Showing posts with label San Jose craft fair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Jose craft fair. Show all posts

Friday, September 25, 2026

ILLO Mart Packs South Hall With 250-Plus Illustrators This Weekend

San José Made will run the 2nd annual ILLO Mart on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days inside South Hall at 435 South Market Street in Downtown San Jose. Admission is free. Last year’s first edition proved the city could fill a hall with working illustrators. This year’s floor holds more than 250 booths. Vendor slots sold out. The first 1,000 people through the door each day get an event-only 4-by-6 notepad drawn by @poxei.

The back of the hall is set up for people who want to make something instead of only buying prints. Figure drawing runs all day, first come first served, clothed models, short and long poses. Charcoal and paper are on loan while they last. Jacquelin De Leon leads a $10 digital portrait class at 12:30 both days and a $20 watercolor class at 2:30. Malisa Suchanya’s wooden-mushroom painting slots cycle through the afternoon. Sunday only, Elda The of Thousand Skies teaches 4-by-6 rubber-stamp carving for $20, noon to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., age 12 and up. Four artists run a stamp rally; spend $8 at their tables and collect a set of riso prints at booth E406 while supplies last.

South Hall sits next to the Convention Center garage. Street parking is free on Sunday and the VTA light rail and buses stop within two blocks. No outside food or drink.

Details and workshop reservations: https://www.sanjosemade.com/pages/illo-mart-2026

Friday, May 22, 2026

SJMADE Fest 2026 Brings Hundreds of Local Makers to History Park for a Weekend of Creativity and Community

San Jose's creative community will take over History Park at the end of May when SJMADE Fest returns for its largest outdoor gathering of the year.

More than 250 makers, artists, designers, and small businesses will set up across the historic grounds from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 30 and 31, offering everything from handmade goods and art to baked treats and unique crafts.

Free to attend, the event will also feature a dedicated K-Pop stage with all-day programming including live performances, dance classes, DJ sets, and fan activities organized by K-Pop-Up.

Animal lovers can reserve time in the Kitten Lounge presented by Mini Cat Town, where adoptable kittens will be available for supervised play sessions that support local rescue efforts.

Dozens of food and beverage options curated by Moveable Feast will keep visitors fueled, while the first thousand guests each day receive a special event grocery bag illustrated by local artist Megan Badilla.

This gathering highlights San Jose's vibrant maker culture and gives residents a direct way to connect with and support the talented people shaping the city's creative identity.