Pittsburgh’s Handmade Arcade Holiday Market gears up for 18th year

PITTSBURGH — Friday morning at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A was just a large empty space, but Friday night, it transforms into the largest holiday market in the region – the Handmade Arcade.

“We have over 500 applicants for 250 spaces,” said Tricia Brancolini-Foley, executive director of Handmade Arcade.

DIY crafters are ready to sell. From sponsors, hands-on activities and large-scale demonstrations, you can find just about anything from art and screen printing to ceramics, glassware and metalworks.

Organizers told Channel 11 some of the crafters have been directly impacted by inflation and supply chain issues, so supporting them this holiday season is more important than ever.

“I’m born and raised Pittsburgh, so it’s important to support the people who are from here, and the people coming from out of state to show too how loved makers are in the city,” said Valerie Snyder, owner of Simon’s Granddaughter.

“It uplifts the region’s maker community, which in this region, if you’re not aware, is incredibly robust. We have so many innovative and talented folks who take traditional handicrafts and have meshed them,” said Brancolini-Foley.

Tickets to the main event on Saturday are free, but there is a charge for Friday night’s Happy Hour event and Early Bird shopping Saturday. For more information, visit https://www.handmadearcade.org/.

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