Spring craft fairs happening this weekend on Long Island

Easter eggs aren’t the only thing Long Islanders will be on the hunt for this weekend with the kickoff of spring market season. The fairs are a bargain hunter's dream, filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, art and knickknacks, often handmade by local artisans.

“It’s really a great environment for people to connect with our patrons and it allows people to come out and see different types of artwork and things that you wouldn’t typically see at other fairs,” says Dana Parsons, of Manorville, who owns the online shop Woodland Hollow Charms. Parsons will be selling her artwork at the NYSF Indoor Spring Equinox Market in Farmingdale on March 23.

Spring markets also offer opportunities for family-friendly fun.

Families are “walking around all day long, doing story time, nursery rhymes, singalongs,” says Harry Kritikos, of Long Island Market Events 111, who runs the Easter Market Extravaganza coming to Freeport.

Taking place at the Freeport Recreation Center March 24, the market will feature a Kid Zone with music and activities provided by M&M Kids Entertainment owner Jason Sobelman and his son Mason, 12, of Levittown. Sobelman will handle face painting, glitter tattoos, cotton candy and hair tinsel while his son spins songs under the name DJ Master Mase.  “He started deejaying at 8 years old,” says Sobelman. 

Here are three weekend markets to explore:

NYSF Indoor Spring Equinox Market in Farmingdale

1 Morton St.

There will be roughly 30 vendors specializing in oddities, crystals, arts, candles, food and treats at this spring market. And by oddities, event organizer Gina Rodaligo says to expect “the kinds of things that you don't typically see in stores.” Rodaligo owns New York Solar Faire, an online and pop-up market company based in Massapequa.

“There are a lot of crystals. Most of it is handmade, jewelry, art,” she says, adding  that the majority of the vendors are Long Island-based. “I want to showcase all the amazing small businesses on Long Island.” 

Rodaligo, who also creates butterfly art under the name Mère De Lune Apothecary, and her sister Anna, 13, will help sell the items at one of the booths. Other vendors include Healing Hearts Holistic Wellness, selling candles, candle holders, crystals, incense and wind chimes from their metaphysical shop in Massapequa and Woodland Hollow Charms, selling upcycled frames Parsons makes in her home studio. 

Hungry shoppers can try free samples of Mericia’s hot sauces, tamales, chips and lemonade, all made by Mericia Ramos in Oyster Bay, and freeze-dried candy from Brentwood-based Sugar Rush. There will be a Brick and Mason Pizza food truck stationed outside.

WHEN noon to 4 p.m. March 23

Easter Market Extravaganza at Samanea New York  in Westbury

1500 Old Country Rd.

The market will feature photos with the Easter Bunny, a face painter, inflatable bounce houses and balloon art animals made by Jazmyn Fuentes, from Freeport who specializes in balloon creations.

Among the near 80 expected vendors will be The Soap Kids, a company run by organizer Harry Kritikos' niece and nephew, Gabriella, 11, and Socrates Kritikos, 13, siblings from Uniondale. The pair selects scents and colors, then packages the soaps. You'll also find Freeport-based Crafty Time, where kids can make their own lip gloss, perfume and more, and Smile Slime, a slime maker from Farmingdale.

Food options include empanadas, Jamaican delicacies, desserts and homemade pretzels from Knot of This World Pretzels in Levittown.

WHEN 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23

Easter Market Extravaganza at the Freeport Recreation Center

130 E. Merrick Rd.

Kids can take photos with the Easter Bunny, do crafts, play games and join an egg hunt at this Easter market. Of the expected 70 vendors, there’ll be clothing, home décor, jewelry, crystals, crafts and desserts for purchase, including Eddie’s Cake House from West Babylon and Queens’ Sweet Delicacies from Ozone Park. Kids should also look out for princesses roaming the fair. 

WHEN 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24