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**20 Years of Holiday Shopping at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair**
The Detroit Urban Craft Fair, now in its 20th year, has become a beloved holiday tradition for many in Metro Detroit. Held annually on December 6-7 at the historic Masonic Temple, the fair features over 200 local artisans and makers selling handmade goods, gifts, and treats.
"We're thrilled to be back at the Masonic Temple this year," says Nixon, one of the founding members of Handmade Detroit. "It's a tradition that's become an important part of our holiday season for families, couples, friends – basically anyone who wants to experience the magic of handmade shopping."
The fair began 20 years ago as a small pop-up event in the Majestic Theater, but it quickly outgrew its space and moved to the Masonic Temple. Today, it's one of the largest craft fairs in the country, attracting visitors from all over the nation.
"We've seen so many people come through the doors who are searching for unique gifts or just wanting to support local artisans," says Gustafson, another founding member of Handmade Detroit. "It's amazing to see how our little event has become such a big part of their holiday season."
This year, the fair will feature over 200 vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to home decor, furniture, and even food products. Visitors can also expect to find some new and exciting additions to the traditional craft fare.
**Tradition and Endurance**
One of the things that has kept the Detroit Urban Craft Fair going strong for so many years is its commitment to community. According to Nixon, it's more than just Modge Podge or Washi Tape that keeps crafters together – it's a shared passion for art and creativity.
"It really is a community," says Nixon. "I think when you're so passionate about your art, your craft, and you meet other people who might do something completely different but also creative – sharing that passion causes instant community. Every year, we meet new people in the creative community, and it's like each year we're throwing a party: 'come meet our new friends and see what they do!'"
Gustafson adds that the fair has become an important part of Detroit's cultural scene, showcasing the city's rich history of handmade craftsmanship.
"Handmade Detroit survived the recession, then we pivoted through the pandemic, and a couple of pretty tumultuous political climates," says Gustafson. "But shopping local, supporting local, that always resonates because it's real. Museums are full of folk art, from thousands of years of people making and expressing themselves through handiwork. Some people love it, some don't understand it, but what we've found with this show is that we have the best shoppers in the nation."
**A Celebration of Community**
The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will take place on December 6-7 at the Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
"Everybody comes together to celebrate this tradition," says Nixon. "We want people to feel welcome, we want them to come back year after year because they love it just as much as we do."
And with over 200 vendors selling handmade goods and treats, there's something for everyone at the fair.
"At DUCF, there's truly something for everybody," says Gustafson. "It's this cross-pollination of generations and vibes and themes and interests and kitsch. And you can see the quality in the work. It's just so exciting every year to see the show come together."
**Related Story:**
Holiday shopping events in metro Detroit
**20 Years of Holiday Shopping at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair**
The Detroit Urban Craft Fair, now in its 20th year, has become a beloved holiday tradition for many in Metro Detroit. Held annually on December 6-7 at the historic Masonic Temple, the fair features over 200 local artisans and makers selling handmade goods, gifts, and treats.
"We're thrilled to be back at the Masonic Temple this year," says Nixon, one of the founding members of Handmade Detroit. "It's a tradition that's become an important part of our holiday season for families, couples, friends – basically anyone who wants to experience the magic of handmade shopping."
The fair began 20 years ago as a small pop-up event in the Majestic Theater, but it quickly outgrew its space and moved to the Masonic Temple. Today, it's one of the largest craft fairs in the country, attracting visitors from all over the nation.
"We've seen so many people come through the doors who are searching for unique gifts or just wanting to support local artisans," says Gustafson, another founding member of Handmade Detroit. "It's amazing to see how our little event has become such a big part of their holiday season."
This year, the fair will feature over 200 vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to home decor, furniture, and even food products. Visitors can also expect to find some new and exciting additions to the traditional craft fare.
**Tradition and Endurance**
One of the things that has kept the Detroit Urban Craft Fair going strong for so many years is its commitment to community. According to Nixon, it's more than just Modge Podge or Washi Tape that keeps crafters together – it's a shared passion for art and creativity.
"It really is a community," says Nixon. "I think when you're so passionate about your art, your craft, and you meet other people who might do something completely different but also creative – sharing that passion causes instant community. Every year, we meet new people in the creative community, and it's like each year we're throwing a party: 'come meet our new friends and see what they do!'"
Gustafson adds that the fair has become an important part of Detroit's cultural scene, showcasing the city's rich history of handmade craftsmanship.
"Handmade Detroit survived the recession, then we pivoted through the pandemic, and a couple of pretty tumultuous political climates," says Gustafson. "But shopping local, supporting local, that always resonates because it's real. Museums are full of folk art, from thousands of years of people making and expressing themselves through handiwork. Some people love it, some don't understand it, but what we've found with this show is that we have the best shoppers in the nation."
**A Celebration of Community**
The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will take place on December 6-7 at the Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
"Everybody comes together to celebrate this tradition," says Nixon. "We want people to feel welcome, we want them to come back year after year because they love it just as much as we do."
And with over 200 vendors selling handmade goods and treats, there's something for everyone at the fair.
"At DUCF, there's truly something for everybody," says Gustafson. "It's this cross-pollination of generations and vibes and themes and interests and kitsch. And you can see the quality in the work. It's just so exciting every year to see the show come together."
**Related Story:**
Holiday shopping events in metro Detroit
20 yrs is crazy!! its like, they went from tiny pop-up event to one of the largest craft fairs in the country lol. i think what keeps it going is the community aspect tho 
everyone who participates or shops there is so passionate about their art and creativity, it's infectious! 
can't wait to go this year and check out all the unique goods 
I think it's awesome that the Detroit Urban Craft Fair has become a beloved holiday tradition for so many people! 20 years is a huge milestone, and it's amazing how it's evolved from a small pop-up event to one of the largest craft fairs in the country 
. It just goes to show that with community spirit and a shared passion for handmade goods, you can create something truly special 
.
. And the fact that it's become an important part of Detroit's cultural scene is just fantastic 
. It's great to see how local artisans are thriving and supporting each other, and I'm sure visitors will love discovering new and exciting handmade goods this year 
. Bring on December 6-7 and let's celebrate the magic of handmade shopping! 
the detroit urban craft fair is celebrating 20 yrs of handmade magic 
and can't wait to see what new additions they have this year 
. I think what's really cool is that it's not just about shopping for gifts, but also about experiencing the art and creativity behind each piece of work 
. Nixon and Gustafson are totally right when they say that this fair has become an important part of Detroit's cultural scene - it's a celebration of community and handmade craftsmanship! 
). have u seen how they break down the vendors into different sections? it's like, super intuitive and makes it easy to find what u're looking for... i'm totally a fan 
this detroit urban craft fair is like a big ol' 
hug for everyone! it's amazing how something so small 20 yrs ago grew into one of the biggest craft fairs in the country 
party for creatives! 
handmade goods galore! 
️ can't wait to check it out this yr 
, but i guess it's kinda cool that it's been around for 20 years. i mean, detroit needs all the economic boosts it can get, and if selling local goods is gonna help, then yay, right? 
the fair has become such an important part of detroit's cultural scene, showcasing the city's rich history of handmade craftsmanship... it's just so cool to see how it's brought the community together. 
let's give a huge shoutout to nixon and gustafson for making this happen! 
just kidding, sorta. but seriously, have you seen the line for the restrooms at this thing? 20 years it's been going on and they're still not ready for the crowds 
. and what's with all these people driving out of state to shop there? isn't that just gonna hurt the local economy a bit too much? and don't even get me started on the parking situation... 
. and gustafson's point about shopping local being real is so true - i mean, who needs mass-produced stuff when you can support the people behind it? 
... have you been before? what are you looking forward to buying or seeing there? 