APPLY NOW for May 3's Go West Craft Fest, and a Special Partnership with GRID

The wait is over... Vendors may apply now to participate in this Spring's Go West Craft Fest, Saturday, May 3 (rain date May 4) returning for the 5th time to the wonderful Woodlands, 40th & Woodland in West Philly. The event features local crafts of all descriptions, like jewelry, accessories, ceramics, prints, clothing, stationery, soaps and more. There's also live music (confirmed so far are the Spinning Leaves and children's musician Jay Sand), food by local eateries (including Baltimore Avenue's Taco Angeleno), and aerial/acrobatic performances by Tangle's Tinycircus. The festival is open to the public and free to attend.

The last day to apply is February 19, which seems so early for a May show, but here's why...

... we are happy to announce a special partnership with GRID magazine, which focuses on sustainability issues and initiatives in and around Philadelphia. GRID is including a special 16-page Go West insert in their May issue (released on April 17) all about the festival, its participants, and the Woodlands. We need to get our planning done far ahead of time for their publication deadlines, which is why we are doing this so early in the year.

With a circulation of 25,000 throughout the region as well as the online edition, this is an amazing opportunity to get the word out about this event and bring new traffic to our neighborhood. It is also a great advertising opportunity for local businesses and organizations. We hope you will support this worthy publication. Please click here for more information about advertising.

This event wouldn't be what is is without the huge swell of community support we have come to know. If you've ever been a vendor or performer at one of our Fests, or if you've come out to shop or just take in the scene, Thank you! We hope to see you again in May.

Save the Date - Spring Craft Fest!

Thanks to everyone who came out our holiday Fest. It was a terrific turnout on a chilly day. We're planning ahead to Spring and have our dates finalized at The Woodlands for Saturday, May 3rd.
Tinycircus will be back performing aerialist feats, along with other local favorites!

We'll be putting the vendor application up at the end of January, so check back then to apply.

Look forward to seeing you on May 3rd!

Checklist for SUNDAY's GO WEST! Craft Fest

Sunday is almost here and we can't wait! Everyone is so excited for what will be an excellent day of local, handmade shopping. For this holiday event we've really tried to have a little something handmade for everyone on your list.

Don't forget to bring your:

Tokens - The Rotunda is a short walk from the L, the 40th St trolley hub and on the 21 and 42 bus line. If you are going by car there's metered parking on Walnut St, and a pay Parking Garage across. Free parking can be a little tricky in that neighborhood, but not impossible!

Cash - While many of our vendors accept credit cards, not all do. Did you know when you pay by credit card to a small business they're losing valuable dollars per transaction to a huge credit card company...? We're happy to take your cards, but we like cash much, much better!

Your Holiday Shopping List - We bet you won't go away empty handed!

A Babywearing Device - Last year people were glad they did!

Friends -  chances are you'll run into someone you know, but it's nice to bring some friends along and make a day of it!

Your Sweet Tooth - With sweets from Weckerleys Ice Cream and Black Orchid Foods serving up veggie snacks, lunch and handmade organic extracts you won't go away hungry.

Just like last year we'll have select vendors outside and upstairs in the balcony. More shopping for you and the chance to see the space in a different light.

Can't wait to see you all there! Stop by Emily from VIX Emporium and Wilder from As the Crow Flies & Co's tables, right as you walk in to say Hi.

Introducing our Holiday Vendors

Introducing our vendors for this years Holiday GO WEST! Craft Fest. Last year we had an overwhelming response in applications for our holiday show. It was incredibly hard to turn away the amount of talented folks that we had to last year due to lack of space. We had to reject more applicants than we accepted! This year for the holiday show we decided to invite previous Go West vendors, but once again due to lack of space couldn't invite everyone. We realize this might have created some confusion that we apologize for! It never ceases to amaze us the amount of talent Philly has to offer.

We're so excited to begin this holiday season. Our full list of vendors is here we have a pintrest board so you can see a sample of what the holiday fest will provide. If your itching to start some holiday shopping early Emily is hosting Gifts in the Galleries at the Penn Museum on Nov 15th & 16th. Check out VIX Emporium's website for all the details.

Thank you for making GO WEST! Craft Fest such a terrifically successful event, we can't wait to see you on Sunday, December 15th at The Rotunda!

Have you liked us on facebook yet? Do it!

Save the Date for the Holiday Edition - Sunday, December 15th!

We are in the process of finalizing vendors for our GO WEST! Craft Fest -Holiday Edition-. Don't forget to save the date this year on SUNDAY, December 15 from 11-5pm at The Rotunda for all of your handmade holiday shopping needs.

Once again if you're on Facebook and haven't "liked" our page do it now for news and updates!

Thank You, and get ready for the next GO WEST! Craft Fest

Thank you all for coming out on Saturday! We couldn't have asked for a better day, what a success. Over 2000 folks came to the Woodlands to see the entertainment, shop for wonderful handmade crafts and enjoy the delicious food that was there. Photos of September, 2013 GO WEST! has some terrific vendor and performer shots.

On the heels of our Fall GO WEST! we have the confirmed date for the GO WEST! Craft Fest Holiday Edition. It will be Sunday, December 15th once again at The Rotunda. Mark your calendar!

Finally if you're on Facebook and haven't "liked" our page do it now for news and updates!

Checklist for GO WEST! Craft Fest

Fall has returned although it's hard to know it with the beautiful summery weather  that has been happening. Tomorrow is no different, the forecast looks gorgeous for spending a day at the Craft Fest. Here are some things to remember that might help make the most of your day at GO WEST! Craft Fest at The Woodlands.

• SEPTA tokens. The Fest is right across from the 40th Street trolley portal, served by the 12, 13, 34 and 36 trolleys. Hop on any westbound "Green Line" subway/surface car from Center City (EXCEPT the 10) and arrive in minutes. While there is limited parking along the road through the Woodlands we recommend getting there by alternate means. If you do drive please don’t park in front of the Festival, parking is allowed farther along the path.
• Comfortable shoes. While the Fest is conveniently close to the entrance, visitors may choose to explore farther into the 54-acre grounds. Featuring the Hamilton Mansion, a grand example of 18th century neoclassical architecture.William Hamilton, an avid botanist, collected and planted dozens of various trees on the estate, many of which are now some of our nation's oldest and largest specimens, thriving among the monuments for over 30 thousand eternal Philadelphians. Stroll the winding paths and see for yourself. There will be tours of the landscape, check in with The Woodlands table at the front entrance.
• Your Gift List. Our talented vendors make a huge variety of products, like jewelry, clothing, accessories, fine art, cards, toys, candles, teas and more. Keep in mind your loved ones' birthdays, weddings, and of course it's never too early to start Holiday Shopping. Your unique GO WEST! gift will be fondly remembered because it was made with love and care by a local artisan.
• Cash. Although some of our vendors do accept credit cards, not all do and there is a good chance that the irresistible treasure you discovered may not be seen again (even at VIX).  Also did you know when you pay by credit card to a small business they’re losing valuable dollars per transaction to a huge credit card company? We’re happy to take  your cards, but we like cash much better. The closest ATM is at Mill Creek Tavern, 4200 Chester Avenue.
• A Blanket for a Picnic Lunch . The Woodlands is a perfect place for a picnic, Black Orchid will have vegan sandwiches and mac & cheese for the kids, Taco Angeleno will be debuting all manner of Mexican style tacos, Axsum will feature middle eastern goodies & The Satellite Café will be there for all of your coffee needs.
• Your Sweet Tooth, with gourmet popsicles from the Lil Pop Shop and Weckerleys Ice Cream it will be hard not to resist something, not to mention vegan treats from The Satellite Cafe!
•  A child, who will have tons of fun singing and playing music with  Ann from the Green Tambourine. They'll be mesmerized by fancy juggling tricks and hula hoopers and get their face painted by the West Philly Coop School and do free arts and crafts courtesy of the UC Arts League & Neighborhood Bike Works.
• A camera, to capture memories of a lovely autumn day, the falling leaves, historic monuments, and the dazzling tricks jugglers & hoopers will perform at 3pm!
• Your senses of curiosity, creativity and wonder, and enough time to experience the day.