The Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival Turns 30

On Oct. 17 and 18, the Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival sets up at Five Points Park for the 30th time. White tents will run along Central Avenue and First Street, and artists will be in the booths selling their own jewelry, ceramics, photography, clothing, and more.

It's a juried show, which means the artists apply with photos of their work and booth before they get a spot. Emerging artists are welcome, so you'll see first-timers selling next to people who've done the circuit for years. Alongside the artists there's a Green Market with handmade soaps, gourmet spices, and fresh kettle corn, which is reason enough to walk over.

Thirty years is a long run for a downtown weekend event. Sarasota has always liked seeing things made by hand, from the circus costume shops to the studio classes at Ringling College, and this festival gives you two days to shop for it at street level. The things you pick up here end up on shelves and in kitchens around town for years.

Mark the weekend, bring the dog (it's a dog-friendly event), and go early on Saturday if you want first pick of the ceramics. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

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