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Festival season is most definitely in full swing with the ‘burbs bursting with shows every weekend. A real gem coming up is the Swarthmore Makers Market. This unique open-air market celebrates, for the 15th go round this fall, local craftsmanship and design with a juried group of participants. Explore and shop from 90+ artisans and makers in Downtown Swarthmore. Choose from jewelry, pottery, art, woodworking, metalwork, textiles, bath and body, scents, decor and more!
The Fall 2025 Swarthmore Makers Market converges on South Chester Rd in front of the Inn at Swarthmore and down Park Avenue in downtown Swarthmore on Sunday, November 2nd from 10am to 3pm. This event is rain or shine.
The Makers Market debuted in Swarthmore in 2015 and has since become a twice per year tradition aimed at gathering together local artisans and their handmade creations. After receiving a record number of applicants, the curation team of Shannon Elliott, owner of gift shop and boutique Harvey Oak Mercantile, and Martha Perkins, owner of art gallery and gift shop Gallery on Park, selected 90+ unique businesses to exhibit. Many of the artisans live in Swarthmore and the surrounding communities. The participants included long standing participants, as well as 20 newcomers. “Makers Market day is pure magic. The whole town is filled with supporters of the arts and those who get so much joy out of shopping small. Rain or shine the day is always a hit. We have been told that the curation is top notch and we are honored to host the best of the best,” Elliott and Perkins enthused.
We recognized some “friendly faces” among the almost 100 participants of the Makers Market–artisan friends who we have connected with walking craft shows and festivals through the years (and who we love) including:
Alphabet Photography by Michelle Jordan
The open air market will also feature live music by local musicians Cold Pheet and Steve Liberace. There will also be a special performance at 12:30pm by the acclaimed Strath Haven High School Silvertones Choral Group. Visitors should also plan to come hungry! The market will host a number of sweet and savory eats from pop up vendors featuring local BBQ expert Shutdown BBQ, Savannah’s Southern Cuisine, Moshava Israeli, Cool Cravings, and Ke Ai Cafe Desserts. Visitors can also dine at the Best of Delco Swarthmore eateries including Vicky’s Place, Pastry Pants, Swarthmore Co-op, and Luna’s Mexican Grill.
The market is part of the volunteer business owner group, Merchants of Swarthmore, who plan regularly a line up of events designed to bring increased foot traffic to the business district and add economic vitality to town businesses. The proceeds from market fees proudly benefit enhancements to the business district of Swarthmore.
Ample and free parking for the event can be found on Myers Avenue and in the Borough Hall Parking Lot. The SEPTA parking lot is adjacent to the market and available for $2 per day.
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Featured image: Ananda Connolly
