Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair

There is almost too much good stuff here! Tons of great arts and crafts and jewelry, and it’s a great place to just wander around. I was in search of some art for my apartment, and found some really nice prints at reasonable price. There really is something for everyone here. Most things are pricey, since everything is handmade and artisan and what not. However, you can find some good deals if you look hard enough. One thing I liked is that almost every vendor accepts credit cards!

A late review, but one I want to post nonetheless.
Five of us went, including one very pregnant woman, and we had a good time despite the heat. Lots of food options, some really great craft, and people were generally friendly. It was super crowded, as to be expected, but there was none of the pushing and shoving you often get in big crowds. Staff was very accommodating to my pregnant friend, allowing her to sit in the shade and rest as she needed.
Food is all off trucks and, therefore, can be a bit pricey and of varying quality, but there WERE lots of choices. Only New Belgian beer available but since it’s one of my fave breweries, that’s not at all a complaint.
I agree with other that some of the pricing was a bit out of hand. I don’t know what the organizers were charging for booth space, so it’s hard to know who to attribute that to. There was a nice wide variety of things, though, which is great.
People griped a bit about parking. Yeah, it sucked for those who decieded to drive into DC. Which, why you would do that, I don’t know. Of course it’s going to be awful. We took public trans and had no problem at all. Gallaudet University is right there, so that’s the Metro stop we used and it was fine.
Will return next year, for sure.

Loved this indie craft show! Found so many great items for myself (i mean for gifts… he he he)
Look forward to next year!

I went to Crafty Bastards for the 1^st time on 9÷28÷14. I usually have a problem with paying admission for events whose sole purpose is to sell me things. However my friend has gone for several years and said it was worth the admission price. The sheer size of the craft fair was impressive. (and) Overall people were polite and made room for you in the smaller booths so you could look at items. The security and number of volunteers seemed more than ample to manage the crowds. I enjoyed looking at the stationary, print and furniture vendors. However I was disappointed that there was not more unique crafts. It felt like clothing crafters outnumbered any other type of craft. (and) I could not justify organic (or not) spending $ 30 on a tee shirt.
I loved the vast variety of food trucks available at Crafty Bastards and had there been seating within the fair would have partaken.
Although I can see why the organizers find Union Market as an appealing place to host the event; the parking is abysmal at Union Market (when it comes to large scale events). I had the same and/​or similar problems when I went to the DC Scoops event at Union Market. My friend and I spent 40 minutes looking for parking when we got there at 11:30 AM and ended up parking way up the street. It would not have been such a big deal if there was a metro stop within a reasonable walking distance. The closet metro stop is probably Union Station which is probably a 30 minute walk to Union Market. I am hopeful when the street cars are operational it will make walking to Union Market from public transport (from H St NE) easier.
I would attend Crafty Bastards next year it was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon but plan on arriving earlier to get a parking space and avoid the peak crowds (it suddenly seemed to get more crowded at 1 pm).
[If you’re thinking about going to the 2015 Crafty Bastards I would suggest you look into the Living Social Voucher (if they run it again). I really enjoyed drinking beer and while viewing the vendors.]

Crafty Bastards just returned for its 8^th (I think?) year here in DC, and having been to all but one of them, I have to say that I really like what they’re doing with the event. It had a few hiccups when they initially switched over from the large outdoor space at the Marie Reed Rec Center in Adams Morgan to the Union Market parking grounds, but they’ve ironed out almost all the issues, and along with Union Market’s continued growth provide one of the biggest gatherings for artisan and handmade goods in the region for two days every autumn.
This year I was very pleased to hear that around 50% of the vendors were new, as after attending almost every year a lot of the stuff was beginning to get repetitive. Next year I’ll definitely be going both days, as there is just too much to cover now in one day. Being able to easily walk there from my place (or park with a limited amount of patience) makes this venue much more accommodating. The crowds are also getting significantly larger than in years past, but thankfully they’ve done a better job of spacing out the vendors than when they first moved to Union Market. It seemed like this year the attendees were much smarter about leaving the double strollers and big dogs at home too, which made walking around much more convenient. Naturally there will be some people complaining about crowd size without realizing that they’re also contributing to it. Yeah folks, if you want to go so do others, don’t be so elitist.
Over the years I’ve scored so many awesome goods at this fair, either for myself, my home, or as gifts. It’s so great that it comes a few months before the hectic holiday shopping season begins, perfect for people who like to avoid the insane mall crowds. They’ve also steadily increased the amount of food trucks on site each year, with many of the same ones you see at virtually every other outdoor event, but also a handful of new ones this year.
Simply put: suck it up about the really marginal entrance fee (do you think it’s free to put these things together?) and come out to people watch, find some things you won’t see anywhere else, and enjoy what’s typically one of the last great weekends of summer-​into-​fall weather in DC.

Way too packed. I would have loved to have seen all of the displays the different venders had, but people seriously don’t know how to walk. I think that they should have had a capacity because like I said there was too many people or maybe had more space for the venders. They had porter potties, woo hoo, but no hand sanitizer. Gross. I guess for $ 6 entry to walk around and take quick glances at everything it was not that bad for such a nice day, but I am not patient enough to shop around that many people who stand around. Free samples of food would have been nice or a free water bottle would have been a good idea considering how hot it was today, but then again, $ 6 entry so I can’t complain. I did get a free koozie. Make sure you come in there rolling in cash or have your credit card handy and not just browsing. It was a good idea for venders to have business cards out, because at least that way I can shop at home in peace.

I love the variety if artist and crafters at this annual event. I’m always excited to see what is new and interesting. But just as excited to see those that return each year with some of the same and improved pieces.
What makes this event even more fun are the food trucks. Yum! Then there is Union Market if you want to sit and eat.
I would recommend this event to everyone.

They charged admission ($ 5) this year, I guess because Union Market charged a hefty fee for staging it there.
I paid it assuming there’d be some decent deals, but whoa – stuff is expensive! Some cool stuff though.

WOW. To call this an arts & crafts fair almost underestimates the incredible level of talent and skills you’ll find among the vendors — forget the church bazaar kitsch you might be thinking of when you see ‘craft’, and prepare yourself instead for everything from hand-​screened t-​shirts to faux taxidermy done in tiny pieces of felt to exquisite metalsmithing to mixed media installations and more! If a creative mind or talented hand makes it, you’re likely to find some variation of it here.
The new venue seemed to work well, with overspill from the line (and there was quite a line to get in!) taking refuge/​stocking up on provisions in Union Market and plenty of parking to be found. Despite the long line, things moved smoothly; the organizers certainly had their work cut out for them, and they excelled. I’d say it’s one of the best-​managed shows I’ve been to in years. The diversity of vendors was well-​chosen, and I especially enjoyed how the types of merchandise were mixed — no long rows of the same kind of stuff, which I find makes shopping easier. This is a gem in the DC art community crown for sure!

****4.5 stars****
Arts and crafts, lots of jewelery, running into friends, and good weather. A fabulous way to spend the morning of what would become a great weekend full of exciting firsts!
The purchases:
— Necklace with a miniature Swiss Army knife that actually opens. Note to self: TSA will not like this.
— Earrings that are mini-​safety pins. To my coworker: I don’t want to hear crap about them being used for baby diapers, you’re just jealous you don’t have a pair.
— Vintage-​looking bronze droop necklace with pendant. Chic. Classy.
— T-​shirt with foxes. Rawr, I’m foxy.
…annnd all that was about $ 150.
Highlights:
— All of the purchases, plus about a million more things I would have liked.
— Lots of local VA/​DC/​MD vendors while maintaining good national representation.
— A separate area for people to entertain their kids with flattened boxes colorful chalk so people fewer shoppers had to bring their brats into the crowded tents.
— From what I’ve heard, it was much more open /​in a bigger space than the location of previous years.
The needs improvement list:
— Given that space is still limited, you should not be dragging strollers around, blocking walkways and limiting access to stalls. Three-​children old enough to walk on a single child-​mobile in particular is a deal killer. *Marks Unilocal review «Good for Kids?» NO*
— Some stuff is too expensive. For handcrafted jewelery it’s worth it. $ 60 for a t-​shirt is a joke. Insert hipsters willing to spend $ 60 of Daddy’s money on a t-​shift half of ScoutMob consumers have already bought.
— This year, the first time I’ve attended, the fair was in a different location, right across from Union Market. Having wrist bands to get in and out so you could go into the market for food, or across the street to A Litteri as we did, is helpful, but I would have loved to see some stalls serving local foods that aren’t available in established markets like Union Market.
Biggest regret after not having unlimited disposable income for jewelery: that these Crafty Bastards only throw one of these big shin digs a year.

Learned about this fair from a crafter who is regularly at Clover Market in Ardmore. As it’s ½ way between my home and Oldest Fellow Shopaholic Friend’s home in SW VA we decided to head there for a weekend.
This year (2012) it was held at a place called Union Market near Galludet University. The neighborhood would be best described as ‘transitional’ — some nice, solid blocks of homes and businesses and some empty lots and Dollar General stores.
The show itself was decently curated, with only minor repeats in offerings. For instance, robots were seen in a few stalls, as were ‘re-​imagined’ old time photographs/​drawings with aliens photoshopped in. Also cutesy alien-​like stuffed creatures for children. The repetition wasn’t bad though, to where we felt like ‘OK we keep seeing the same stuff over and over again.”
The show is definitely on the T-​Shirt and Jewelry vein — those looking for housewares other than artwork or very small décor/​accent pieces would be disappointed.
Only other comment: The place was PACKED. At one point we just had to leave and come back (there is an admission fee and you get a colored bracelet when you pay so you can come and go) because we were fatigued of all the jostling. Some stands we completely skipped because we could not see anything and decided it was not worth waiting and or shoving to see.
Also, other than one completely overwhelmed food vendor inside the show (serving pulled pork BBQ) with a huge line and the similarly packed Union Market, very few food choices in the immediate area, and zero options if you want to sit at a table and be served.
We would make this trip again, though next year we’d gate crash just as it opens in hopes that we would be slightly ahead of the crush of people that were there.

This year it wasn’t at Marie Reed (unfortunately for me… it’s so close to home!). It was at the newly renovated Union Market, a short walk from the NoMa Metro stop (formerly NY Ave). You have to walk by a few run down looking buildings until you see the new Union Market sign.
The actual arts and crafts fair: Lot of talented people with a ton of fun and funky stuff. I love when I’m surrounded by such creativity. I DON“T love being surrounded by too many people in small places and this place was PACKED. It made it hard to go into all the booths. You’d really have to edge your way in.
The Market is self is really nice with some good food options, and a cool looking chandelier made out of water bottles. One stand had a number of cheese spreads to sample and they were amazing! Pumpkin cream cheese spread? Parmesan spread? I’ll take you both. There was also a place with bar-​style seating that sold a variety of knishes. They were out of veggie ones when I arrive so I passed. My friend got a meat on and liked it a lot.
Anyway, I think a good way to calm the crowd would be to have it on both days of the weekend, so some will choose Sat. and some Sun. It would make the experience much more enjoyable!

This fair was moved to the Union Market area I guess.
it’s a place for people to go who «don’t have enough shit».
If you are married and the wifey suggests going here to browse, don’t, DON’T DO IT.
I can just see the conversation now: «I don’t believe you dragged my ass here!».
So guys, if you are reading this now, start thinking of your excuses for not going. You will thank me for this advice.
With all due respect to the artisans, friend and I zipped though this and I said to my friend, «get my ass out of here now!»

Crafty Bastards was a nice festival, though still very crowded on a rainy, cold Saturday. Lots of families, which is fine, as it is a family friendly activity, but take this as a warning if you are not a fan of the stroller-​set. Definitely hipster-​ish, or I also thought of my Anthropologie-​loving sister ( Unilocaler Stacey M.), and wished she was here, as she would love the wares sold at this festival. I did not really care for anything — it was all too «artsy» for me. The fair is quite large, and a variety of items, such as clothing, jewelry, art, crafting supplies, toys, etc. are for sale. A few food vendors were present — Hill Country DC, Shawarma Spot, Amsterdam Falafel, and the Pie Truck DC. Even though it was not my style, I cannot give any less than 4 stars to a fair that encourages consumers to buy local, often hand-​made products, and gets everyone out of their house, mingling and speaking with the purveyors of these goods.

I was traveling up to DC and my DC friend wanted to find fun events to keep me busy. She sent me a message asking if I wanted to go to Crafty Bastards. Hells yeah. the name alone sold me.
A week later I find myself in DC ill prepared for the weather. This Georgia girl showed up to a 50 degree rainy, windy day with a short sleeved tshirt and thin fleece. Oh well… gotta go to Crafty Bastards. Despite the shitty weather and numb hands I enjoyed myself. There were loads of great vendors there. Tshirts and stuffed monsters seemed to be the most popular items, but there was also a ton of good art and jewelry. The only downside was how packed out it was. I couldn’t peruse as well with the biotches in umbrellas almost poking out an eye as I walked down a narrow aisle or the masses crowding inside tiny tents trying to get out of the weather, but blocking the goods.
Things to improve upon– the weather;), don’t allow umbrellas, get more food stands, open up the aisle ways a bit so they aren’t as narrow.
Saw a bit of the b-​boy competition and liked what I saw. What’s up with Atlanta’s b-​boy scene? Nothing, that’s what.
Dogs allowed and a falafel stand with a topping bar– yes sir!

Fantastic craft fair — year after year. Save up for this one because the vendors are always amazing. It’s a great time to shop for birthdays and Christmas.
Crafty also has a b-​boy battle area which is really amazing. I love the scene — it brings together all ages and races for an intense show of breaking.
What other event is going to bring together hipsters and bboys? Love it!

It should be called guilty-​pleasure-​hipster-​green-​vegan fair.
Where else can you buy moose mustachio t-​shirts and polymer donut necklaces and cupcake rings? It’s an event that makes you forget about reality for an hour or two.

Art-​fair?
I think you mean iPhone convention.

This was by far the BEST festival event I have been to in a long time!
the most unique and handmade crafts you will find under the urban sky!
dog friendly and even better when you get there early!
i bought tons of gifts for others, as well as myself.
my only request for next time… not as many silkscreened shirts and poster people… things really started looking the same.
i would love to see more jewelry and handmade purses.
also more food choices would be cool! maybe even some local bands…

Great venue for alternative merchants to get noticed. Bought a bracelet, and had to steel myself from splurging on a lunchbox, book, clothing. and more shiny things that I really didn’t need. Lots of dogwalkers (aside from the folks from humane society), lots of kids having fun on the playground and getting facepainted. Kind of a shame that it was raining off and on throughout the day, if any of them had crafted a umbrella they probably would’ve sold out, haha. Yay for going early for a nearby parking spot and a shot at free stuff.
Favorite moment: this guy’s black flat-​nosed pug got so tuckered out he just flopped onto his belly in the middle of pedestrian traffic.