
10am-10pm (10am-6pm on December 24)
Marchesa Hall & Theater
Free
http://www.bluegenieartbazaar.com

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar claims to be Austin’s most creative holiday art bazaar. Over 130 local artists and craftspeople will be selling paintings, sculptures, glasswork, ceramics, prints, photography, jewelry, etc. Holiday films will be shown in a movie room to keep the kiddos (or yourself) occupied. Beverages for purchase.

Cherrywood Art Fair
December 10-11
10am-5pm
Maplewood Elementary School
Free
http://www.cherrywoodartfair.org

The 10th annual Cherrywood Art Fair is a production of East Austin nonprofit, Chula (Cherrywood Urban Landscape and Arts) League. Proceeds benefit the Little Artist Big Artist Program and other E. Austin projects. In addition to goods by over 100 local artists (including 25 Etsy and Craft Riot members), this fair features live music, children’s activities, and a silent auction. Food and beverages for purchase.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 14-24
11am-11pm
Palmer Events Center
$5 weekdays before 7pm, $8 nights and weekends
http://www.armadillobazaar.com

In its 36th season, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is an Austin staple. You’ll find affordable to high-end art from more than 160 local artists and artisans. In addition, at least three music acts will perform daily. The lineup includes Austin favorites such as Ruthie Foster, Suzanna Choffel, and Band of Heathens. Food and beverages (including a full bar) for purchase.