Shopping for the perfect gift? Check out these free SLO County holiday markets
The holiday shopping season has officially begun, which means many people are searching for the perfect present.
Fortunately, San Luis Obispo County offers a number of free holiday gift fairs and craft shows where local vendors sell everything from clothing and jewelry to fine artworks.
Here are some of the events in store.
Winter Faire and Craft Show
What: Whether you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift or simply looking to observe, this exhibit held by the Morro Bay Art Association features some of the finest artworks on the Central Coast. This annual event features a curated collection of paintings, photography and fine crafts such as sculpture, pottery and jewelry.
When: Noon to 4 p.m., through Dec. 31. Closed Dec. 25.
Where: Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St.
Info: 805-772-2504 or artcentermorrobay.org
Big Ditch Holiday Market
What: More than 50 local makers and artists flock to the historic Village of Arroyo Grande to sell holiday goods. There will also be three food trucks and sweet treats. Established in July 2021, the market occurs the first Friday of every month July through November.
Where: Car Corral parking lot on East Branch Street, between Old Village Grill and Sports DugOut, Arroyo Grande
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: bigditchmarket.com or instagram.com/bigditchmarket
Harmony Christmas Market
What: Local vendors, food trucks and shoppers convene in the tiny town of Harmony for holiday shopping. Harmony Valley Creamery will serve up ice cream at the third annual market, while The Harmooonious Moment offers melts and raclette.
Where: 2177 Old Creamery Road, Harmony
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: instagram.com/townofharmony
Holiday Bazaar Makers Faire
What: Shop for goods from local makers at this holiday bazaar.
Where: The Gettin’ Spot, Unit 1, 188 West Tefft St., Nipomo
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: 805-619-7751 or facebook.com
Christmas Marketplace, Old Towne Nipomo Family Christmas
What: New this year at the Old Towne Nipomo Family Christmas celebration is the Christmas Marketplace, a collection of booths selling everything from hot food to Christmas gift items. The rest of the festivities include a Christmas parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, Santa Claus, a snow play area and a live nativity and petting zoo.
Where: South Thompson Road and West Tefft Street, Nipomo
When: 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: 805-489-1488 or southcountychambers.com
Holiday Sip & Shop
What: In addition to Fable Rune’s usual line of soaps, candles and skincare products, shoppers can pick up ceramics, jewelry, hats, cocktail mixes and more from local vendors at this holiday party.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Fable Rune, 2015 Fairchild Way, Unit E, Los Osos
Info: 805-439-3344 or fablerune.com
Holiday Craft Faire
What: Stock up on locally crafted holiday gifts and snack on food while supporting a local library. Friends of the Santa Margarita Library is hosting its craft fair for the 19th year in a row.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Santa Margarita Community Hall, 22501 I St.
Info: 949-459-5524 or rsmfol.org
Mid-State Fair Winter Market
What: Find everything from jewelry, apparel and fashion accessories to home décor and health and beauty products at this market held at the home of the California Mid-State Fair. Food, entertainment and holiday activities are also in store.
Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11
Where: Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles
Info: 805-239-0655 or midstatefair.com
Art and Soul Holiday Market
What: There’s lots to see and do at this all-ages event focused on local vendors, including live music, tarot card readings, cookie decorating, a photo booth and aerial dancing by Suspended Motion SLO.
Attendees are asked to contribute a $5 donation for Art & Soul projects; an unwrapped gift for kids at the San Luis Obispo Boys and Girls Club or a nonperishable food item for the SLO Food Bank.
Stay after the market for the 18-and-up drag show Kingdom Come: A Holiday Drag Celebration.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 10; Kingdom Come show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Bang the Drum Brewery, 1150 Laurel Lane, Suite 130, San Luis Obispo
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 10
Info: 805-242-8372 or bangthedrumbrewery.com
This story was originally published December 2, 2022 at 8:00 AM.