Enjoy this handpicked list of good stuff going on around the globe! Since we’re approaching the end of the year, this Happenings List is especially packed with holiday craft fairs and concerts, good causes and causes for celebration.
What festivities are you looking forward to this season?
–S
U.S.
+Arizona
1. Dia de los Muertos Festival (Mesa)
Oct 26, 10am-5pm + Oct 27, 12-5pm
Mesa Arts Center, Mesa
Art and craft market, live entertainment, and artist demonstrations and altars. Free.
2. The Mural Marigold Project
Oct 30 – Nov 2, 11am-5pm
Tlaquepaque Arts + Craft Village, Sedona
26-foot long community mural in the tradition of Dia de los Muertos, which honors friends and family who have passed on. Everyone is encouraged to paint their own tributes and remembrances. Paints and brushes are provided.
3. Sugar Cookie Baking + Decorating 101
Nov 1, 9am- 1pm + Nov 2, 9am- 1pm
Smitholator Cookie Shop, Mesa
4-hour class on the fundamentals of baking and decorating sugar cookies with royal icing. (Ages 18+. Teens ages 12-17 may register and participate only if accompanied by a registered adult.) You will go home with sugar cookie and royal icing recipes and 6 seasonal themed cookies you’ve decorated. 6 attendees max. Fee $148
4. Tucson Comic-Con
Nov 1-3
Tucson Convention Center, Downtown Tucson
Community-based pop culture convention with a mission statement of “Pop Culture For All!” Full weekend passes: adult (ages 14+) $45 / child (ages 9-13) $10
- Nov 2, 8pm: Costume Contest at the Leo Rich Theater.
- Nov 3, 2pm: The Future of Star Wars in the Coconino Room. Panel with Jason Hunt (co-host of The Wampa’s Lair podcast who gave us helpful Phoenix Comicon tips), Joey Letson, and Kyle Avery.
5. Tempe Book Festival
Nov 2, 10am – 3pm
Tempe Plaza Library, Tempe
Annual event to celebrate reading, writing, and a love for books. The festival brings together local authors, publishers, booksellers, panel discussions, youth story times and more!
6. Desert Botanical Garden events
- Nov 2-3, 10am – 5pm: Día de los Muertos Celebration. Two-day festival with music, dance, storytelling, Mercado with local and international artists and vendors, and kids’ crafts and face painting. At the end of each day, everyone can participate in a procession through the Garden, concluding with a traditional burning of troubles. Included with admission.
- Nov 8-10, 10am – 5pm: Chiles + Chocolate Festival. Showcase for handcrafted Arizona chile and chocolate products with live music and dance performances. Included with admission.
- Nov 14, 7-10pm: Garden Mixtape. New event series with local acts and danceable tunes. Tickets $30.
7. Shemer Arizona Arts Festival
Shemer Art Center, Phoenix
Nov 2-3, 10am–4pm
Two-day holiday shopping event to benefit Shemer Art Center, a not-for-profit art education and community center. One-of-a-kind works and demonstrations from 40 Arizona artists, as well as live music, food and beverage vendors, a silent auction, and a sculpture garden tour. Free festival admission / $5 Kids Zone.
8. All Souls Procession
Nov 3
Downtown Tucson
Two-mile long procession to both celebrate and mourn of the lives of our loved ones and ancestors. Leading up to the procession are art exhibits, performances, and workshops. Free. (Donations accepted.)
9. Quilt, Craft + Sewing Festival
Nov 7-9
Tucson Expo Center, Tucson
Expo with sewing, quilting, needlework, and craft supply vendors (both local and national), as well as workshops and presentations. Free admission and parking.
10. Loft Film Fest
Nov 7-14
The Loft Cinema, Tucson
Eight-day showcase of independent, foreign and classic cinema. Film fans can experience hand-selected festival favorites from Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, etc. and meet internationally-renowned artists from the world of independent cinema. Festival pass (for admission to all film screenings) $150.
11. Made with Love Fall Market
Nov 9 + 30, Dec 7 + 14
Heritage Marketplace, Downtown Gilbert
70 vendors with items either handmade, baked, brewed, or designed by them personally. As well as local food, coffee, and hands-on activities for kids. Free admission.
12. Lace Day
Nov 16, 10am-4pm
Mesa Historical Museum, Mesa
Annual event with lace making, exhibits, vendors, and lessons. Presented by the Lacey Ladies of Arizona.
13. Slider Throwdown
Nov 17, 12-3pm
Kierland Commons, Scottsdale
Food truck battle to see who makes the best slider with a silent auction and music by Lane Change. The event raises money for the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF). $35 admission includes samples of all sliders and 3 non-alcoholic drink tickets.
14. Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour and Sale
Nov 22 – 24, Nov 29 – Dec 1
Cave Creek, Arizona
Self-guided tour of open artist studios in the Cave Creek and Scottsdale area with demonstrations and art for sale. Free admission.
15. Merry Main Street
Nov 29 – Dec 21
Downtown Mesa
Mesa’s holiday celebration with the City’s official Christmas tree, outdoor ice skating rink, Christmas Market with handcrafted gifts, visits from Santa, and food trucks.
- Nov 29, 5-10pm Kick-off and Tree Lighting.
- Free parking in all open lots and on-street parking areas in Downtown Mesa.
- Winter Wonderland Ice Rink on the east side of Mesa City Plaza.
- Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest at Pioneer Park on Fridays + Saturdays.
16. Scottsdazzle
Nov 30 – Jan 1
Old Town Scottsdale
A month of celebratory festivities leading up to the December holidays. (PDF map + guide)
- Public art installations around the Arizona Canal.
- Free parking in the garage south of Camelback Road next to Nordstrom.
- Nov 30, 7-9pm: Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing-Along at the Scottsdale Waterfront’s Soleri Bridge.
- Dec 7, 14, + 21 from 7-8:30pm: Canal Concert Series at Soleri Bridge Plaza. Free holiday concerts by local talent, such as the Phoenix Girls Choir, Campanillas del Sol Handbell Ensemble, and The Scottsdale Chorus.
- Dec 7, 3-7pm: Sugar Plum Avenue on 5th Avenue. Fairytale village with aerial performances, carriage rides, candy land bounce houses, and a tea party in the street.
- Dec 12, 6:30-9pm: Gold Palette Artwalk in the Old Town Arts District. Meet local artists in their own studios and at local galleries, while enjoying strolling carolers and refreshments.
17. Holiday Tea + Tour
Dec 6-8
Rosson House, Phoenix
See the 1895 Victorian Rosson House, decorated for the holidays. Then have Afternoon Tea in The Bungalow at Heritage Square – includes tea, tea sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream served on vintage china.
18. Crafeteria
Dec 6, 6-10pm
Medlock Plaza parking lot (behind Frances), Phoenix
Award-winning independent craft fair with local handmade original work, as well as live music and food vendors. Free.
19. Festival of Lights
Dec 7, 5-9pm
Besh Ba Gowah Archeological Park, Globe
Ruins decorated with more than 3000 glowing luminaries, food and craft vendors, and cultural entertainment by the Yellow Bird Dance Group and Robert Wilson (Apache Flutist). Free admission.
- Donations of non-perishable food will be accepted for the Gila Community Food Bank.
- Parking is limited. Free shuttle available.
20. Cultivate Tucson
Dec 7
1 E. Toole Ave, Tucson
Shop local and support Tucson’s independent designers, makers and shops. A percentage of sales goes to local non-profits.
21. 10th Annual Phoestivus
Dec 12 + 19, 5-10pm
Phoenix Public Market, Phoenix
Inspired by Christmas markets in Germany and Seinfeld’s secular parody holiday (“a Festivus for the rest of us”), Phoenix’s Phoestivus aims to be an all-inclusive December celebration. Free admission.
- Holiday market featuring local food and handcrafted gifts from over 200 vendors.
- The event also includes a Phoestivus Pole, Pheats of Strength, the Airing of Grievances, Phoestivus Ale (brewed by Phoenix Ale Brewery), a hipster Santa, and baby goats dressed as reindeer.
22. Phoenix Festival of the Arts
Dec 13-15
Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix
Dog friendly. Free admission.
- Street parking is limited.
- Light rail stops: McDowell/Central Ave or Roosevelt/Central Ave.
23. New Year’s Eve Celebration with The Phoenix Symphony
Dec 31, 6:30pm
Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Special performance featuring Strauss waltzes, seasonal classics, and Broadway and contemporary favorites. Includes a complimentary glass of champagne. Tickets $25-$93
24. Tucson Jazz Festival
Jan 10-20, 2020
Downtown Tucson
10-day destination festival with world-class jazz musicians.
- Jan 19, 7pm: Mavis Staples at Fox Tucson Theatre. $35-65
- Jan 20 (MLK Day): Downtown Jazz Fiesta. The final day of the festival features free performances on 4 stages in downtown Tucson.
+California
25. Kocktails for Kittens Fundraiser
Nov 3, 3:30-7pm
Marbella Country Club, San Juan Capistrano
Fundraiser for kitten rescue in Southern California (The Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue). There will be hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, photo booth, wine and cocktail tasting, cash bar, and holiday boutique. You can even adopt a kitten at the event! All ages welcome. Advance tickets: adults $50 / kids $35
26. Día de los Muertos Festival
Nov 3, 10am – 5pm
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Long Beach
Learn about the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos through art workshops, live performances, gallery tours, an interactive community altar, face painting, storytelling, an art exhibition (De Generación a Generación: A Subconscious Lineage), and food and craft vendors. All ages. Free admission. Parking $10.
- Oct 24, 7-9pm: Día de ls Muertos Exhibition reception in the MOLAA Lobby. Meet the artists and get personal insight on the altars and artwork on display!
- Oct 30, 3:30-5:30pm: Community Workshop: Virtual Altar Project in the MOLAA Lobby. Drop-in workshop constructing a Día de los Muertos altar with Los Angeles based artist Rosalie López. Bring a photo of a loved one. Ages 10+.
- Nov 1, 3:30-5:30pm: Community Workshop and Performance in the MOLAA Lobby. Hands-on art making activities followed by a Folklorico performance. All art supplies will be provided.
27. Capistrano Lights
Mission San Juan Capistrano, downtown San Juan Capistrano
Dec 8 – Jan 6, 2020
Holiday celebration with 30 days of festive programming and a nightly tree lighting. Tickets $10
- Nov 1, 9am: Tickets go on sale.
- Nov 18 – Jan 6, 9am-5pm: Serra’s Pantry Food Drive. Drop off a donation of food or hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, etc.), to the Mission Gate House or upon entry for Capistrano Lights.
- Dec 7: Capistrano Lights Opening Night. Tickets $13
- There will be no Capistrano Lights Program on December 24, 25, or 31.
28. Survival Architecture and the Art of Resilience
Dec 19, 2019 – May 3, 2020
Museum of Craft and Design, San Francisco
An exhibition exploring housing that is adaptable and sustainable to withstand climate change. It will showcase visionary architects and artists who have created artistically interpretive solutions and prototypes for emergency shelters.
+Colorado
29. Día de los Muertos Celebration
Nov 2, 9am – 3pm
Denver Botanic Gardens
Observance of Día de los Muertos with indoor screenings of Disney’s Pixar film Coco. Included with admission to the Gardens.
30. Candlelight Walk
Dec 6, 6:30pm
Foothills Art Center, Golden
Community caroling walk from Foothills Art Center to the Golden Visitors Center. Hot beverages and cookies will be served at the top and bottom of the hill. Free to join the walk. Candles and glow sticks available for purchase for $1 each.
31. Snowcats Cat Convention + Festival
Dec 7-8, 11am-5pm
The Cable Center, Denver
Celebration of art and cats that raises funds for non-profits. There will be art, music, presentations by vets and other speakers, kitty yoga, workshops, comedy, a cat cafe and lounge, and a new Snowcats After Dark festival. One-day general admission tickets: humans $20 / cats $10.
+Florida
32. CoRK Arts District Open Studios
Nov 17
Jacksonville
Self-guided tour of artist studios and personal work spaces in 8 buildings with over 70 artists in the CoRK District (Corner of Rosselle + King) participating. See artist demonstrations and purchase original artwork.
- h/t Karen Kurycki
33. UNTITLED, ART Miami Beach
Dec 4-8
Ocean Drive and 12th Street, South Beach, Miami
International, curated art fair that focuses on balance and integrity across all disciplines of contemporary art.
+Georgia
34. This Is It!: Service Industry Artists
Now – Nov 16
Lyndon House Arts Center, Athens
Celebration of Athens-area artists who earn wages working in the service industry when not producing in their studios. Artists in the exhibit include Lucy Calhoun, Toby Cole, Chris Collins, Kayla Cox, Jess Dunlap, Alexei Gural, Anna LeBar, Maximos Salzman, Elinor Saragoussi, Jessica Smith, Vernon Thornsberry, and Robyn Waserman.
35. Three Course Wine Dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse
Three-course communal dinner along with 3 different wine pairings chosen by the resident sommelier. Learn the origin, history, and flavor profile of each one. To make a reservation, call the Restaurant Coordinator at 706.467.7059.
- Nov 13 at 6pm: dinner featuring Flowers Vineyard and Winery.
- Dec 11 at 6pm: dinner featuring Champagne Laurent-Perrier.
36. Moxie Craft Fest
Old City Hall, Brunswick
Nov 16, 10am-5pm
Handmade Holiday Market by a group of 40+ modern, eclectic makers.
+Illinois
37. In a Cloud, in a Wall, in a Chair: Six Modernists in Mexico at Midcentury
Now – Jan 12, 2020
The Art Institute of Chicago
The transformative impact of six visionary artists and designers who lived or worked in Mexico between the 1940s and 1970s. The work of Clara Porset, Lola Álvarez Bravo, Anni Albers, Ruth Asawa, Cynthia Sargent, and Sheila Hicks has never been shown together before. Included with museum admission.
38. Chicago Architecture Biennial
Now – Jan 5, 2020
Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago
The largest architecture and design exhibition in North America. The theme of the 2019 edition is #AndOtherSuchStories.
39. Between a Rock and a Dream
Oct 25 – Dec 1
Heaven Gallery, Chicago
Exhibition of objects that attempt to bridge the space between the world as it is and as we desire it to be and that allow for alternative ways of interpreting our environment.
- Oct 25, 7–11pm: Opening reception.
40. Commons Artist Project: blkHaUS studios
Nov 12, 2019 – Mar 1, 2020
The Commons (2nd floor of the Museum of Contemporary Art), Chicago
Chicago-based, socially-focused design studio blkHaUS studios brings together Chicago community members and local museums to assess patterns of collecting and take part in dialogues around collecting, archives, and museum practice. At the end of the project, the artists share their findings with representatives from the MCA and other local museums to provide tools for museums to better reflect their communities.
- Nov 17, 11am-1pm: Opening Brunch.
41. Adler Planetarium Events
- Nov 21 + Dec 19: Adler After Dark. Themed evening event for adults (21+) offering full access to museum exhibits, unlimited sky shows, special guests, hands-on programs, and live entertainment every third Thursday of the month from 6–10pm. $20 advance / $25 at the door.
- Nov 22, 7pm + Dec 20, 7pm: Doane at Dusk. Monthly telescope viewings and discussions with Adler Astronomers after museum hours. Free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis, weather permitting. No tickets are needed.
42. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Nov 22 + 23
Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Two days of free, family-friendly activities lead up to our famous tree-lighting parade to kick off the holiday season – plus special offers from businesses around The Magnificent Mile!
- Nov 23: Tree lighting parade on North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive.
- Outside Chicago: If you can’t be at the festival, check if it’ll be on t.v. where you are. It typically airs in 90% of the U.S.
+Massachusetts
43. Kogei-Kyoto at SA+C Boston: Contemporary Innovators in Japanese Arts and Crafts
Now – Nov 10
Society of Arts + Crafts’ Seaport gallery, Boston
To commemorate the 60-year Sister City pairing of Boston and Kyoto, Japan, more than two dozen artists from Kyoto’s revered Kogei crafts collective Kogei-Kyoto bring exquisite items to the Society of Arts + Crafts’ Seaport gallery. Featuring both traditional pieces, and innovative new works made with traditional methods, this wide-ranging exhibition marks the first Kogei group show in the US. Pieces from multiple mediums including ceramics, lacquer, woodworking, and fabric dyeing will be on view in this stunning exhibition. Free admission.
44. Griffin Museum of Photography Events
- Nov 3, 4-6pm: Yoga, The Secret of Life: Yoga Class with Beryl Bender Birch and Book Talk with Francesco Mastalia. $10 – $50
- Nov 14, 7-9pm: Workshop: Introduction to Hand Coloring Black + White Photos. $50 – $60
- Nov 17, 1-3pm: Allowed to Grow Old: Unity Farm Sanctuary Tour and Book Reading with Isa Leshko. Join photographer Isa Leshko at Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn, MA for a reading of stories from Isa’s newly released book, Allowed to Grow Old, and a tour of a very special farm sanctuary. $10 – $40
45. Art with a Twist
Nov 15, 7-9pm
The New Art Center, Newton
Enjoy a relaxed evening creating art in a maker space guided by a local artist. All materials provided. Tuition includes one drink with beer and wine available for purchase. Registration required. Event is for ages 21+. $40.
46. The Coast Kitchen
Cambridge Community Center, Cambridge
- Nov 15 + Dec 20, 6-7:30pm: Free community meal. Hosted by The Coast Kitchen the third Friday of every month.
- Nov 20, 12-2pm: Thanksgiving Luncheon. 35th annual volunteer-run luncheon to serve over 200 seniors in the community.
47. Holiday Art Market
Nov 30 + Dec 1, 10am-5pm
Old Town Hall, Salem
Organized by the Salem Arts Association, this festive artists’ market in downtown Salem will feature artwork, artisan products, and live music.
+New York
48. BUST Craftacular Holiday
Dec 7 + 8, 11am-7pm
Industry City Factory Floor, Brooklyn
Two-day celebration of DIY culture, featuring over 150 purveyors of handmade goods, including a wide array of eclectic handmade and vintage vendors from all over the United States, as well as amazing DJs, delicious food, creative cocktails, fantastic prizes, and DIY activities for all ages.
49. Annual Latke Festival
Dec 16, 6:30-8:30pm
Brooklyn Museum
Tasting event celebrating the best and most creative potato pancakes to raise funds for The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching cooking in underserved communities. Tickets $75
+Virginia
50. Artisans Studio Tour
Nov 9-10, 10am-5pm
Charlottesville
Central Virginia artisans open their studios to the public for self-guided tours for one weekend every November. For this 25th anniversary, 25 studios will show the work of 46 Virginia artisans. Crafts on display and for sale include pottery, furniture, weaving, fabric design, jewelry, stained glass, wood turning, and quilting. There will also be artisan demonstrations, opportunities to learn about the working processes in each studio, hands-on experiences, and locally-sourced refreshments. Free.
51. Craft + Design
Nov 22-24
Main Street Station, Richmond
Museum-quality show that aims to showcase the finest in contemporary craft. See work in the categories of ceramics, precious metals, glass, wood and recycled materials, contemporary design, innovative use of traditional craft materials, and fiber from over 150 artists from across the country. The event will take place at Main Street Station’s newly renovated train shed. $10 general admission / $90 weekend pass
+Washington
52. Gobble Up
Nov 23, 10am-5pm
Magnuson Park Hangar 30, Seattle
Craft food show with locally-made treats, handmade kitchen items, and holiday gifts. Free admission (with $1 suggested donation).
INTERNATIONAL
+Australia
53. Little Lane Workshops
Studio 4102, Warriewood, SA
- Nov 2, 2:30-5:30pm: Watercolor Food Illustration. $155 fee includes all materials.
- Dec 5, 7-9pm: DIY Natural skincare. $80 fee includes all materials.
- Dec 12 + 14: Native Foliage Christmas Wreath Workshop. $130
54. Wirrina Bluegrass + Acoustic Roots Festival
Nov 22-23
Wirrina Cove Holiday Park, Wirrina Cove, SA
Festival for hearing, playing, and sharing acoustic music from the Bluegrass, “Old Timey,” and other related traditions, including workshops and performances by world-class musicians. Weekend passes: Adults $85 / Youth (ages 13–17) $30
+Canada
55. WinterGreen Fine Craft Market
Nov 8-10
Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK
Thousands of skillfully hand-crafted works by new and returning local artists. Saskatchewan-made food products available for purchase. Adult (ages 12+) admission $5.
56. Fall for Local Holiday Market
Nov 16-17
The Pipe Shop Venue, North Vancouver, BC
Market showcasing independent businesses and seeking to connect the community and grow the local economy.
+Ireland
57. Púca Festival
Oct 31 – Nov 2
Meath and Louth counties
A new festival celebrating Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween with music, film, storytelling, and light installations.
- h/t Lonely Planet
+UK
58. Jane Lightfoot Designs Sewing Workshops
Hoveringham Village Centre, Hoveringham
One-day workshops in Jane Lightfoot’s home studio or nearby locations. Includes instruction and a homemade lunch. Workshop fee: £58 + materials.
- Nov 15, 9:45am-4pm: Heirloom Christmas decorations.
- Dec 12, 9:45am-4pm: Christmas Table Runner.
Event descriptions are based on information provided by the organizers. I fact check as much as I can and edit them for length and clarity. Of course, things can change and typos can happen, so be safe out there!
See captions for photo credits / sources. Uncredited photos are by Phillip Liebold or Stephanie Liebold.
