SATURDAY, NOV. 30

Feeling a little stir-crazy from sitting at home, incessantly scrolling for online deals during this Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend? Stretch those legs, soak up the warm (and welcome) sunlight and check out Makers Mart where dozens of small businesses and pop-ups from all over downtown’s East Village will be out selling their goods. The event, organized by MAKE Collectives is in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, a nationwide marketing campaign created by American Express nearly a decade ago that encourages consumers to get out of the house and shop their local retailers—they need you in order to thrive!

First Street between Linden and Elm avenues will be closed to traffic, so you can freely walk about the area, grab a snack and enjoy the eclectic beats of DJ HoneyMee while you peruse over 30 booths from local artisans and designers selling their unique wares; handmade jewelry, ethically made clothing, vintage apparel, home decor, apothecary items, hair and skincare products too.

Many of the vendors will host live demonstrations, including a pottery wheel demo by Cande Red Ceramics, cloth painting by apparel artists Preston & James, and live painting sessions by watercolor artists Jessica Weymouth and Jessica Bramlett.

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Makers Mart Long Beach runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 in East Village between Linden and Elm avenues on First Street. For more information check out their Facebook event page, here.

Another great thing:

On Termino and 4th Street, Prism Boutique brings its fourth annual block party together to coincide with Small Business Saturday, in collaboration with artist-run studio and gallery, Flux Art Space and neighboring lash-focused beauty salon Pop Society. Prism is also bringing in a host of pop-up vendors, selling jewelry, crystals, CBD products, vintage goods and home decor; Flux Art Space will have a printmaking workshop hosted by printmaker Guerra and its current exhibit by artist Andrea Bersaglieri is a must-see if you’re into detailed depictions of plants, dirt, succulents, concrete and bottle caps (you’ll see what we mean.)

The block party runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prism Boutique; 406 Termino Ave. For more info, check out this link.

Over a dozen small businesses, eateries and retailers in the Bixby Knolls area will be offering discounts, special packages and giveaways in coordination with the nationwide initiative. Every Pint Chip at Long Beach Creamery will be 20% off, while Niky’s Sports Soccer Specialty will be offering many of their athletic wares at a 30% discount. Take a ride on the Brewery Knolls Beer Trolley, and get 15% off your food bill if you bring in your receipt to EJ’s Pub. Better Half Boutique, Lucy’s Boudoir, And Then LB and Urban Escape Body Works will also be including a free gift or goody bag (while supplies last) with certain purchases.  For more information, click here.

Small Business Saturday in Bixby Knolls runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event spans all over the Bixby Knolls area, but a good place to start is at the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association at 4321 Atlantic Ave.

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