Justin Ferris for Phoenix.org
Thanks to Black Friday, Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. With deep discounts on a range of products, you can save a bundle on Christmas gifts or just pick up something for yourself.
Of course, you do need to get up insanely early in the morning and fight your way — sometimes literally — through crowded stores to get the items you want. That’s why many people just stay at home.
If you want to scratch your shopping itch over Thanksgiving weekend, but you don’t want to fight the crowds — or would rather buy from local businesses — we rounded up some less stressful shopping alternatives to the big stores and malls.
1. Alternative Black Friday
Show up at CityScape Phoenix on Friday, November 25 at 10 a.m. to shop from more than 30 local vendors of vintage and handmade goods. Plus, most of the CityScape stores and restaurants will open as well if you want to do other shopping or eating.
Where: CityScape Phoenix, 1 E Washington St, Phoenix
When: Friday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1310696385610120/
2. Carefree Southwest Art & Indian Market
For the fifth year, Carefree hosts the Carefree Southwest Art & Indian Market. With the theme “A Thanksgiving Celebration of Many Nations,” it brings together more than 100 Native American and European American artisans. Plus, you will find live music and entertainment, including Native American dancers and storytellers, a Southwest-inspired food court and more fun.
Where: Carefree Desert Botanical Garden, 101 Easy Street, Carefree
When: Friday to Sunday, Nov. 25-27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.carefreeazfestivals.com
3. Sun City Fall Arts and Crafts Festival
Going on 46 years, this annual festival sees more than 40 clubs offer items that include ceramics, knitting, sewing, clay, weaving, quilting, woodworking and more. Every attendee gets a free raffle ticket to win prizes, including an overnight casino trip. Plus enjoy live music, other entertainment and food.
Where: Sundial Recreation Center, 103rd Ave & Boswell Blvd., Sun City
When: Friday, Nov. 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: http://sunaz.com/
4. Jackalope Art Fair
On Saturday and Sunday, WestWorld of Scottsdale hosts the Jackalope Air Fair. More than 150 local artisans will be on hand with a wide range of handcrafted items for sale. Plus, you can enjoy live music, DIY workshops, food and beverages from local vendors and more.
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N Pima Rd., Scottsdale
When: Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26-27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: http://www.jackalopeartfair.com/
5. Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Barn Holiday Boutique
On Saturday, take a holiday drive out to Apache Junction and the Superstition Mountain Museum. You’ll find a collection of local artists selling handcrafted Christmas items with a strong Southwest vibe. Then tour the Barn done up with old-fashioned Christmas decorations.
Where: Superstition Mountain Museum, 4087 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction
When: Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: http://www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org
6. Small Business Saturday Artists Market
While large stores get Black Friday, local businesses across the country claim the Saturday after Thanksgiving as “Small Business Saturday” — although, somewhat ironically, American Express came up with the idea. Celebrate small business with more than 20 local Scottsdale artists and a range of hand-crafted gifts.
Where: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale
When: Saturday, Nov. 26 from noon to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org
7. WHAM’s Art Bazaar
WHAM Art Association hosts seasonal monthly bazaars, and for November it falls during Thanksgiving weekend. You can tour the on-site art galleries and studios, watch demos and buy from local artisans. For November, you can buy handmade bowls and the proceeds go to local food banks and shelters.
Where: WHAM Art Center, 16560 N. Dysart Road, Surprise
When: Saturday, Nov. 26 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: http://www.wham-art.org/art-bazaar.html
Want things to do over Thanksgiving weekend besides shopping? Click here to see more events that take place this weekend.