Top Arts & Crafts Events For The Family In San Francisco
Looking to quench that thirst for unique items only found at arts and crafts fairs? Here are the top events taking place in the Bay Area -- all with a family friendly theme.
Bricks by the Bay
Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
5101 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 200-1234
www.bricksbythebay.com
Price: $8 per person (ages 2 and under free)
Date: March 18, 2012
Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
At Bricks by the Bay, there is nearly 18,000 square feet of some of the most amazing LEGO creations this side of the Mississippi, as well as LEGOs and LEGO accessories for sale. Whether you come to enter little Suzy or Sammy's latest, greatest work or just to ogle at others, you are sure to be awed. This year's theme is "Green," referring not just to St. Patrick's Day, but to any connotation of the word whether the color green, the Emerald Isle itself, or a focus on the environment.
Related: Bay Area's 10 Must-See Museums For Kids
Treasure Island Flea Winter Pop Up
Treasure Island Great Lawn
Building #1 Avenue of the Palms
San Francisco, CA 94130
(415) 898-0245
www.TreasureIslandFlea.com
Price: $3 General admission; Kids 12 and under free
Date: March 24 - 25, 2012
Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Treasure seekers will be flocking to the historic Building One on Avenue of the Palms located on Treasure Island, built in 1936 and 1937 for the Golden Gate International Exposition and the last building standing from the San Francisco World's Fair. Hundreds of Bay Area exhibitors will be on hand to display antiques and collectibles in addition to independent designers showcasing handmade one of-a-kind items. Enjoy unparalleled views of San Francisco and Oakland in this shopper's paradise.
Belmont Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival
Carlmont Village Shopping Center
Corner of Ralston Avenue and Alameda de las Pulgas
Belmont, CA 94002
(209) 267-4394
www.pacificfinearts.com
Price: Free
Date: March 24 - 25, 2012
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Under the auspices of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and sponsored by the Carlmont Village Merchants Association, the Belmont Sidewalk Fine Arts Festival has been showcasing the artistic offerings of this quaint, Peninsula town since 1978. Two dozen craftspeople will be selling their work, ranging from painting and photography to ceramics and jewelry. After the festival, explore Belmont and discover some of the other family-friendly fun you can have in this secluded hamlet: Twin Pines Park, Planet Granite, Bel-Mateo Bowl and Pump It Up.
Related: Best Books For Kids Of All Ages
24th Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair
West Portal Ave
San Francisco, CA 94127
(209) 267-4394
www.pacificfinearts.com
Price: Free
Date: April 13-15, 2012
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For three days, the residential streets of West Portal open to the Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair where anything from handmade clothing, ceramics and jewelry to one-of-a-kind art will be on display and available for purchase. Stroll the sidewalks in the village and enjoy the atmosphere while savoring a taste of the Bay.
Park Street Spring Festival
Park St. between Encinal Ave. & Lincoln Ave.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 523-1392
www.shopparkstreet.com
Price: Free
Date: May 12 - 13, 2012
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The 12th Annual Park Street Spring Festival is set in historic, downtown Alameda among buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Browse arts and crafts for sale by dozens of local artisans. Indulge in delicious food and beverages while enjoying live music all day long. For a special touch, let the kids pick out a special treasure. Also, there will be a kids area with a petting zoo and pony rides.
Robyn Chelsea-Seifert is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. Her work has appeared in The Miami Herald, Creem, Hit Parader, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel and International Musician. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
