Tickets Now On Sale
Timed Tickets for this event are now on sale. Get yours today.
"It's the holiday market of all holiday markets."
- Milwaukee Magazine
Every December, Hover Craft transforms the Historic Pritzlaff Building into a bustling showcase of Milwaukee’s creative energy. More than 120 artists, designers, and makers come together under one roof—ceramicists, printmakers, woodworkers, jewelers, and more—all bringing their best, handmade work to share.
Shopping Hover Craft isn’t just about finding the perfect gift (though you’ll find plenty of those). It’s about keeping your holiday dollars close to home—supporting the artists, dreamers, and small-business owners who make Milwaukee such a vibrant place to live.
When you shop local, your money doesn’t disappear into a corporate warehouse. It circulates right back into the community, helping the city’s creative economy thrive. Come discover what Milwaukee makers are creating—and feel good about every gift you give.
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We have over 120 artists, crafters, makers, and creatives of all sorts selling unique items for you to browse.
You'll find emerging and established vendors when you come shop.
Many of our vendors have been making things for many years, which means the quality of their work is unmatched.
Many of our vendors are new so you might discover something amazing and unexpected.
A lot of our vendors only sell at Hover Craft, which means you'll come across unique things you won't find at other craft fairs.
Some makers offer custom work on the spot, so you can purchase the perfect piece or experience their craft first hand.
Each year, Hover Craft invites many new vendors to join in, so every shopper will find new things to check out - even if they come year after year.
Everyone who is a vendor makes the work they are selling.
Hover Craft is located in the beautiful and historic Pritzlaff Building. It's centrally located near downtown Milwaukee and the beautiful 3rd Ward Neighborhood.
We are proud to offer a range of bites, snacks, and drinks at the event. Colectivo Coffee will be serving up the best coffee in town. The Pritzlaff bar will be open for sodas, beers, and bloody mary's. There will be a selection of food vendors throughout the event for shoppers to grab a bite.
Hover Craft is a busy place, but to manage the crowd and make the shopping experience as pleasant as possible, we sell timed tickets for people to come to shop.
Where you can find perfectly unique and high quality handmade gifts for everyone on your list - while you support local creatives and strengthen our local economy.
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Meet the 2025 Vendors!
We have a lot of amazing handmade goods for you to explore.
Supporting the future of handmade!
This year, Hover Craft is excited to introduce Launch Pad: our Emerging Artist Scholarship Program!
When we started Hover Craft in 2009, our goal was to keep vendor costs low and create space for as many creative voices as possible—and that hasn’t changed. But as the costs of running an event have grown, we know that getting started as a small, creative business can be expensive, too. Signing up for a market can feel like a big risk when you’re not sure if you’ll make back your investment.
That’s why we partnered with Bliffert Lumber and Hardware to offer Launch Pad, a scholarship that helps cover vendor fees for new artists, crafters, and makers joining Hover Craft for the first time.
We’re inspired by the incredible applications we received—and we hope you’ll come out to meet and support these emerging makers as they build their businesses and grow Milwaukee’s creative community.
Free Gift Wrapping!
Yes—it’s true! Our amazing volunteers offer complimentary gift wrapping, working for tips only. Every dollar you give goes directly to Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.
Why Planned Parenthood?
Before the Affordable Care Act, young adults couldn’t stay on their parents’ insurance—a reality that hit the creative community especially hard. Many of us were artists, makers, and dreamers without access to affordable health care. Planned Parenthood was there when we needed care the most.
Today, access to safe, affordable health care is still not guaranteed. Planned Parenthood continues to be a critical resource for the creative community and for anyone who needs care, no matter their income, identity, or circumstance.
Your tips help keep that care accessible—for all of us.
Interested in vending, but missed the application period?
Sign up for the wait list!
Info + Inspo:
Tirelessly promoting handmade in Milwaukee since 2009.
Hover Craft started in 2009 when Ashley, Cortney, and Vanessa came together to create something that gave back to the creative community they were part of. Milwaukee had given them so many chances to grow and explore as artists, and this was their way of returning the favor.
Hover Craft isn’t their job—it’s something they do because they care about keeping Milwaukee’s creative scene strong. We believe that when artists, designers, crafters, and makers have opportunities to show and sell their work, our city becomes more vibrant and more interesting. When people can make a living doing what they love, they’re more likely to stick around and keep building that energy.
Each year, we put together a one-day market that acts like a pop-up storefront for local talent. It’s a space where people can connect directly with makers, see what’s being created in their own neighborhoods, and support that work in a real, tangible way.
We think showing up in person matters. We think spending money on something handmade matters. And we know from experience that a kind word, a thoughtful question, or a purchase can go a long way toward helping someone keep making.
Who is Hover Craft?
Vanessa Andrew
Vanessa Andrew is a Milwaukee-based fiber artist, illustrator, community arts educator, and clothing designer. She runs Madam Chino, a West Allis-based boutique that sells handmade and vintage clothing, and offers custom sewing and alterations. Her approach to clothing and textiles raises awareness about conservation and child labor issues in consumer society. Vanessa is a co-founder of Hover Craft.
Ashley Smith
Ashley Smith is a small business owner and community organizer. She is the co-founder of Hover Craft, Girls Rock MKE, and One Trick Pony. She is also the owner of Alive and Fine vintage store that doubles as a pop-up gallery space.
Cortney Heimerl
Cortney Heimerl is a co-founder of Hover Craft. Over the past two decades, she has produced many events to promote Milwaukee’s creative community including the Wearable Sculpture Fashion Show, the NEWaukee Night Market, Maker Sessions, Maker Market, and many more. When she is not producing opportunities for local makers, she is directing marketing, communications, and design at the Milwaukee Art Museum, or making ceramics at Tooth and Nail in Bay View.
