It’s (nearly) here: The biggest shopping weekend of the year. So why not spend your dollars to support local businesses and makers in the Twin Cities? When you buy from a locally owned small business, 40 to 60% of your money stays in the community. Plus, you know your money is going to a real person—not helping a CEO buy a third home. (And it’s proven to be better for the environment, too.) Black Friday is increasingly being known in small business circles as Plaid Friday, which encourages people to do their holiday shopping with locally owned and independent businesses the day after Thanksgiving. It’s followed by Small Business Saturday, which was founded for shoppers to show their support of local businesses.
There are so many events fighting for your attention—and dollars. To make it easier, I’ve culled down the list to my top picks. Must-goes include the multi-vendor pop-ups at Winsome Goods, Duke Albert and Golden Rule; the return of the locally focused Unique Markets pop-up; and the kickoff weekends for Holidazzle and the Keg & Case Holiday Market. Plus, three of my favorite local shops, Cliché, The Fitting Room and The Golden Pearl Vintage, are offering major discounts all weekend. (I’ve notated my personal picks with a ⭐️)
Start planning your Black Friday and Small Business Saturday weekend now!
Minneapolis Craft Market presents Hygge Holiday Market at Lawless Distilling this Sunday.
WEDNESDAY:
Plate & Parcel Last-Minute Holiday Market: Formerly the Linden Hills Holiday Market, this weekly indoor farmers market features a rotating lineup of more than dozen local artisans curated by Minneapolis Craft Market. Also find trees, wreaths and tabletop florals for sale. Wednesday 1–5pm @ Wagner Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave S, Richfield
WEDNESDAY–MONDAY:
Lucy & Co. Tiered Sale: The local dog-wear brand is having an online sale for the weekend. Save 15% on purchases of $50 or more with code HOWLIDAY15, 20% on purchases of $75 or more with code HOWLIDAY20, and 25% on purchases of $100 or more with code HOWLIDAY25 @ www.lucyand.co
⭐️ Sven Clogs Black Friday Sale: Specials include $40 clogs, $99 clog boots and 20% off storewide at the local clog-maker’s warehouse store. Wednesday–Sunday (closed Thanksgiving) @ 10000 Lake Blvd, Chisago City; www.svencomfortshoes.com for hours
MILLE Black Friday Sale: Now through this weekend, save 30% on fall collections from the local women’s boutique online at shopmille.com with code BLACKFRIDAY19
WEDNESDAY–FRIDAY:
Chameleon Shoppes Holiday Pop-ups: This holiday retail pop-up features 25 local makers spread throughout three locations on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, including local fashion label The Cat Lab, jewelry line ROX by Robyne Robinson, Hippy Feet knits and House of Talent fair-trade baskets. Open 11am–3pm every Wednesday–Friday through 12/20 (closed Thanksgiving) @ Gaviidae Common (street & skyway levels) & IDS Center (skyway level). Find a full list of vendors at chameleonconsortium.com
FRIDAY ONLY:
HWMR Presents: Black Excellence Takeover at Urban Lights Music & HWMR Black Friday Holiday Sale: There are two chances to shop North Minneapolis brand HWMR’s apparel on Black Friday. First, head to Urban Lights Music (1449 University Ave W, St Paul) for a HWMR takeover from noon–4pm. Then, head to the brand’s flagship (1500 44th Ave N, Mpls) from 6–9pm to save 30% storewide.
Minneapolis Makers Holiday Pop-up: Indeed Brewing hosts a day of shopping form local makers and artists including Chuck U, Cream & Amber, Burn Boss, Noble Soap Gallry and Brand MN, plus save 20% on Indeed merch and growlers. Friday from noon–8pm @ 711 15th Ave NE, Mpls
FRIDAY & SATURDAY:
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday at June: Find the perfect holiday party look and giftables this weekend at designer fashion resaler June. On Friday, Save 20% on clothing and scarves (excluding vintage). On Saturday, Enjoy holiday treats, mimosas and a jewelry pop-up featuring local brand, Milana Stile. Friday 11am–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm @ 3406 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls
Plaid Market & OMNI Pop-up Taproom: This two-day market features 20 Minnesota makers including Fox Run Mobile Marketplace, Hagen & Oats and Mezamé Designs, plus OMNI beer. Plus, 7% of all sales will be donated to a nonprofit fighting child hunger. Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 10am–6pm @ 12459 Elm Creek Blvd N, Maple Grove
gh2 Black Friday Sale: Save 20% storewide at the women's designer resale store. Friday 11am–6pm & Saturday 11am–5pm @ 318 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls
Co-op Shop Holiday Market: Fair State Brewing hosts a two-day pop-up event featuring nearly a dozen local makers, including Gigi Berry’s The Minnesota Pins, Gina Mount Jewelry and Mademoiselle Miel. Friday & Saturday from noon–6pm @ 2506 Central Ave NE, Mpls
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday on Broadway: Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) and West Broadway Business and Area Coalition team up for a two-day shopping event with local shops and businesses. Friday 2–8pm & Saturday 10am–4pm @ 1007 W Broadway Ave, Mpls
Black Friday & Saturday Sale at Frank Murphy: Save 40% storewide at the upscale women’s boutique on everything from special occasion items to everyday statement pieces. Friday & Saturday from 10am–6pm @ 4750 Hwy 61 N, White Bear Lake
Shop Small with Niche: Enjoy sips, sweets and discounts all weekend while shopping sustainable and local brands. Friday 10am–6pm & Saturday 10am–5pm @ 2506 University Ave W, St Paul
Northmade Co. Black Friday & Small Business Saturday Sale: There are two ways at save at the “up north”–themed apparel brand, Northmade Co., this weekend. On Friday, save 25% on storewide online with code BF19 and in store. On Saturday, save 30% on storewide, in store only. Friday 10am–5pm & Saturday 11am–4:30pm @ Northmade warehouse space, 610 SE 9th St #107, Mpls
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
⭐️ 20/20 Sale at the Golden Pearl Vintage: Save 20% on your total purchase storewide (including vintage clothing, jewelry, furs and gift certificates) and receive a $20 gift certificate for future use, plus warm bevies. Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 10–8pm & Sunday noon–5pm @ 507 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls
⭐️ Black Friday Weekend Sale at Cliché: Save 25% storewide all weekend (!!) at one of my fave local stores, plus enjoy hot apple cider while you shop. It’s the perfect time to find a holiday party look or something cool and cozy. Plus, save 25% online now through Sunday at clichempls.com. Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 11am–7pm & Sunday noon–6pm @ 2403 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls
Shop Small Sale at Parc: Shop small and save 20% storewide at the North Loop women’s boutique all weekend. They’ll be serving treats on Friday and Saturday. Use code ALLWKD online at parcboutique.com, plus free shipping on orders over $100 (some exclusions apply). Friday 11am–6:30pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday noon–4pm @ 212 N 2nd St #102, Mpls
Shop Small Sale at Roe Wolfe: The Galleria boutique is announcing new sales and offers daily on their Instagram account, @roe_wolfe, all weekend. Friday 10am–9pm, Saturday 10am–8pm, Sunday 11am–6pm @ 3175 Galleria, Edina
Rewind Vintage Shake on Over Sale: Save 20% storewide at the Northeast vintage clothing gem all weekend. Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 10am–7pm & Sunday 10am–5pm @ 2852B Johnson St NE, Mpls
Shop Small Sale at Grethen House: Save 40% storewide at both locations of the women’s designer boutique and online at grethenhouse.com. Friday–Sunday (hours differ per location) @ 4930 France Ave S, Edina & 212 3rd Ave N, Mpls
⭐️ Holidazzle featuring Minneapolis Craft Market: The annual Holidazzle winter festival gets an added boost this year with the addition of Minneapolis Craft Market. The market will be bringing different makers each weekend to their space, like fair-trade accessory brand Fair Anita and menswear designer Ivan Idland. Other vendors popping up at Holidazzle include The Abbey Alpacas and do-gooding knitwear brand Hippy Feet. Friday–Sunday (continues hrough 12/22) @ Loring Park, Mpls. www.holidazzle.com for hours
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt: Downtown Excelsior hosts a German-style, open-air market with holiday foods, entertainment, holiday decor for sale and gift shopping from local vendors. Friday & Saturday 10am–7pm, Sunday 11am–4pm @ East Drive & Water Street, Excelsior; View the full schedule and vendor list at excelsiorchristmas.com
KISA x LUYA Popup: KISA boutique pops up with coats, sweaters and Turkish towels at LUYA's shoe store. Friday & Saturday 10am–6pm, Saturday noon–4pm @ 251 Water St, Excelsior
Thanksgiving Weekend Winter Markets: Minneapolis Craft Market returns to Sociable Cider Works for its annual Thanksgiving weekend outdoor winter markets. Expect a different lineup of local craft artisans along and food vendors each day. Friday–Sunday from noon–5pm @ 1500 Fillmore St NE, Mpls; View full list of vendors at Facebook
⭐️ Keg & Case Holiday Market: St. Paul’s new Keg & Case Market, housed in the former Schmidt Brewery, is a place to try local food and beer. Over the holidays, it’s also hosting a weekend market featuring 20 local artisans with unique goods. There will also be photos with Santa, a tree farm, ice skating and a tree-lighting ceremony on opening night, Friday from 4–7pm. Friday–Sunday from 11am–8pm plus additional dates through 12/24 @ 928 7th St W, St Paul; Visit www.kegandcase.com for full schedule of events and makers.
Plaid Friday & Small Business Saturday at Scarborough Fair: On Friday, the St. Paul women’s boutique will offer the chance to build a custom handbag with textile artist Wabi Creations and skincare consultations. Both days, receive a free gift with purchase over $200 (while supplies last) and shop the “insanity rack” for major deals. Friday & Saturday from 10am–6pm @ 2238 Carter Ave, St Paul
Up Six Vintage Holiday Sale & Small Business Saturday: Save 20% storewide on all vintage items, pick up a new wreath from All Saints Creative made from vintage holiday ornaments, and enjoy cookies and cider on Saturday and Sunday. Friday & Saturday noon–6pm, Sunday noon–4pm @ 189 Snelling Ave N, St Paul
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & MONDAY:
Atelier957 #ShopSmall Sale: Save 20% on everything in store and online at the artfully chic St. Paul boutique. Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Monday 10am–6pm (closed Sunday) @ 957 Grand Ave, St Paul, atelier957.com
FRIDAY–MONDAY:
Hackwith Design House Sale: Save 30% off sitewide on the sustainable, local women’s apparel brand. Friday–Monday @ hackwithdesignhouse.com
SATURDAY ONLY:
⭐️ Small Business Saturday at Winsome Goods: Sustainable womenswear brand Winsome Goods hosts its third annual Small Business Saturday pop-up at its storefront. This year, she’s joined by sustainable style favorites Wild Isles Swim, Tessa Louise, Way the Label, Nine56 Studio, Perennial, ILO Design, ACG, There There, Yessenya, Joeleen Torvick, Hazel & Rose and Al’s Tailoring. Plus, take 20% off all Winsome Goods, 20% off Al’s Tailoring, and enjoy snacks and beverages while you shop. Saturday from 11am–6pm @ 201 6th St SE, Mpls
⭐️ Holiday Market at Duke Albert: Shop a mix of goods from local makers and vendors, including unique vintage wearables, handcrafted jewelry, candles and giftables, including a stash of collectibles from long-shuttered local designer toy store, ROBOTlove and an amazing collection of vintage leather jackets and handbags from local rock icon Lori Barbero. Oh, and I’ll be there, too, with a selection of glittery, party-ready vintage fashions from my personal wardrobe. Other vendors include Moth Oddities, Wacks.Co and Otto Walta. PLUS: cider from Sweetland Orchard and cocktails from 45th Parallel Spirits. Saturday from 11am–6pm @ 2516 & 2518 Central Ave NE, Mpls
⭐️ Small Business Saturday with Ace General and Golden Rule: After checking out the Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt, be sure to stop by nearby holiday pop-up events on Water Street featuring some favorite local makers. Golden Rule hosts pop-ups with an emphasis on customization while your shop, including Lucy & Co. dog-wear, 1130 Forever, NICE NICE ceramics, Dinosaur Hampton, Anna Lisabeth and Protextor Parrish. Ace General Store hosts a photography exhibition from Mariah Brink plus a s’mores bar, drinks, bonfire and wintery photo ops. Saturday from 10am–5pm @ 350 & 356 Water St, Excelsior
⭐️Small Business Saturday at MILLE: Celebrate Small Business Saturday with French bubbles at the cult-favorite women’s boutique, which recently launched its nationally lauded in-house label, MILLE Collection. They're also offering 30% off fall collections at shopmille.com now through this weekend with code BLACKFRIDAY19. Saturday from noon–4pm @ 4760 Grand Ave S, Mpls
Fifty-Sixmas Makers Market: 56 Brewing hosts its annual makers market. The dog-friendly, indoor market features goods from nearly two dozen makers and vintage vendors including Larissa Loden Jewelry, An Upcycled Closet, Lifted Optics wooden sunglasses and Sage & Cedar jewelry. Plus, live jazz, new craft beer releases, wood-fired pizza and a holiday singalong with the Beer Choir Twin Cities. Saturday from 11am–5pm @ 3055 NE Columbia Ave, Mpls
Ginny Sims: CHORUS Opening Reception: View new works by local ceramic artist Ginny Sims inspired by her “lifelong interests in domestic happenings” at modern home design boutique, Forage Modern Workshop. Saturday from 4–7pm @ 4023 E Lake St, Mpls, www.ginnysimsceramics.com
Las Ranas & Friends Small Business Saturday Bash: Shop colorful jewelry by local queer Puerto Rican artist Candida Gonzalez inspired by magic and empowerment, along with Martzia Thometz (Pretty Hard), Tantrum Collective, Junauda Petrus and hclou Art with sounds by Talia Knight and Mixie. Saturday from noon–5pm @ B. Resale, 2613 Nicollet Ave, Mpls
⭐️ Drag the Halls: A Larissa Loden Photo Booth Experience: Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the Larissa Loden workshop at Northrup King Building. Get your photo taken at a holiday photo booth with Lady Boss Santa and Rusty the Drag Elf, and check out the debut of the maker’s first-ever holiday collection, full of vintage sparkle and available in limited quantities. Saturday from 10am–6pm @ 1500 Jackson St NE #265, Mpls; Avoid the photo booth line and reserve a spot via Eventbrite
More artist open studio events at Northrup King for Small Business Saturday:
✨ Strey Collective: Strey Designs, Herland Art Studio, Vikse Designs, Sweet B Design, Joeleen Torvick and Siena Soap Co. will offer snacks, prizes, raffles and giveaways. Noon–4pm @ Northrup King #179
✨ A MANO: Shop unique, beautiful ceramics and craft supplies. 11am–4pm @ Northrup King #252
Artist open studio events at Casket Arts Building for Small Business Saturday:
✨ Indigo & Snow: Grab a friend or your family and learn how to hand-dye your own one-of-a-kind silk scarf in 15 minutes flat. $25 advance, $30 day-of event. 10am-6pm @ Casket Arts, 681 17th Ave NE #215
✨ Neal Jewelry: This weekend is your last chance to get made-to-order, hand-cast jewelry by Lauren Neal in time for Christmas. It’s also a great chance to check out her latest creations in sterling silver, brass, white gold and 14k yellow gold. Noon–4pm @ Casket Arts #318
⭐️ Shop Small, Shop Grand!: St. Paul’s Grand Avenue has gotten a bit more stylish recently with the opening of The Grand Collective, a new collaborative pop-up from the mind of Mona Williams owner Patric Richardson (aka the The Laundry Evangelist). It features a mix of local retailers and Minnesota makers, plus Mona Williams' luxe laundry products. Event: Saturday 11am–6pm. Regular hours: Monday–Friday 11am–7pm, Saturday 11am–6pm, Sunday noon–6pm (closed Thanksgiving) @ 791 Grand Ave, St Paul
⭐️ North Loop Lights: Visit your favorite North Loop businesses on Small Business Saturday for North Loop Lights. Organized by women’s boutique Queen Anna, the event includes holiday window displays, in-store decor and special offers at a few dozen participating retailers. Deals include a free North hat with purchase of a winter parka from Askov Finlayson and get one item 50% off with purchase of one full-priced item. Saturday 10am–6pm @ North Loop, Mpls; Learn more about participating stores and special offers at queenanna.co
Tree-Lighting Ceremony & Small Business Saturday at 50th & France: The Edina shopping district celebrates its local businesses with a tree-lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, a holiday wreath sale, coffee cart, family activities and shopping. Saturday 10am–6pm @ W 50th St & France Ave, Edina
⭐️ Small Business Saturday at The Fitting Room: Shop clothing and accessories by local fashion brands and save 10% on your entire purchase for one day only. Plus, take 20% off $100 gift cards that you can give or keep. Saturday from noon–6pm @ 316 W 38th St, Mpls
Small Business Saturday at Arlee Park: Shop small and shop local with Arlee Park, which sells a curated mix of vintage furniture and clothing. Plus, receive a $5 gift card for every $50 you spend, and pick up a one-of-a-kind wreath by Apricot Floral Design while you’re there. Saturday from 11am–5pm @ 3000 E 50th St, Mpls
SHOW & TELL MPLS One Year Birthday: Welcome the second year of this unique shop centered around interesting and well-designed gifts and home goods by independent brands, just in time for Small Business Saturday. They’ll be celebrating with snack and refreshments. Saturday from 11am–6pm @ 5257 Chicago Ave S, Mpls
Bridget Clark Jewelry Pop-up Sale: Head to the Grand Hand Gallery in St. Paul for a Small Business Saturday pop-up featuring local jewelry maker Bridget Clark. Purchase a piece of her jewelry and receive a 15% off coupon for another item in the gallery to use the same day. Saturday 11am–5pm @ 619 Grand Ave, St Paul
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:
⭐️ Merry Maker’s Studio: True North Collaborative’s inaugural holiday pop-up is an experiential market concept created to celebrate local makers. Enjoy their interactive (and 'gram-worthy) installations, get a selfie with Santa, shop goods from Minnesota makers and brands that give back—including Wacks.Co, Larissa Loden Jewelry, Essence One and B+D Custom Crafts—or try your hand at making something yourself. Saturday & Sunday from 10am–6pm (continues through 12/22) @ Third Haus, 4420 Drew Ave S, Mpls; View www.truenorthcollaborative.com for full schedule of events.
6th Annual Made by Hands Holiday Sale: Find affordable, hand-crafted gifts from modern makers at Bauhaus Brew Labs’ annual two-day holiday sale. There’s a different lineup each day, including local favorites Third Daughter Restless Daughter, Adam Gruetzmacher pottery, Sudify Jewelry, United Goods, Maat Mons and Julia Elise skincare. Saturday noon–8pm & Sunday noon–6pm @ 1315 Tyler St NE, Mpls
Gratitude/Thrift Party at Hunt & Gather: Save 20% storewide at the funky-cool antique shop all weekend, plus join the after-hours gratitude/thrift party on Saturday night from 6–9pm for food, fun and blow-out bargain bins. Saturday 10am–9pm & Sunday noon–6pm @ 4944 Xerxes Ave S, Mpls
Plate & Parcel Holiday Market: Formerly the Linden Hills Holiday Market, this weekly indoor farmers market features a rotating lineup of more than dozen local artisans curated by Minneapolis Craft Market. Also find trees, wreaths and tabletop florals for sale. Saturday & Sunday 10am–3pm (continues through 12/22) @ Wagner Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave S, Richfield
SUNDAY ONLY:
North Loop Holiday Bazaar: The Minneapolis Craft Market takes over Modist Brewing Company in the North Loop for one of its biggest indoor holiday markets of the season. 35 vendors will fill the taproom and warehouse space of the brewery. Makers include TyAnn Zeal Designs jewelry, Nickichicki knitwear, Carver Junk Company and more. Sunday noon–5pm @ 505 N 3rd St, Mpls
Unique Markets Holiday Market: The largest pop-up marketplace in the country for American-made goods, the L.A.-based Unique Markets showcases a locally focused market in each city. The Minneapolis version includes local favorites ACG, Dallas Daws Designs, nine56 Studio, Karen Morris Millinery, Joeleen Torvick, Lulu Organics, Lucy & Co. and many more. Plus, take advantage of refreshments, complimentary mini manicures and spa treatments and free gift-wrap station. Sunday from 11am–5pm @ Machine Shop, 300 2nd St SE, Mpls; $5 entry. See the full lineup and get tickets at uniquemarkets.com
Paikka Holiday Open House + Tree Lot: Pick up a Christmas tree by Mother Co. and a handcrafted wreath by Kindred Blooms, and bring an unwrapped toy for a Toys for Tots drive during this open house event. Sunday from 2–5pm @ 550 Vandalia St #165, St Paul
Hygge Holiday Market: Minneapolis Craft Market takes over Lawless Distilling’s back room every Sunday evening in December leading up to Christmas with a rotating lineup of makers. While you’re there, check out Miracle at Lawless, a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar serving holiday cocktails and kitschy decor galore. Sunday from 4–8pm @ 2619 28th Ave S, Mpls