San Francisco Indie Holiday Shopping Guide

Screw “Black Friday;” let’s go small with the Bay Area’s most fun indie craft & gift fairs.

By Rena - posted 11/20/2015 No Comment

Sure, Black Friday gets all the attention with big box store sales, but if you want to actually enjoy yourself as you do your holiday shopping, we recommend getting started early and checking out some of the local indie shopping festivals happening all over the Bay Area.

Browse through rows of interesting artisanal items you won’t find at the mall, grab some food from a food truck and maybe even sip a beer, as you discover unique items to surprise your friends and family with.

Saturday, August 8

AniMachi Market: Let The Fandom Ship

Saturday, August 8 – 11:00 am - Ends at 6:00 pm | Cost: FREE* | Koho Creative Hub

Celebrate your favorite fandom pairings at our market! Whether is BL/danmei, GL/yuri, or any other beloved ship, this event is for every kind of shipper. We welcome all respectful fandoms and pairings, so come share your passion with fellow fans! Cosplay as your favorite ship ...

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Saturday, August 15

2026 West Coast Asian Foodie Fest in San Mateo (Aug 15-16)

Saturday, August 15 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: $3.79 | San Mateo County Event Center

This summer! Taste Asia in San Mateo: Food, Culture & Family Fun 🥢 Join us on August 15–16, 2026, at the San Mateo Event Center for two full days of hundreds of Asian food, live entertainment, cultural experiences, and family fun. ✨ One ticket gives ...

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Sunday, August 16

2026 West Coast Asian Foodie Fest in San Mateo (Aug 15-16)

Sunday, August 16 – 10:00 am - Ends at 5:00 pm | Cost: $3.79 | San Mateo County Event Center

This summer! Taste Asia in San Mateo: Food, Culture & Family Fun 🥢 Join us on August 15–16, 2026, at the San Mateo Event Center for two full days of hundreds of Asian food, live entertainment, cultural experiences, and family fun. ✨ One ticket gives ...

> See more events for August 16

Friday, November 27

2026 Cambria Christmas Market (Central Coast)

Friday, November 27 – 5:00 pm - Ends at 9:00 pm | Cost: $30* | Cambria Christmas Market

Step into a holiday tradition where twinkling lights, festive music, and the spirit of Christmas come together to create an unforgettable winter escape in the charming town of Cambria, California. Experience the magic of the Cambria Christmas Market, returning Nov. 27 through Dec. 31, 2026. ...