PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

Few things intrigue more than a moonlight walk around Downtown’s Market Square — especially when it includes some of Pittsburgh’s most creative artists and makers.

Taking place from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday and again on Friday, Sept. 23, Handmade Arcade’s Moonrise Maker Market will feature more than 30 local artists and makers. The market — hosted in collaboration with Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership — will offer clothing, accessories and home decor as well as bath and body products. 

Katie Johnson, director of Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator, says in a press release that the event is a chance for visitors to support Pittsburgh’s local artists.

“Moonrise Maker Markets will be an exciting opportunity for creative entrepreneurs to market and sell their wares in a bustling outdoor environment,” she says.

Vendors include Part-time Poodle, Catherine Trendz, Otto Finn, Clark Morelia, Island Fresh Skincare and Naptural Beauty Supply.

Aside from shopping, visitors can listen to local DJ Matt Buchholz on Saturday and Mary Mack on Sept. 23. Additionally, free, hands-on activities will be available, such as creating homemade “Spin-Art” records. 

Although the Moonrise Maker Market is new this year, Handmade Arcade has hosted a variety of craft markets in Pittsburgh since its founding in 2004, among them an annual winter convention and a spring market, Show and Sell.

Tricia Brancolini-Foley, executive director of Handmade Arcade, says in a press release the Moonrise Maker Markets provide a new opportunity for visitors and artists to interact.

“The Moonrise Maker Markets are an exciting way for Handmade Arcade to continue to offer new opportunities to the creative community — reinforcing our commitment to growing new avenues for makers to engage with consumers,” she says.

The market is free and open to the public; it will be held rain or shine.