#2 Art & Design Event (up from #5)
The craft and design show has generated lots of buzz with its expertly curated group of artists, designers, and craftspeople whose work is inspired by the West Coast lifestyle. The event happens twice every year in the summer and winter. Last year, the winter show drew 175 vendors and 15,000 attendees. Next: November 14-15, 2015
#3 Art & Design Event
The organizers of the event describe it as: “part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new.” Launched in 2006, the event draws some 86,000 attendees each year. It has spawned nearly 100 independently produced “Mini” and “Featured Maker” fairs around the world. Next: May 21-22, 2016
#4 Art & Design Event
Hundreds of craft businesses have launched at the twice-annual fair, which draws 25,000 guests a year. Events also happen in other cities around the world including London, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Next: November 21-22, 2015
#5 Art & Design Event
Running since 1977, the showcase is regarded as one of the West Coast’s premier design events, and it highlights the work of top interior and landscape designers at local homes. The event raises funds for San Francisco University High School’s financial aid program and draws some 15,000 visitors each year. Next: Spring 2016
#6 Art & Design Event
Some 10,000 collectors attend the annual show, which features approximately 60 vendors from the United States and Europe. The oldest international arts and antiques show on the West Coast, it sells everything from furniture to paintings and jewelry. Next: October 22-25, 2015
#7 Art & Design Event
The three-day event focuses on handmade objects. Held at the Fort Mason Center, the juried craft show offers jewelry, clothing, and more from 225 American artists. Next: Summer 2016
#8 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
The event celebrates contemporary and modern art, design, and architecture through installations, exhibits, and special programs. Attendees include gallery owners, architects, and artists. Proceeds go to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which is under construction and slated to reopen in 2016. Next: January 14-17, 2016
#9 Art & Design Event
Known as the largest weekend holiday arts fair of its kind in Northern California, the event benefits listener-funded radio station KPFA 94.1. It offers handmade goods from more than 200 exhibitors. Next: December 19-20, 2015
#10 Art & Design Event
The leading art fair focused on art from the tribal cultures in the United States, the show has 80 participating galleries. The galleries represent the arts of Asian, Oceanic, African, Native American, and Latin American indigenous people. Next: February 19-21, 2016
#11 Art & Design Event
Launched in 2013, the event, run by Brit&Co, aims to unite the lifestyle and technology communities. In 2015, the event included one day of invite-only talks. A second day, open to the public, had hands-on D.I.Y. projects and handmade wares to shop. Next: Fall 2016
