When you were young, you may have found craft shows a bit boring. A bunch of people showing their creations and talents was nothing compared to video games, football, Barbies, or even reading. It was just something that your parents dragged you to attend and then reprimanded you if you were anything less than content or enthusiastic. Well, time’s have changed. You’re a bit older now, and crafts have suddenly found their way onto your radar. If this describes you and you live in northeastern Ohio or the Akron area, check out these local craft shows.

E.J. Thomas Christmas Arts and Craft Show

Christmas crafts are a gamble, and anyone under 60 probably won’t deny that. At some point, these crafts designed to bring in the holiday season can get downright tacky, but not at the E.J. Thomas Christmas Arts & Craft Show. Taking place in the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Akron on the first weekend in December, this craft fair invites some of the most skilled craftsmen from Ohio and beyond.

Each year over 100 artisans bring their secular and nonsecular themed Christmas crafts to the area. If you take your time and really admire the handiwork, you can make it an all day event. Plus, the Christmas treats, music, and other sights and sounds will truly get you into the Christmas spirit. Scrooges need not apply.

The Eighth Annual Brunswick Kiwanis Club Craft Fair

Just 25 miles northwest of Akron lies the city of Brunswick. Each year, the local Kiwanis Club opens its doors to some of the top crafts makers in the region, giving you the opportunity to snatch up some of your favorite items. In past years, over 125 vendors have joined the event, offering goods including clothes, soaps, baked items, home decor, and more. The best part of spending your money here is that a portion of the proceeds go back to the Kiwanis Club, who use the money to tend to social and community affairs within the city of Brunswick.

Warren Band Boosters Spring Craft and Vendor Fair

About an hour west of Akron, the rural city of Warren has one of the most exciting craft fairs of the year. Coupled with the Fall Arts and Crafts Show that’s put on by the same organization, Warren has you set for nearly every occasion or setting of the year. Most of the vendors and craft makers are local, offering some of the finest stitching, woodwork, food, and other goodies to keep you coming back.

The spring event takes place the first week in April, while the fall fair is the first weekend in September. Just remember that before you pass on an item, know that all the extra cash goes to help the Warren High School band on their next trip around the country.

While Akron is perhaps better known for Lebron James or tires, their craft shows are definitely on point. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to own just one of a handful of works that are distinctly you and one of a kind.