Downtown Phoenix to be blessed by annual Phoestivus holiday market for 15th year

PHOENIX — It may not transport you into the ’90s sitcom “Seinfeld,” but downtown Phoenix will be taken over by the Phoestivus holiday market for the 15th year from Thursday night to Saturday afternoon.

Guests will be treated to more than 175 vendors, live music, food and, of course, an appearance by Phreddie the Yeti.

The free event will once again directly benefit and occupy the grounds of the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, which takes places on Saturdays near Fifth and McKinley streets.

Around 175 vendors will offer their wares, which is a sharp spike from last year’s lineup of 150 vendors.

When does the downtown Phoenix holiday market take place?

Phoestivus, which is presented by Community Food Connections, will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

It will also run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The final day’s hours match those of the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, which normally operates on Saturday mornings.

In addition to free entry, Phoestivus is a pet-friendly event and guests are encouraged to wear various costumes.

Those in attendance can also donate $5 to Community Food Connections at the event’s gates.

What live music will be offered at Phoestivus?

In partnership with The Zenith Experiment, Phoestivus will feature five performing acts on both Thursday and Friday.

A solo singer and violinist known as MARIAN will kick things off Thursday at 5 p.m. and Valley band The Stakes will take the stage last on Friday at 9 p.m.

Other non-musical entertainment in the lineup includes Do Better Comedy Hour (Thursday at 7:30 p.m.) and FabYuleUs Drag Show (Friday at 8 p.m.).

Here is the full live entertainment schedule:

Thursday, Dec. 12

• 5 p.m. – MARIAN
• 6 p.m. – St. Claire Band
• 7 p.m. – DJ Toney Tone’s Holiday Jam
• 7:30 p.m. – Do Better Comedy Hour
• 9 p.m. – Prime Society

Friday, Dec. 13

• 5 p.m. – Carrie Lynn Van Winkle
• 6 p.m. – Gabo Fayuca
• 7 p.m. – Bibire Harmony Jazz Quartet
• 8 p.m. – FabYuleUs Drag Show
• 9 p.m. – The Stakes

Event organizers expect more than 15,000 to fill the downtown square.

What local businesses will be at the downtown Phoenix event?

Food Vendors: Desirable Desserts, Telestai Bakery, Kit’s Sweet Confections

Craft Vendors: Sarah Madeline Jewelry, Drinks & Crafts, Redemption Market

Other Vendors: Wildflour Sugar, (S)low Impact Goods, BD Designs, Sew Called Love, Whysked

What else is expected at Phoestivus?

Besides Phreddie the Yeti spreading holiday cheer, guests can once again take selfies with “Hipster Santa,” a local man who dresses like the iconic figure but adds his own flare.

If you are riding into the event on a bike, skateboard or even unicycle, Phoenix Spokes People is offering free “bike valet” services all three days of Phoestivus. Nonprofit volunteers will keep guests’ transportation safe in the crowded space just like a standard car valet.

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