The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
This weekend, the Holiday Flea brings 190 Colorado crafters and makers to the Sports Castle. The holiday gift market, presented by the Denver Flea, kicks off Friday night with a ticketed VIP party from 6-9 p.m. ($35). For the remainder of the weekend, entrance is $5 for adults, free for kids—and the first 250 people arriving on Saturday and Sunday get a free beer (if you’re late, you can buy that beer, as well as cocktails and food truck fare).
Just in case you’re overwhelmed by the multi-floor assortment of goods, we’ve narrowed it down to five of our favorite Flea vendors.
Penni Olive’s whimsical yet practical hand-sewn linens make great gifts for hosts and hostesses. We love the adorable applique aprons—available in adult and kid sizes—adorned with everything from rainbow unicorns to the Colorado state flag; napkins in vintage holiday prints and other funky patterns; and felted-wool holiday garlands.
Handmade home goods from Sub Rosa Mercantile, a tiny shop in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, are funky enough to mix in with almost any home decor. Our favorite: the Coco Chispa pottery line (pictured), with designs that subtly incorporate mountain silhouettes for an offbeat Colorado vibe.
Boulder-born artist Cassandra Rose produces a range of whimsical wood art and illustrations with a Western theme. Look for her word-prints on wood, colorful buffalo silhouettes, and Colorado-city-themed prints (perfect for a vacation home).
Speaking of locally inspired decor, Fish Kiss is known for its kitschy state-themed maps, which the Colorado company prints on everything from pillows to stationery. The hand-illustrated designs are especially fun for the little ones on your list—check out the baby blankets, onesies, and BPA-free dishware.
A Fort Collins-based couple designs and produces Seed and Stone’s line of sleek-yet-earthy, poured-concrete home accessories. Featuring geometric shapes and a soft color palette, their planters, bowls, and other home goods work especially well in homes with a modern design. A small planter (just add a succulent!) is a great party-season hostess gift.
Holiday Flea
December 1-3, 2017
Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway
Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
denverflea.com