BRIDGEPORT — One of the great draws of the hulking warehouse known as the Bridgeport Art Center is the spectacular skyline views.
The scenery has been the backdrop for countless weddings and parties. Even President Barack Obama threw a birthday bash there.
This weekend, the fifth-floor Skyline Loft becomes the new home of the winter version of the Renegade Craft Fair, the annual gathering of Chicago's independent artisans and makers selling their handmade goods. It was previously held at the Pulaski Park field house in Noble Square.
"Bridgeport is a burgeoning arts district, and the venue is gorgeous inside, with sweeping city views, skylights, and rustic timbers original to the building," event spokeswoman Hollin Brodeur said.
The vendor fair takes place 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the center, 1200 W. 35th St. Parking is free and organizers are providing a trolley from the CTA Orange Line Ashland stop to the Bridgeport Art Center throughout the weekend.
Organizers say this year's event features a roster of more than 200 vendors selling all manner of handcrafted, original items, including children's toys, beauty products, jewelry, furniture and much more. A complete is available here.
DJs from CHIRP Radio and Reckless Records will be spinning holiday tunes and guests can pop into a festive photo booth to commemorate the action or build their own wooden ornaments with help from Rebuilding Exchange.
A few food vendors will be on-hand throughout the weekend, including Puffs of Doom, Dia de los Tamales and Black Dog Gelato.
Intelligentsia will set up a coffee bar for those in need of a delicious coffee jolt, while Honest Tea will sell organic teas for those looking to chill out among the activity.
And what's holiday shopping without tipping one or two back?
Maria's Community Bar will be vending craft beer, wine and mulled wine to thirsty shoppers.
The Renegade Craft Fair launched in 2003 in Chicago and has since expanded to New York, London, Austin, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
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