One of my goals with Travelcraft Journal is to shine a spotlight on the great stuff people are making/doing. While some of these things are solo endeavors, there’s also the stuff that’s open to community participation – workshops and shows and fairs and meetups and other Happenings.
I hear about these events via Instagram or bulletin board flyers or while researching a destination or at an artist’s booth, and I round up some of the noteworthy ones here. No one has paid to be included. I do this, because…actually, there’s no real reason for me to make this list.
Except, knowing that people are stilt-walking at Arcosanti or meeting up for a harvest moon hike in the Arizona desert or holding a variety show in a back room of a Salvadoran restaurant in LA or learning Pollock-style abstract painting in Bangalore or watching a concert outside a Spanish palace makes me smile. And it makes me want to tell you about it, so we can all experience and support awesome things and help the awesomeness continue.
When I say this is a “curated” list, I mean every item is handpicked.
I organize the event details and condense descriptions. I’ve done my best to be accurate, but it’s possible I’ve gotten something wrong or details have changed, tickets have sold out, etc. So consider this as a starting point, a signpost toward events you might want to check out.
You may also want to know…
- Asterisked (**) items link to posts on Travelcraft Journal that will tell you more about an event or something nearby.
- The Happenings List is now seasonal rather than monthly.
- We added “Happenings List” to our main navigation menu, so you can quickly find the current List(s) anytime.
- It’s organized by state/country and then event date.
- Recently added updates are orange.
The Happenings List
Mid-September 2016 to mid-January 2017.
+Alaska
Oct 7 – Nov 27
Anchorage Museum
Multimedia installation and two-month performance by Allison Warden, an Iñupiaq interdisciplinary artist based in Anchorage. The installation is a futuristic recreation of an Iñupiaq ceremonial house.
+Arizona
Now – Sep 30
Beasley Art Gallery, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
Annual community show that allows you to draw on the gallery’s walls.
- Now – Oct 16. Here and Abroad: Photographs by Arizona-based artist David Taylor of the 276 monuments that delineate the Mexico-U.S. border.
- Oct 7, 6pm. First Friday: Extended hours and entertainment. Opening of Kehinde Wiley exhibition. Poetry readings, performance art, living wall floral installation inspired by Kehinde Wiley’s art, live portraiture in the galleries, music by Djentrification, Arizona Opera, and Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra. Free general admission + $5 special exhibition admission.
- Oct 7 – Jan 8. Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic exhibition.
- Oct 19 – Mar 12. Horacio Zabala: Mapping the Monochrome.
- Dec 2 – Apr 9. INFOCUS: Juried Exhibition of Self-Published Photobooks.
- Artwork: Kehinde Wiley, Mrs. Waldorf Astoria, 2012. Oil on linen. Private Collection, Los Angeles, courtesy of Sean Kelly, New York. © Kehinde Wiley. Photo: Jason Wyche.
**Michelangelo at Phoenix Art Museum.
Flagstaff
- Now – Oct 28. The Last Bookstores: Photographs of America’s remaining independent bookstores and the people behind them by Flagstaff artist Bryan David Griffith.
- Now – Oct 29. The Road Ahead: Traveling exhibition of “highly original work” by 16 artists from California, Illinois, South Dakota, and Arizona.
- Nov 15 – Dec 17. It’s Elemental: Annual fine craft exhibition of jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, wood, furniture, fabric, and sculpture by Northern Arizona artists. This coincides with an ornament sale in the lobby to benefit the Center.
2nd Mondays, 6pm
Gangplank Chandler
Free monthly meet-up of artists and crafters. Learn something new or bring your own project to work on!
Upcoming dates:
Sep 15-16
Windmill Winery, Florence
Blogging conference with workshops, speakers, and networking. Tickets $250.
**Our visit to Windmill Winery.
Sep 16, 7:30pm
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Park ranger lead 2-mile interpretive desert hike under the full harvest moon.
Sep 17, 11am
mod PHX, Phoenix
Community coffee event to learn about various brewing methods, bean processing styles, and sustainable ways to make use of leftover grinds. Tickets $5.
- Sep 17, 5pm. Italian Night: Acadiana: Italian dinner with spectacle performances that include stilt walking, poetry, and music. Tickets $20-40.
- Sep 24, 6:45pm. The Equinox Legislation: Global Stilt Congress performance with aerial dance, acrostilters, and live music. Tickets $20-40.
- Oct 2, 2pm. Voice of the Earth: Japanese Taiko drum performance in the amphitheater. Tickets $20-25.
**Breakfast at Arcosanti.
Sep 22, 6pm
Museum of Contemporary Art, Tucson
Cocktail reception followed by slide presentations from five women in creative industries on what they’re most passionate about. Tickets $10-35.
7pm. Outdoor performances by Ballet Arizona. Free.
- Sep 22. Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, Goodyear.
- Sep 23. Fountain Park, Fountain Hills.
- Sep 24. Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix.
- Sep 29. Tempe Center for the Arts Amphitheater, Tempe.
- Sep 30. Beardsley Park, Sun City West.
**Ballet Under the Stars.
Sep 24-25
Phoenix Convention Center
Pop-culture event for fans of a simpler, more handmade approach to Halloween with the “spooky cute” aesthetic of founders Daniel and Dawna Davis of Steam Crow. Passes $15-25.
Oct 1, 5pm
Roosevelt Street, Phoenix
Local food vendors offer tastings of chile cuisine. There is also live music and entertainment, a beer garden, and a gourmet margarita station. Free entry + tasting tickets are 12 for $20.
Oct 1-2
Mesa Arts Center
2-day intensive workshop on jewelry soldering – how solder actually works and tricks for successful soldering.
Oct 8-9
Pine-Strawberry Community Center
Local apples, antique show, book signings by local authors, and chili cookoff. Free entry + $5 to taste/judge (proceeds benefit local charities).
**NEARBY: Say hi to the llamas.
Oct 9, 11am
The Farm at South Mountain
Hands-on instruction of culinary skills to help you cook with any vegetables in season (or whatever comes in your CSA basket). Register by October 5. Tickets $45.
**The Farm at South Mountain.
Oct 12-15
Mazatzal Hotel and Casino Exhibition Hall, Payson
Quilt show, classes, and vendors. Admission $5.
**NEARBY: Pie at Beeline Cafe.
Oct 15-16
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale
Festival with about 50 restaurants serving $2 tacos, lucha libre wrestling, live music, chile pepper and taco eating contests, tequila and margarita mixology expo, and Chihuahua Beauty Pageant. Admission $12-100.
Oct 22
Yuma Garden Company
**Yuma.
Oct 22, 10am
Flagstaff Mall
Booths with artwork by the Artists’ Coalition of Flagstaff.
Oct 22-23
Phoenix Convention Center
Pop culture convention featuring actors, top comic book writers and artists, programming, and vendors. Passes $15-30.
**The first Fan Fest.
Oct 24, 5:30pm
The Art Institute of Phoenix
Two-day workshop teaches five different calligraphy styles to take hand-lettering skills to the next level with Professor Alison King. Watch for registration details. Estimated fee: $50.
Oct 28
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
A night full of 5-minute presentations, related to making, enjoying, and learning about music! Tickets on sale Oct 1.
Nov 4-6
Tucson Convention Center
Community-based pop culture convention with a mission statement of “Pop Culture For All!” aims to reflect today’s fandom and the unique nature of Tucson, Arizona. Passes $30.
Nov 10-12
Downtown Mesa
Music and arts festival with performances by emerging artists from around the world. Free.
Nov 10-12
Tucson Expo Center
Expo with sewing, quilting, needlework, and craft supply vendors (both local and national), as well as workshops and presentations. Admission $10 or free with online coupon (printable PDF).
**The Festival in Phoenix.
Nov 12, 10am
Beatitudes Life Center, Phoenix
Lace making, exhibits, vendors, lessons. Sponsored by the Lacey Ladies of Arizona.
Nov 18-20, 25-27
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.
**Hidden In The Hills
Nov 18-19
Dayspring United Methodist Church, Tempe
Shop for unique items for children and adults: original clothing and accessories, home and holiday decor, and jewelry.
Nov 19, 11am-5pm
Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix
Festival of top pizza makers, benefitting Downtown Phoenix Inc. Advance tickets $10.
Nov 25 – Dec 31
Desert Botanical Garden
Garden lit by 8,000 candles inside luminaria bags. There is also stargazing, hot apple cider, and a variety of musical performances. Tickets $30.
Nov 26-27
WestWorld of Scottsdale
Shop locally handcrafted goods the weekend of Small Business Saturday. Free admission.
Dec 2-4
Downtown Tempe
Juried art show with 400 artist booths lining Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets. Handmade ceramics, wearable art, jewelry, woodwork and photography. Free admission.
Dec 3, 4:30pm
Downtown Chandler
Community festival, Parade of Lights, and lighting of the 60th Tumbleweed Tree built in Downtown Chandler. Free.
**NEARBY: Check out Peixoto or Graz.
Dec 3, 9am
1769 S. 140th Place, Gilbert
Handmade and vintage home items, clothing, food, and gifts for sale by local crafters in a large backyard. Free admission.
Dec 3, 9am
3685 E Autumn Dr, Gilbert
Gift items for sale inside a barn.
Phoenix
- Dec 3-4. Experience Scandinavia: Celebration of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland with musical performances, traditional dances, and hands-on crafts. Included with Museum admission.
- Dec 17, 9am. Hear Them Ring: Performances featuring handbells, gongs, and other instruments that ring – including some you can try yourself! Included with Museum admission.
Dec 10-11, 10am
Mesa Arts Center
Annual festival with original works of art for sale, live entertainment and artist demonstrations, and kids’ activity area. Free.
**NEARBY: Community Garden.
+California
Now – Sep 13
Flower Pepper Gallery Pasadena
Exhibition celebrating the art of illustration in its many different forms and our desire to keep nature with us. Free admission. Work available for purchase.
Now – Sep 25
Levitt Pavilion band shell, Memorial Park, Pasadena
Concerts featuring both emerging and established musicians of many genres Thursday through Sunday evenings. Free.
**Our drive to Pasadena in one minute.
Sep 10, 9:30am
San Francisco Center for the Book
Create a watercolor sketchbook small enough to travel with you on any artistic adventure. While learning basic design and watercolor techniques, students will create a compact (under 3 inches!) exposed-spine sketchbook with French linkstitch binding, magnetic closures, and 140lb weight watercolor paper. Fee $190.
Copper Still, Los Angeles
A monthly comedy-focused variety show at the bar inside Jaraguá Salvadoran restaurant. $5 at the door.
Museum of Latin American Art
Long Beach
- Oct 14, 7pm. The Origins of Mole: Presentation on the mythical and cultural origins of Mole with a tasting. RSVP required. Tickets $10.
- Oct 22, 8pm. Poderosas Para Siempre: A Celebration of Women Past & Present: An evening to remember and celebrate Latina women who have left an indelible mark on humanity through art, culture, political empowerment, and social justice.
- Oct 28, 7pm. Craft Club: Embossing Workshop: Create an original metal embossing with a Día de los Muertos motif. Tickets $20.
- Dec 4, 11am. Craft & Beyond Festival: Celebrate DIY traditions and upcycled art at MOLAA’s Mercado de Artesanías (Artisan Market) with art workshops, face painting, eco-friendly fashion contest, live music, and docent tours of the galleries. Free admission.
Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena
A series of essential films noirs made in postwar France, which are contemporary to Picasso’s lithographs, and presented in conjunction with the exhibition States of Mind: Picasso Lithographs 1945–1960. Doors open at 5pm.
- Nov 4. Touchez Pas au Grisbi
- Nov 11. Rififi
- Nov 18. Elevator to the Gallows
- Dec 2. Shoot the Piano Player
**Norton Simon sculpture garden.
+Colorado
Now – Oct 2
Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street)
13 sculptures from the Walker Art Center Collection placed throughout the Gardens. Included with admission.
**Denver Botanic Gardens.
Sep 18-24
Crested Butte
Storytelling and harvest festival on the autumnal equinox, a time meant for giving thanks through song, dance, and feasts.
+Hawaii
Now – Oct 9
Volcano Art Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park campus
Juried exhibition of multimedia artwork featuring depictions of the Alalā, Hawaii’s native crow, in anticipation of its reintroduction into the wild this September. Tickets $45-50.
+Illinois
Nov 5, 5-8pm
The Arts of Life, Chicago Studio
8th Annual Charitable Chili Cook-Off. Tickets $15-25.
**Chicago on a tight schedule.
+Nevada
Now – Mar 30, 2017
Barrick Museum, UNLV
Female figurines from the pre-Hispanic era cultures of Mesoamerica, South America, and Central America. Free ($5 suggested donation).
Oct 22-23
Bruce Trent Park, Las Vegas
Regional Fine Art and craft show with farmers’ market, cooking demos, food trucks, and music.
+Oregon
Western Oregon
+Tennessee
Sep 10, 3pm
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Nashville
Wine tastings on a pedestrian bridge with city views and live jazz music. Tickets $59.
Sep 23-25
Centennial Park
Showcase of handmade fine craft from over 200 juried and award-winning artists from across the U.S. Event includes live demonstrations, hands-on kids’ activities, and Emerging Makers Tent. Free.
Oct 28-30
Fiddlers Grove Historic Village, Lebanon
Upscale indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade items, home decor, outdoor furnishings, and food.
+Texas
Oct 7-8
Hilton Austin
Conference to connect the food community. Meet top food writers, cookbook authors, chefs, food brands, and influencers. Discover trends, techniques, and technical innovations. Full conference passes $398.
+Virginia
Sep 9-11
Monticello, Charlottesville
Education-focused festival for all ages celebrating Jefferson’s horticultural legacy with programming on topics like gardening, sustainability, local food, the preservation of heritage plants, natural history, foodways, and the roles of the entire plantation community. Tickets $15-250.
+Washington
Sep 9, 6:30pm
indi chocolate at Pike Place Market
Learn how to use chocolate and alcohol from local distilleries to make cocktails. Fee $40.
**Pike Place Market.
White Salmon Studio, White Salmon
Oct 21, 5pm
Pike Place Market Economy Atrium Building, Seattle
Evening at Pike Place Market filled with local art, live music, food, and auctions. Dinner, drinks, and entertainment sponsored by Market businesses. Proceeds benefit The Market Community Safety Net. Tickets $30.
**Seattle Like a Local.
+Washington DC
National Museum of American History, Demonstration Kitchen
Recipe demonstration and food history talk by a guest chef and a Smithsonian host on a topic that ties back to the Museum’s collections.
- Sep 17, 2pm. Hispanic-American Culinary Heritage
- Oct 15, 2pm. Harvest Season
- Oct 29, 10am. Smithsonian Food History Festival
**NEARBY: National Museum of Women in the Arts.
INTERNATIONAL
+Australia
DIY Classes by Koskela
Koskela, Rosebery, NSW
- Oct 29, 10:30am. DIY Kokedamas: Kokedama is a style of Japanese bonsai, where a plant’s root system is wrapped in moss and string. Make hanging kokedamas and learn how to maintain them. Fee $90.
- Oct 30, 10:30. Open core coiling basketry: Demonstration of how to wrap together core material(s) to create a form and hands-on practice with different stitches, wrapping styles, and core materials, such as grasses, palm fronds and/or natural fibres. Fee $130.
- Photo via Koskela.
+India
Sep 11, 11am
Think Happy Everyday, Bangalore, Karnataka
One-day immersive art experience on the action-painting technique of abstract expressionist artist Jackson Pollock. Mandatory pre-registration. Tickets Rs. 3500.
Oct 23, 10am
Rangoli Metro Art Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka
Festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. Admission Rs. 50.
+New Zealand
Sep 22 – Oct 9
TSB Bank Arena, Wellington
Two-hour spectacular combining fashion, dance, theatre, music and art where over 100 garments are brought to life. Tickets $50-170.
Sep 30 – Oct 9
Dunedin House
Biennial arts festival in Dunedin with theatre, dance, music, comedy, and a visual art gallery.
+Spain
Now – Sep 30, 10:30pm (Doors at 9pm.)
Real Alcázar, Sevilla
Nightly concerts in the gardens of a historic palace, including flamenco, classical, and world music.
Duduá, Barcelona
- Sep 16, 5pm. Lettering con Acuarela [watercolor lettering]. Fee €65.
- Sep 19, 4:30pm. Clase Magistral de Bordado [embroidery master class]:“Gatita Bailando en mi Jardín.” (See photo, above. Via Duduá.) Fee €60.
- Sep 20, 4:30pm. Introducción al bordado dimensional [introduction to dimensional embroidery]: “Mi gatita ama volar.” Fee €60.
**If you can’t go, at least you can make sangria.
+UK
Oct 12-18
SOAS KLT Khalili Film Theatre, London
Annual film festival with talks and performances celebrating indigenous cultures. Suggested donation £5-10.
