Submitted by Evanston Made
Makers Markets invite the community to shop for hundreds of handmade goods, from original art to handbags, in a covered parking garage.
Located on the fifth floor of the Maple Avenue parking garage in downtown Evanston, this market is a weather-proof event, with vendors setting up alongside their parked cars and selling directly to the public.
Entering its fourth year, Makers Markets take place on the first Sunday of August and October. The community’s enthusiasm for this “parking garage sale” has grown year-over-year.
“I look forward to the Makers Markets every year! There is a strong variety of sellers, at all price points. It’s a really fun market to shop,” says volunteer and Evanston Made board member Anne Laverick.
For many vendors, taking goods to market can be stressful and expensive, but the Makers Markets are focused on welcoming all levels of makers. “Accessibility to consumers is essential for makers and not every maker can afford traditional art fairs and markets,” says Evanston Made Founder and Executive Director Lisa Degliantoni. “This market is not only affordable, making it low risk, it’s also weather proof as it’s held inside a covered parking garage!”
Evanston Made encourages people to shop and share their purchases on social media using hashtags that grow awareness for handmade goods, using #shopevanston #shophandmade #evanstonmade and #buydirect.
Makers Markets take place noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 7 and Oct. 2 at 1800 Maple Ave.. Parking is free. Visit evanstonmade.org to preview vendors or sign up to sell.