Weekend Market Picks October 3 & 4, 2015: Twitch & Whiskers

Twitch and Whiskers Kitty Necklace. He Found a Furrever Home in DC (Photo courtesy of Twitch & Whiskers)

Last weekend, I went on a road trip to Crafty Bastards, a fantastic crafts show in Washington, DC. I had never been to this annual event, so when my wonderful friend Mei-Ling Uliaz, owner and crafter at Twitch and Whiskers, invited me to go with her and help out in her booth, I jumped at the chance! Plus, my sister Andrea lives in DC, and I owed her a visit.

I’m working on the photo story about the event, which I will post as soon as I get my computer sorted out. However, I wanted to thank Mei-Ling for taking me along because we had a blast. DC loved Twitch and Whiskers. Someone told her she was “the craftiest bastard at the show.” That’s quite a compliment because there were some extremely talented crafters there. And fortunately very few bastards!

I know we all have our rubber boots by the door and a lifetime supply of milk and toilet paper for Hurricane Joachin. But don’t fear a little weather. Slip on those boots and go visit these fabulous markets. Most of them are indoors. Check on the websites before you head out though, just to make sure there are no early closings or cancellations!

Weekend Market Picks:

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Ridgewood Night Market: Here’s something fun for a rainy Saturday night! This night market features over 40 artisans, and the bar in Gottscheer Hall will be serving food and specialty cocktails for the occasion. 5PM – 11PM, Gottscheer Hall, 657 Fairview Avenue, Ridgewood, Queens

Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2015

Artists & Fleas: Artists & Fleas is such an amazing place to find the coolest handmade and vintage products. The two venues are equally cool, but they have slightly different vibes. So I strongly recommend that you visit both! Williamsburg – 10AM – 7PM, 70 N. 7th Street, Brooklyn; Chelsea Market – Monday-Saturday 10AM – 9PM, Sunday 10AM – 8PM, 88 10th Avenue at 15th Street, Manhattan

Crafts at Lincoln Center: This large, wonderful American craft fair sets up its tents alongside the Opera Hall at Lincoln Center. Shop directly from world-class craft artisans this weekend and next. Saturday 11AM – 8:30PM ,  Sunday 10AM – 6:30PM, Lincoln Center, 64th Street at Columbus Avenue, Manhattan

Plaza Hotel Food Hall: The venerable Plaza Hotel is home to one of the most beautiful food halls in the city. It’s fancy, that’s for sure. But the food is local, fresh and innovative. You can find local favorites like Luke’s Lobster and Billy’s Bakery. Don’t miss the mille crepe cakes by Lady M!  Monday – Saturday 8AM – 9:30PM, Sunday 11AM – 9:30PM, 1 West 59th Street, Manhattan

Red Hook Ballpark Food Vendors: This is the last month to enjoy some of the tastiest Latin American food at this famous food vendor gathering, now in its 41st year! Get the cheese pupusas with real loroco – my favorite when I lived in El Salvador! 10AM – 8PM, block bound by Hicks, Lorraine, Clinton and Bay Streets, Brooklyn

Sunday, October 4, 2015

6th Annual Havemeyer Sugar Sweets Festival: I love a great bake sale! This is a fabulous one that invites pros and home bakers to contribute to the fun and compete for the title of “NYC’s Best Home Baker.” Enter and win! Or just go and stuff your cake hole to support the City Reliquary Museum and Civic Organization! 11AM – 4PM, The City Reliquary, 370 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn

Big Fat Flea: Check out this fabulous and stylish rummage sale for plus-sized fashionistas of all genders!10:30 AM –  5PM, New York University School of Law, 40 Washington Square, Manhattan     

Tompkins Square Greenmarket: I love to feature this large farmers market periodically because it’s so important to the neighborhood. This weekend, it’s also just a few sort blocks from Lower East Side Pickle Day festivities. So when you’re inspired to make your own pickles, grab your veggies here! 9AM – 6PM, Avenue A and East 7th Street, Manhattan

Lower East Side Pickle Day: Most of us think every day is Pickle Day. But the official day is Sunday on the Lower East Side: 18 picklers, plus dozens of food and drink vendors, and craft and fashion vendors. 12PM – 5PM on Orchard Street between Houston & Delancey, Manhattan

Rock ‘n Shop at the Paper Box: Check out Brooklyn’s brand new community market! Over 40 vendors will set up in 5,000 square feet of space with food, drinks, art, crafts, vintage and new designs. Music too! 9AM – 7PM, The Paper Box, 17 Meadow Street, Brooklyn

~Karen Seiger, Markets of New York City