The Ferndale DIY Street Art Fair brings the opportunity to get outdoors and into the community with your family each fall! Run alongside the Funky Ferndale Art Fair (Funky Ferndale takes up the west side of Nine Mile; DIY is on the East) from September 21-23rd, 2018, the DIY Fest has something for everyone. Check out each fair's website for allll the details, but here is our shorthand guide just for families!
What to Bring:
There is no entry fee for DIY Festival (or Funky Ferndale), and nobody is checking your bag, so bring what you need! Our recommendations:
- Pack a light diaper bag or satchel. You don't want to be lugging anything around (and you want to leave room for some purchases!) but if you're bringing kids, you don't want to show up empty-handed either.
- Bring napkins, hand sanitizer, wipes, sippy cups (if needed), maybe a picnic blanket and perhaps utensils if you plan on grabbing a bite to eat. The one drawback is there aren't always plentiful spots for sitting down to eat, so be prepared to plop down wherever you can find the space.
- Stay hydrated and make sure the kids do, too -- these fall days start chilly but get warm!
- Plan for spontaneity and bring what you need (diapers or meds or whatever) for later in the day in case you are having such a great time that you don't want to leave!
- Consider ear plugs if you have a tiny one and want to stay near the music
What to Do:
Definitely explore the artists' booths! Many of the artists make super cool stuff for all ages and at great price points. Here is a map of all vendors: http://www.ferndalediy.com/2018-artists-by-booth . A few of our personal faves to check out:
- Alchemy Henna and Friends: Alchemy always brings the fun and the major henna talent. Super fun for pre-teens and teens who are into creativity. Booth T16 (Troy Street)
- Bags to Butterflies: Hand-made handbags, most constructed from repurposed woods. Bags to Butterflies's mission is to "help reduce recidivism within our community by providing female returning citizens with transitional employment and training as well as connecting them with resources, support and a caring network that will help empower them to redefine their life's purpose." Booth G2 (Grassy Lot at 9 Mile and Bermuda)
- Green Daffodil: locally-made lip balm, body lotion, candles and more. Perfect for getting a head-start on holiday shopping or just stocking up for a relaxing winter for yourself. Booth F27 (Falvey Lot, behind Woodward Avenue Brewers)
- Made in the Mitten: Goods from Michigan artists, always with style and cozy MI flair. You can also visit Made in the Mitten's boutique in downtown Royal Oak on Washington! Booth F11 (Falvey Lot, behind Woodward Avenue Brewers)
- Oh Sew Betty: this girl is ALWAYS on the perfect trend with dresses, bags and other items. My favorite fabric coffee sleeve and cross-body bag are from her booth at the Berkley Art Bash from years ago and I still get compliments on both all the time! Booth F21 (Falvey Lot, behind Woodward Avenue Brewers)
- Ori Kami Organics: wooden teethers with soft fabric attached and whimsical onesies are just a few of the great finds from this local artist. My baby girl loved her wooden teether and it was super smooth and long-lasting. Great source for baby gifts! Booth L9 (Library Lot)
There are also a ton of great kids activities (for ALL ages, tiny ones to teens!), including the ones listed below. Most kids activities take place right off 9 Mile Road near the library. See the map here.
- Friday:
- 6 p.m. - Midnight: The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms challenges you to find the secret trove stashed in their mobile escape room "The Purple Gang Booty." You and your team will have just 12 minutes to crack a safe before the gang returns and catches you in the act. Will you have what it takes? Ages 8+ (Booth F68 in the lot behind Woodward Avenue Brewers)
- 6 p.m. - Midnight: The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms challenges you to find the secret trove stashed in their mobile escape room "The Purple Gang Booty." You and your team will have just 12 minutes to crack a safe before the gang returns and catches you in the act. Will you have what it takes? Ages 8+ (Booth F68 in the lot behind Woodward Avenue Brewers)
- Saturday:
- 11 a.m. - Midnight: The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms challenges you to find the secret trove stashed in their mobile escape room "The Purple Gang Booty." You and your team will have just 12 minutes to crack a safe before the gang returns and catches you in the act. Will you have what it takes? Ages 8+ (Booth F68 in the lot behind Woodward Avenue Brewers)
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: The DIY Street Fair is proud to have the Detroit Institute of Arts mobile, interactive classroom that helps you "think like an artist". With a Motivation Room, Observation Area, Creative Play and Reflection Area. Just add inspiration!
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Join the Michigan Science Center and explore the science behind sound. Why do things make sound? What if we could see a sound wave in motion? Stop by the Kids Zone to experiment with hands-on sound activities that are sure to be a good time for curious minds of all ages. Kids can also create their own musical instrument to bring home with them!
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: ature’s Playhouse will be joining us at DIY offering crafts for the kids and a comfort/nursing station for moms. They will be giving free Drop-In Play and Fitness passes to all who stop by!
- 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Face Painting benefiting Ferndale Public Schools
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Crafts and photo ops with the Ghostbusters Detroit Ecto-mobile and its ghost-busting equipment
- Sunday:
- 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.: The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms challenges you to find the secret trove stashed in their mobile escape room "The Purple Gang Booty." You and your team will have just 12 minutes to crack a safe before the gang returns and catches you in the act. Will you have what it takes? Ages 8+ (Booth F68 in the lot behind Woodward Avenue Brewers)
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: The DIY Street Fair is proud to have the Detroit Institute of Arts mobile, interactive classroom that helps you "think like an artist". With a Motivation Room, Observation Area, Creative Play and Reflection Area. Just add inspiration!
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Join the Michigan Science Center and explore the science behind sound. Why do things make sound? What if we could see a sound wave in motion? Stop by the Kids Zone to experiment with hands-on sound activities that are sure to be a good time for curious minds of all ages. Kids can also create their own musical instrument to bring home with them!
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Nature’s Playhouse will be joining us at DIY offering crafts for the kids and a comfort/nursing station for moms. They will be giving free Drop-In Play and Fitness passes to all who stop by!
- 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Face Painting benefiting Ferndale Public Schools
- 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Crafts and photo ops with the Ghostbusters Detroit Ecto-mobile and its ghost-busting equipment
What to Eat:
Food at the DIY Fest comes mostly from food trucks set up in a designated area. Which is not a bad thing -- what a great way to eat together as a family but allow everyone to get what they like! Delect a Bowl,Treat Dreams (of course! I think it's illegal to have non-Treat Dreams ice cream in Ferndale ;) ), Slows to Go and other faves are there to make sure you don't leave the festival hungry. Most food trucks accept credit cards and cash.
What to Hear:
The DIY Fest offers a full lineup each day of the festival. Go here for artists and set times!
