Get in DIY Spirits and Check Out Chicago’s Renegade Craft Fair, the Largest of Its Kind
Chicago has tons to offer when it comes to events and entertainment, but perhaps one of its best gems is the Renegade Craft Fair.
Renegade Craft Fair showcases over 150 of the most talented independent purveyors in DIY art, craft, and design. This summer, it’s returning to its hometown with a pop-up at The Hideout, the historic venue on a tucked away corridor between West Town and Noble Square. While familiar makers like Nomaterra, Change Soap + Skincare, and Sloane Jewelry Design will appear for a comeback, the highly curated fair is introducing some new vendors as well. Whether you’re wanting to up your accessories game, redecorate your apartment, or just get outdoors for the weekend, RCF is a great event for Chicagoans young and old, and from all walks of life.
The fair will offer refreshments from some local favorites, like Black Dog Gelato and Dia De Los Tamales, while beer and other beverages courtesy of The Hideout will also be available. Alongside a lineup of unnamed music acts, Chicago’s own Reckless Records will play DJ sets to keep the good vibes going. Another regular to be specially featured at the event is One Tail at a Time, where attendees can visit a friendly and adoptable dog. If you have a pooch at home already, feel free to bring them because RCF is pet-friendly. How much more happiness can you jam-pack into a single event?
The fair, which is free to attend, will be held from 11am – 6pm this Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26. Since street parking near the venue is limited, public transportation or biking is highly recommended. The fair organizers are also offering a free $15 Uber for all newcomers. Check out the website for more info.
The traveling fair originated in Chicago in 2003, and has since expanded to other large cities like New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Seattle, and even across the pond in London. RCF comes back to home base three times a year. If you can’t make it this weekend, be sure to check it out when they return in mid-September and early December, at Division Street and the Bridgeport Art Center respectively.
Happy crafting!
