More than 150 local makers, live music, food trucks, workshops and a scavenger hunt take over Liberty Station’s NTC Park Nov. 28-29
Skip the big-box chaos this Thanksgiving weekend and fill your gift list with one-of-a-kind finds made right here at home. The San Diego Made Holiday Market returns to NTC Park at Liberty Station Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The weekend kicks off on Small Business Saturday, the annual day dedicated to supporting local shops between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, making it the perfect excuse to shop small.
Hosted by San Diego Made, the two-day outdoor festival brings together more than 150 curated local makers and artisans, all independent small businesses based in San Diego and surrounding Southern California communities. Browse handmade art, apparel, vintage pieces, small-batch goodies and unique gifts, then chat with the people who actually made them. It’s holiday shopping with a story behind every purchase.
Between booths, there’s plenty to keep the whole family merry: live music, interactive art, creative workshops, kids’ activities and free photo ops worthy of this year’s holiday card. Food trucks, coffee carts and a bar pouring both alcoholic (21-and-over) and nonalcoholic drinks keep everyone fueled for one more lap around the lawn.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Grab a scavenger hunt card at the market entrance and make your way through the booths. Complete it, then swing by the information booth to claim a free artisanal gift, available while supplies last.
Tickets That Give Back
Admission is $5 presale or $6 at the door, and an upgraded ticket option includes a limited-edition shopping bag for carrying home your finds. Kids 10 and under get in free. Every ticket doubles as a donation to San Diego Made, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that sustains affordable creative spaces, accessible arts programming and resources for local artists, makers and community members. Tickets can be purchased through the San Diego Made Markets website or in person at the market entrance.
Good to Know Before You Go
Liberty Station has plenty of free parking lots, but parking can still be limited, so ride-sharing is encouraged. Leashed pets are welcome, so bring water and waste bags for your four-legged shopping buddy. The market takes place on a grass field with some uneven terrain, and ADA parking and restroom facilities will be available. Guests with accessibility questions can reach the team in advance at [email protected].
Beyond the market, San Diego Made supports local creatives year-round through the San Diego Made Factory, its creative workspace and event venue in Logan Heights, along with an online directory of local makers, community events and professional development programs. Follow @sdmademarkets on Instagram for updates leading up to the big weekend.
San Diego Made Holiday Market
NTC Park at Liberty Station
2455 Cushing Rd
San Diego, CA 92106
Instagram: @sdmademarkets
Q&A:
Q: When and where is the San Diego Made Holiday Market?
A: The market takes place Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd.
Q: How much are tickets?
A: Admission is $5 presale or $6 at the door, with an upgrade option that includes a limited-edition shopping bag. Kids 10 and under get in free, and every ticket supports the San Diego Made 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Q: Is the market kid- and pet-friendly?
A: Yes. The family-friendly event includes kids’ activities, and leashed pets are welcome. Just remember to bring water and waste bags for your furry friend.
Q: Will there be food and drinks?
A: Come hungry. The market will have food trucks, packaged snack vendors, coffee carts and a bar serving both alcoholic (21-and-over) and nonalcoholic drinks.
Q: Where should I park?
A: Liberty Station has several free parking lots, but spots can fill up, so ride-sharing is encouraged. ADA parking will also be available.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
