The inaugural Makers Arcade Summer Fair is set to take place this weekend at Waterfront Park, promising a vibrant celebration for the local community and beyond.
Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the family-friendly event will showcase over 120 curated local makers and artisans, along with live music and various activities for children.
Attendees can indulge in a variety of offerings including food trucks, cocktails, mocktails, and beer bars, making it a perfect outing for families and friends.
Makers Arcade co-owner Brittany Wiczek shared that this event represents the evolution of a tradition that originated more than a decade ago.
Founded in 2014 by Rebecca Chase and Jen Byard of Communal Coffee, Makers Arcade was established to unite the creative community through art, handmade goods, and meaningful connections.
In 2021, Wiczek and the San Diego Made team took the reins, carrying forward the original vision while infusing it with new energy and opportunities for growth.
Traditionally held during spring and winter at the Broadway Pier, this summer fair marks two significant milestones for Makers Arcade: its first-ever summer edition and its debut at the picturesque Waterfront Park.
Wiczek expressed excitement about this new venue, stating, “We’ve always dreamed of doing something outdoors that felt like a true creative summer festival, and Waterfront Park gave us the perfect backdrop to make that vision real.”
This year, the Makers Arcade has also partnered with Crafter.com to expand the interactive component of the event.
Wiczek noted, “Their team is bringing an incredible lineup of walk-up make-and-take stations and a premium workshop retreat that makes this event unlike anything we’ve done before. It’s more than just a market; it’s a full weekend of creativity, community, and celebration.”
The event aims to positively impact local small businesses significantly.
Wiczek emphasized the importance of supporting these businesses, stating, “First and foremost, this event directly supports over 120 local small businesses – artists, makers, performers, and craftspeople who pour their heart into what they do.
It’s such a fun and easy way to support your local economy while discovering beautiful, handmade goods you won’t find anywhere else.”
With an array of activities planned, Wiczek highlighted the event’s versatile nature, explaining, “It’s really a choose-your-own-adventure kind of event.
Whether you’re coming to shop, hang out with friends, get creative, or just enjoy a beautiful day downtown, there’s something here for everyone.
And hey – if you’re one of the first 60 people through the gates each day, you even get a free swag bag full of goodies.”
Organizing an event of this scale requires considerable planning.
Wiczek revealed that it typically takes six to eight months to get everything in order for each Makers Arcade event.
“Beyond just curating the vendors and booking entertainment, there’s an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes logistics like permitting, security, layout design, equipment rentals, insurance, you name it.
It’s a full-time job for months to make sure everything runs smoothly for both the vendors and attendees.”
She also noted that since Makers Arcade operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they rely heavily on a dedicated team of volunteers.
These volunteers assist with a range of tasks from setup and check-in to guest support throughout the weekend, proving essential to the event’s success.
Admission to the event is affordably priced at $5, helping to cover costs and keep booth fees low for vendors, with kids under age 10 admitted for free.
Wiczek remarked, “At the end of the day, this is about helping local small businesses thrive and making creative experiences accessible to everyone.”
For vendors, the Makers Arcade Summer Fair offers a unique opportunity to connect with new customers and promote their small businesses.
Dani Arellano, owner of Sourdough Dani, expressed her excitement for participating, stating that sourdough brings her joy, and she aims to share that joy with everyone who visits her booth.
“Sourdough has allowed me to meet people from all over the world and different ways of life.
It is an incredible feeling to know that my products are sought after by so many.
My passion for sourdough eases people’s minds because they know the ingredients in their bread are minimal and all organic,” Arellano explained.
Taking part in events like the one on July 26-27 allows her to reach new customers and strengthens her business’s visibility in the community.
Arellano concluded, “Events like these strengthen my business and remind me that I am not just good at what I do, but great at it.”
This weekend promises to be an enriching experience for all, featuring a blend of creativity, community, and local culture at the Makers Arcade Summer Fair.
image source from：timesofsandiego
