Shop local this holiday season with the 12th Annual Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair on Saturday, December 9th and again on December 16th from 11am to 4pm. Now produced by the Petworth Arts Collaborative (PAC), the event incorporates a series of new and free creative art experiences for everyone to get into the holiday spirit and connect with community.

This year’s Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair line-up includes:

Art & Craft Vendors: Over 40 creative, local artisans and crafters selling one-of-a-kind, handmade items. (Full list below.)

Gingerbread House Making Workshop & CONTEST! Build your own “fun” gingerbread house at a free workshop sponsored by Eddie Suarez. Building materials will be provided (while supplies last), but participants are encouraged to bring their own.

The Petworth Arts Collaborative and Mr. Suarez are also hosting an online social media contest for the “Most Creative Holiday Gingerbread House.” Participants need only post a photo of their creative creation on Instagram or Twitter with hashtag #gingerbreadhouseDC and Petworth Arts Collaborative or publish a photo on the Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair Facebook page by 11:59pm on Thursday, December 7th. The selected winner will receive a $50 gift card to a local, Petworth business of their choice.

Live music from the 2015 Art & Craft Fair

LIVE MUSIC at the Fair with Listen Local First DC Line Up:

11:30am - Winzday Love
12:30pm - Vim & Vigor
1:30pm - PanLara Steel Drum Orchestra

*They will also be streaming the DC Music Rocks/ LLF Local Holiday Playlist (see it on Spotify)

Pop-Up Arts Lounge: Take a break from shopping and relax in the arts lounge with sips of hot cocoa, meet-and-greets with local Petworth leaders, holiday-oriented story hours courtesy Petworth Library, plus a dedicated mailbox for your letters to Santa!

Holiday Wreath-Making and Popcorn Stringing Station: Create classic, holiday decorations courtesy of Annie's Ace Hardware. Learn how to make a beautiful mini-wreath and string a popcorn garland for your tree.

Petworth Mural Portrait: Snap that last minute photo for your Holiday Card with a colorful, Petworth backdrop. Professional photos will be available from 11am to 1pm courtesy of photographer Madeline Stoltz.

Elf Appearances from the North Pole: Visit with Santa’s friendly elf made possible by PAC partners at Pointless Theatre Co.

Petworth Community Market Fundraiser: This year’s Upshur Street Art & Craft Fair includes a second Saturday of shopping on December 16th in partnership with the Petworth Community Market. Head around the corner to 9th Street NW for their holiday fundraiser filled with additional art and craft vendors, a return of the PAC Arts Lounge, music, food and hot cider (from Kuhn Orchards).