Hawks and honey: Top 10 Phoenix Local Artisan and Handmade Events you DO NOT want to miss!

As someone who has grown up her whole life in Phoenix {only to live an hour away in college} I know my local trademarks! One of my favorite aspects of living in Phoenix is our local artisan and handmade markets. We have so many amAZing events in town it's hard to pick just one, so I didn't. I picked 10. These are the top 10 events in Phoenix that you can shop at and support truly handmade and local art. Listed in chronological order...

1. Junk In The Trunk Vintage Market - Saturday and Sunday September 19 & 20 West World
This market kicks off our fall and winter markets here in Phoenix. It's a two day event that takes over Scottsdale! Make sure to bring $5 cash for parking and entrance is $8 to the HUGE warehouse at West World. I mean it's big, like really big, and there are a lot of people, like A LOT, but it's totally worth braving the crowds because each vendor puts so much time and effort into their booths and all the antiques are beautiful and rustic and loved. All the handmade and local items are just as impressive! Last JITT I walked away with a trunk, couch, lockers and some mamas cold brew to name a few. If you're on the hunt for some amazing vintage finds, make a list, show up early and if necessary attend both days!

2. Pineapple Triangle - Saturday, October 17 Bentley Projects

Pineapple Triangle is a fun event that takes care of the community with a hashtag like #AZsharethatyoucare you know they're impacting the community in the best way! Donation based entry of $5 gets you in the door. What you spend once you're inside is not my fault. As a usual vendor at this event I can tell you my peers know what they're doing. I'm bummed I won't be able to attend this event since I'll be at my best friend's wedding in Denver, but go shop and post some instagrams so I don't feel all left out. Everyone at Pineapple Triangle is super friendly, encouraging and generous. Not only does the event itself donate to charity but each vendor gives between 10-30% of their sales to a charity or organization of their choice, so you're not just supporting handmade, you're also supporting lots of good causes.

3. Hissyfits Hullabaloo - 10am Sunday, November 8 at Hissyfits
Hissyfits is a local kids consignment boutique and they host a biannual event called the Hullabaloo and it's jam packed with local hand makers featuring mostly kids clothing and toys but there's also a lot more. I'll be there with my apparel, and I'm looking forward to stocking up on goodies for my kids while I'm there. There's no cost for admission.

4. Front Porch Pickins 9-4 Friday and Saturday, November 13 & 14 Peoria Sports Complex
This is one of the biggest events I've heard of. Like hundreds of vendors {maybe I'm exaggerating but I don't think I am!} It's a two day event full of rustic, vintage and handmade items. Cost is $2 advanced and $3 at the door, not a bad price if you ask me, which I'll pretend like you did, since this is my blog and you're reading it.

5. Phx Flea - Saturday, November 28 Heritage Square, Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix Flea is an outdoor but covered market at Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. It's held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, also know as Small Business Saturday, which is exactly what you're doing when you shop at local markets. Cost is $5 and proceeds go to a charity or organization chosen by the flea for instance the 100 club. I like this market because it's uniquely picked vendors and it was one of the first markets I've ever vended. It's where I met some of my favorite local shops like indie nook, Mer•made jewelry and MAME soy candles!

6.Crafeteria - 6-10pm Friday, December 4 at Frances

Crafterteria is fun because it's hosted by Frances, and as you probably know if you're from Phoenix, that it's one of the best boutiques in Phoenix, literally, we voted! Anyway, the event is held in their back parking lot which makes parking for the event a little bit tricky but we usually just walk over from across the street. Speaking of which, since it's in the back you might not notice it from the street, but if you follow the crowd of people you'll find it. It's really well organized and you can walk through the rows of vendors surprisingly easy considering how crowed it is. They also usually have a food trucks, this year it's Short Leash Hot Dogs, Waffle Crush, & Mustache Pretzels! There is no admission cost to attend this event.

7. Phoestivius - 5-10pm Thursdays December 10 and 17th
Hosted by Phoenix Public Market, this event takes places not once but twice. There is a farmers market at Phoenix Public Market on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings every week, this takes place in the same location with lots of similar vendors and a lot more additional hand made artisans. EVERYTHING, at this market is hand made. It's perfect for me, because it's right before Christmas and I love to give hand made items as gifts whenever possible. I often save my shopping until this event and there's usually something for everyone.

8. Jackalope Arts - 10am - 5pm Saturday & Sunday December 12th & 13th
This is the first year I've heard of Jackalope Arts. I was so excited to apply and be involved with such an awesome event. This isn't just a phoenix event you can also find Jackalope in Denver, and Pasadena! But here in Phoenix the event will take place at Steele Indian School Park, and after taking a glance at the jury for the event I'm even more honored to be a part of this 2 day experience. This event is free to the public. If you're interested in more information you can follow along on their blog, here.

9. First Fridays! 6-10pm First Friday of EVERY Month Downtown Phoenix.
The Art district downtown, specifically, Roosevelt Row has really made a brand for itself. On the First Friday of the month all the galleries and local boutiques are open, many for extended hours so the Phoenicians can tour art galleries, venues, and art spaces. I've been participating in FF for years, before I left for college and I just started again. I love the creative energy of all the spaces, there's just so much art to see. Check local shops for exact times, but Made Boutique also hosts vendors in their front courtyard and you can even find food trucks. There is no cost to attend this event, although I do suggest bringing cash to make transactions quicker with street artists.

10. Desoto Central Market - 5-9pm Friday

Evenings until further notice.
Last but not least, the newest addition to downtown Phoenix, Desoto Central Market! In addition to their Friday night weekly pop up shops they host swing dancing, workshops and even have a meeting room. It's in a beautiful historic building. I've had my eye on it for a while, I've been waiting for someone to do something amazing like this with all the brick buildings downtown. I'm so happy to see it with new life. I love vending at Desoto, not only for the awesome handmade vendors I get to meet up with but also because of the food. Seriously, Yard Birth + The Larder is my favorite restaurant right now. Get the Cauliflower. And if you're not into that, that's okay because Desoto is like a fancy yet casual food court with organic and local restaurants and it has a beautiful bar & a coffee and tea stand. So, if you're looking for something to do tonight, head over to Desoto!

I think I included the biggest and bestest but if I left one out let me know! I'm always looking for more amazing experiences and events here in Phoenix. What are your favorite local events in Phoenix?