Makers Arcade Summer Fair brings two days of fun to Waterfront Park 

If you don’t have plans this weekend and/or you’re looking for something to go to other than Comic-Con, you can check out the first-ever Makers Arcade Summer Fair.

The event will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Waterfront Park.

The family-friendly event will feature over 120 curated local makers and artisans, live music, numerous activities for children, and more. Those attending will also have access to food trucks, cocktails, mocktails, and beer bars.

Co-owner of Makers Arcade, Brittany Wiczek, said the event is the evolution of something that began over a decade ago. 

“Makers Arcade was originally founded in 2014 by Rebecca Chase and Jen Byard (owner of Communal Coffee) as a way to bring the creative community together through art, handmade goods, and meaningful connection,” Wiczek said.

“When our team at the San Diego Made took over the event in 2021, we were excited to carry forward that original vision, with the same heart, but with new energy and opportunities to grow.”

Wiczek noted that for years, Makers Arcade has been known for its spring and winter events at the Broadway Pier, but this summer marks two firsts for them: their first-ever summer edition and their first time hosting at Waterfront Park. 

“We’ve always dreamed of doing something outdoors that felt like a true creative summer festival, and Waterfront Park gave us the perfect backdrop to make that vision real,” Wiczek said.

“We also partnered with Crafter.com this year to really expand the hands-on, immersive experiences. Their team is bringing an incredible lineup of walk-up make-and-take stations and a premium workshop retreat that makes this event unlike anything we’ve done before. It’s more than just a market; it’s a full weekend of creativity, community, and celebration.”

Positive effects on local small businesses

One of the many reasons to come out is the positive effects it will have on countless small businesses.

“First and foremost, this event directly supports over 120 local small businesses – artists, makers, performers, and craftspeople who pour their heart into what they do,” Wiczek said. “It’s such a fun and easy way to support your local economy while discovering beautiful, handmade goods you won’t find anywhere else.”

With many things to do and see, Wiczek added that there is plenty of fun to go around.

“It’s really a choose-your-own-adventure kind of event,” Wiczek said. “Whether you’re coming to shop, hang out with friends, get creative, or just enjoy a beautiful day downtown, there’s something here for everyone.

“And hey – if you’re one of the first 60 people through the gates each day, you even get a free swag bag full of goodies.”

Speaking of people coming through gates, the event would not be possible without the many items that need to be checked off the to-do list ahead of time.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize just how much goes into making an event like this happen,” Wiczek said. “We typically spend six to eight months planning each Makers Arcade event – it’s a huge undertaking.

“Beyond just curating the vendors and booking entertainment, there’s an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes logistics like permitting, security, layout design, equipment rentals, insurance, you name it. It’s a full-time job for months to make sure everything runs smoothly for both the vendors and attendees.

“Since we’re now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we also rely heavily on an amazing team of volunteers who help with everything from setup and check-in to guest support throughout the weekend. Their help is absolutely essential in pulling off an event of this scale.”

The event charges a small $5 entry fee, which covers event costs and helps keep booth fees low for vendors. Kids under 10 get in free. 

“At the end of the day, this is about helping local small businesses thrive and making creative experiences accessible to everyone,” Wiczek added.

Great opportunity to promote one’s small business 

Being a vendor at this event opens up the possibility of new business and more.

Dani Arellano, owner of Sourdough Dani, said she is participating in the event because sourdough brings her joy, and at these events, “I get to tangibly extend that to every person that passes through my booth,” she said.

“Sourdough has allowed me to meet people from all over the world and different ways of life, and it is an incredible feeling to know that my products are sought after by so many. My passion for sourdough eases people’s minds because they know the ingredients in their bread are minimal and all organic.

“Taking part in the Makers Arcade events, such as this one on July 26-27 brings in new customers and spreads the word about my little organic micro-bakery. Events like these strengthen my business and remind me that I am not just good at what I do, but great at it.”