Makers in Bloom

Not your typical fundraiser — just a day spent celebrating handmade and the makers who bring our city to life!

2026 Makers in Bloom

Makers in Bloom: The Bus Tour

Saturday, May 9, 2026

A premium, limited-seat motorcoach experience featuring curated shop visits, behind-the-scenes studio demos, exclusive store discounts, and lunch along the route!

Bus tour participants also receive a Bloom Pass to track their stops throughout the day.

Bloom Pass: Self-Guided Option

Bloom Passes coming in May!

Can’t join us on May 9? Grab a Bloom Pass — the flexible, affordable way to explore handmade at your own pace!

Includes all bus tour stops plus additional participating shops. Complete your curated passport, enjoy in-store offers, and receive a Handmade Arcade collectible when you visit every location.

Makers in Bloom Logo

Floral Illustrations by: Fío Avocado

You won’t want to miss this

Reserve your Seat!
Bloom Pass coming soon!

About Makers in Bloom

We wanted a fundraiser that feels like us. No fancy galas or esteemed auctions, just a day celebrating the makers and creative community that make Pittsburgh special. Through our markets, Handmade Arcade has connected over 3,000 makers with more than 250,000 shoppers — but that’s all been on our turf. We thought, why not flip the script and bring shoppers to our makers? Makers in Bloom is our answer: a fun, city-wide way to explore local shops, studios, and creative spaces while supporting the artists who make Pittsburgh handmade.

Hop on our 56-seater motorcoach for a full day of curated shop visits, maker demos, and a refreshment break — or go at your own pace with a self-guided Bloom Pass. Both options include a curated passport, in-store offers at each stop, and a Handmade Arcade collectible when you complete the route. Bus seats are limited, so grab yours soon for this exclusive experience!

2026 Makers in Bloom Route

  • Jocelyn & Rob of Clark Morelia

    Stop #1

    Clark Morelia

    Jocelyn and Rob handcraft high-quality leather wallets and bags one at a time in their Pittsburgh studio.

    Each piece combines full-grain leather, often rejected by large fashion manufacturers for its natural imperfections, with solid brass hardware and durable thread. Their products tell a story about how we interact with the world, blending thoughtful functionality with distinctive character.

  • Nisha of Knotzland

    Stop #2

    Knotzland

    Nisha transforms textile discards into stylish accessories — bow ties, lavallières, and more — keeping thousands of pounds of fabric out of landfills. Each piece is playful, sustainable, and made to be worn with pride!

    While you’re visiting, chat with Nisha about custom orders special occasion rental options and discover how creativity and sustainability come together in every design.

  • 7800 Susquehanna building

    Stop #3

    7800 Susquehanna

    One of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant creative hubs, this stop includes lunch, demos, and studio visits with:

    Han Studio: Heirloom-quality furniture and home goods rooted in family tradition and historic carpentry.

    Jowdy Studio: High-fired porcelain wares blending function and fine art, finished in signature matte glazes inspired by lived landscapes.

    We’re also excited to highlight fellow nonprofit Radiant Hall while in their space!

  • Val of TB Fragrances

    Stop #4

    TB Fragrances

    Val handcrafts fine fragrances, candles, and incense in her Pittsburgh studio, blending unconventional notes like smoke, spice, stems, and salt into unforgettable scents. Each piece is made from scratch with clean, non-toxic ingredients and high-quality oils.

    Every vessel is hand-cast, sculpted, and finished with raw natural stone, turning candles and incense into functional art designed to live beautifully in your home.

  • love, Pittsburgh Logo

    Stop #5

    love, Pittsburgh

    Founded in 2017 by Kelly Sanders and Monica Grunick, love, Pittsburgh has grown from a single store showcasing 40 makers to three locations featuring 100+ local artists.

    You’ll find the familiar products of many Handmade Arcade makers in their stores, alongside new discoveries from Pittsburgh’s thriving creative community. A perfect way to end our handmade tour — shop your favorites or uncover something new!

Don’t miss a stop!

Hop on the bus!
Bloom Pass Coming soon!

Thanks to our Sponsors:

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Ask us!

  • We are working closely with participating stops to make sure this event is just as accessible as our markets! Event attendees will have the option to communicate what accommodations they require to participate in this event. Available accommodations include:

    • ADA accessible motorcoach (must be requested at least one month in advance of the event due to ticketing numbers and logistics with the motorcoach company)

    • ASL interpreter services (must be requested at least two weeks in advance of the event)

    Service animals are welcome on the Makers in Bloom bus. 

    We are working to confirm door sizes and entry routes for all Makers in Bloom stops to check for ADA compliance and will share that information with attendees as soon as possible. If entries to stops include stairs, a ramp can be provided for entry and must be requested at least two weeks in advance of the event.

    The motorcoach for the tour is air conditioned and includes an ADA-compliant restroom for convenience.

    If you have a specific accessibility concern or need, please reach out to us at info@handmadearcade.org.

  • Bus tour participants enjoy:

    • a curated day of maker-owned shop visits and discounts at each location

    • behind-the-scenes studio demos

    • a catered lunch

    • a Bloom Pass to track your stops*

    *Please note: due to time constraints, the bus tour will visit five of the passport stops. Participants who wish to complete the full passport and receive the collectible will need to visit the remaining stops independently.

  • Think of it as a craft passport!

    The Bloom Pass is a self-guided, flexible way to explore small businesses around the city. It includes all bus tour stops plus additional participating shops, each providing in-store offers. Receive a Handmade Arcade collectible when you visit all stops in the passport!

  • Self-guided participants will be mailed their Bloom Pass directly!

    Bus participants should arrive 15 minutes early at the designated pickup location to receive their welcome bag and be on the bus for a prompt 10:30 AM departure. An email reminder will full event details will be sent to all ticketholders prior to the event.

  • To ensure a smooth experience and transportation logistics, bus tour tickets are for the full-day curated route.

    If you’d like to explore at your own pace, the Bloom Pass is the flexible option!

  • Yes! Children are welcome, but please note that the bus has limited seating, and all attendees require a ticket.

  • Comfortable walking shoes, water, and a shopping budget!

  • Tickets are assigned to a specific attendee, so please do not transfer without notifying us. The experience is personalized to ensure everyone can enjoy the stops safely and fully.

    If you need to make an adjustment to your reservation, please contact us directly.

  • Makers in Bloom tickets are nonrefundable unless attendees purchase a ticket before Handmade Arcade confirms the size of doorways, and the doorway dimensions are found to be incompatible with their mobility device or accommodation needs.