15 years after we hosted the first BikeCraft on a snowy night in northeast Portland, the event is back again and ready to help you find locally made, bike-inspired gifts for everyone on your list.
BikeCraft 2019 is set for November 30th and December 1st (a bit earlier this year to be closer to peak shopping season) at the DoubleTree Hilton in the Lloyd. This is the first BikeCraft to be held at the DoubleTree, a venue that’s much larger and cozier than years past. Also new this year is free beer and cider (while it lasts!), a music and storytelling stage (bands TBD), and a presence by vendors throughout the region including Washington County and Seattle.
And you won’t want to miss one of the last-ever performances of Portland’s beloved mini-bike dance team, The Sprockettes!
What’s all the fuss you say? Well, if you’re new to town, BikeCraft is a bike-centric holiday gift bazaar where makers of all types gather to share their arts, crafts, books, accessories, apparel, and other interesting creations. You never know what you’ll find; but it’s always a good time with good people and an excellent excuse to come in from the cold and socialize with other bike lovers. Since the beginning, this event has been a testament to the rich and varied bike culture that exists in Portland.
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These days the event is owned and organized by Microcosm Publishing. Co-owner (and former BikePortland news editor) Elly Blue recently shared why she loves BikeCraft:
“One of my favorite parts of BikeCraft every year is the new vendors. Some are people launching a new brand and product line, arriving with booth fixings worthy of a trade show display. Others are DIYers who recently taught themselves to sew or craft or concoct, whipped up a bunch of handmade whatevers, made signs with a sharpie, and can hardly believe it when their things sell out on day one. And there’s everyone in between. New livelihoods have been launched at BikeCraft, passionate hobbies have found an outlet, and new skills have been validated.”
No matter what you make, BikeCraft wants to help you share it. There’s still time to sign up as a vendor. Just fill out this form and Elly will be in touch.
Mark your calendars for November 30th and December 1st and check out BikeCraftPDX.com for the latest info and vendor list. Hope to see you there!
— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org
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Took me a minute but I remembered what the Microcosm website reminds me of-
https://www.theworldsworstwebsiteever.com/
BikeCraft has been through some interesting venues, the DoubleTree is by far the most intriguing choice yet.
AFAIK they never went anywhere. And yes, they are retiring and hanging up the mini-bikes at the end of this year. There’s a big farewell reunion party happening first week of December. I’ll have more details soon.
I thought the Sprokettes last-ever performance was at this year’s Multnomah County Bike Fair?
haha very funny…. in true sprockettes fashion, their schedule is always changing and they’ll probably have a bunch of “last evers”… That being said, I think they will officially be done for good after their farewell party.