Coffee & Shopping: 2 Charming Events: 1 Perfect Day
It’s one of those days that Stars Hollow dreams are made of, except we’re not in Stars Hollow. We are in the heart of downtown Akron. And two of the year’s most charming events, the Arkon Bazaar and Coffee Fest, are colliding in the most delightful way. On Saturday, November 2, 2024, grab your comfiest scarf, quirkiest hat, and—most importantly—your biggest coffee mug because this is the day when these two events take over, just two minutes apart. It’s like a Gilmore Girls episode comes to life with plenty of caffeine and handmade goodness!
Akron Bazaar and Coffee Fest: Crafts, Coffee, and Community
First, we have Akron Bazaar, the younger sister of Cleveland Bazaar. Some of the best regional and local artisans with cozy booths brimming with handmade treasures. If you’re looking for quirky candles or cozy scarves, they’ll have them. How about handcrafted mugs that scream, “Lorelai would love this?” Akron Bazaar is the place to check out. The new venue at the corner of South Main and Bowery puts you in the middle of downtown. The Civic Theatre, Lock 3, and all the festive city sights are nearby.
But don’t get too lost in all that shopping bliss! Just two minutes away on Cascade Plaza, the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival awaits. It’s like Luke’s Diner but bigger (and with way more coffee options). This is a Gilmore Girls lover’s dream—a day filled with coffee, music, and all the quirky fun you’d expect from a Stars Hollow-inspired festival. Whether you’re sipping on a maple salted caramel latte, dodging paper snowflakes from the snow machine, or trying your hand at Gilmore-themed bingo, the day promises to be as cozy as a Friday night in with takeout and reruns.
What you missed last year: Gilmore Girls Fans Flock to Akron’s Coffee Festival
And speaking of Gilmore Girls… Last year, the festival drew 4,500 fans. Visitors travel from various states to get their fill of everything from live music to a Luke-Alike contest. Yes, that’s a thing—cue all the plaid shirts and backward baseball caps! If you’re lucky, you might even spot John Cabrera, aka Brian from Hep Alien, hanging out with fans like last year.
Shop Local and Sip the Best Coffee in Akron
It’s the perfect day to channel your inner Gilmore while shopping locally at Akron Bazaar and sipping your favorite caffeinated creations at the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival. Embrace all things quirky, cozy, and coffee-filled. So save the date because, by November 2, downtown Akron will be where coffee and creativity collide—just two minutes apart but together in perfect harmony.
Get Involved: Vendor Opportunities
Ready to live out your Stars Hollow dreams? You can even apply to be a vendor at the Akron Bazaar or the Coffee Fest! Get more details for Akron Bazaar and the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival through their vendor forms, and join the fun. After all, coffee is life, and we’re all here for it.
For more fun-filled events, check out the Compass Ohio Events page.