Vintage finds and tasty bites steal the show at West Coast Craft

Sunshine, craft goods, and a cold pint — that’s how Fort Mason does summer.

San Francisco may be infamous for its high rent and the ever-looming threat of a headline proclaiming the city’s inevitable doom — but let’s get one thing straight: this city still does good things for creators. West Coast Craft’s one-day fest on August 24th was a reminder that San Francisco is still the place to sell (and buy) handmade goods, even if your landlord is charging you a small fortune.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the outdoor market was a scene: rows of cute vintage clothing stands, handcrafted ceramics, and more statement jewelry than you’d know what to do with. It was all sunshine, good vibes, and people pretending they hadn’t just bought something at the last booth they visited. And when the inevitable shopping fatigue (or warmth) set in, Radhaus was there to save the day with pints of beer — the perfect pit stop for those needing to sit down and cool off before diving back in.

No indoor vendors this time; it was all outside, and browsing everything from textiles to ceramics in the sunshine was infinitely better than being packed indoors. Plus, with food as good as El Sur Empanadas (a 10/10 culinary experience) and Gigi’s One Bite Wonder donuts, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t stop for a snack break.

West Coast Craft was founded in 2013 as a curated marketplace that celebrates the creative culture of the West Coast. Different iterations take place several times a year at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center, and they showcase a wide variety of artisans and makers who embody the West Coast aesthetic — think natural materials, minimalistic design, and a laid-back vibe. Over time, the event has grown to feature over 250 vendors, with offerings that range from handmade ceramics and textiles to jewelry, furniture, and even artisanal foods.

While WCC is based in San Francisco, its reputation and appeal have attracted artisans and shoppers from across the West Coast, including Southern California and even parts of the Pacific Northwest. They expanded to Los Angeles in 2019 at ROW DTLA, an outdoor venue perfect for showcasing the work of over 150 artisans and craftspeople.

If you missed out on the August edition or just need another excuse to shop, luckily you won’t have to wait too long. Mark your calendar for November 23 and 24 at Fort Mason, when West Coast Craft will be back with more vendors and fresh finds. Is this the perfect opportunity to get ahead on holiday shopping, or just another reason to spend a Saturday browsing cool stuff? Either way, you won’t want to miss it.

Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator.

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