Made in Tucson Market: A Celebration of Creativity and Community
Nestled in the heart of Tucson’s Historic Fourth Avenue district, the Made in Tucson Market isn’t just a shopping event — it's a big, buzzing celebration of local creativity, full of energy and good vibes.
Organized by the Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition, this biannual market has grown into a beloved event where artists and makers show off their talents, while the coalition raises funds to help keep the neighborhood’s character alive.
A driving force since the very beginning is Shannon Riggs, co-owner of Pop Cycle and community outreach coordinator of coalition. A Tucsonan for more than 20 years, she is all about creative sustainability. In fact, Pop Cycle focuses on art and furniture made from upcycled and reclaimed materials, which is as Tucson as it gets—a mix of funky, practical and eco-friendly.
For Shannon, both the coalition and the market are about protecting the unique character of Fourth Avenue while giving local creators a platform to shine. Interestingly, the market itself emerged from a challenging period when the coalition was formed to negotiate a community benefits agreement during the construction of a student housing high-rise. Out of those efforts came the idea to start a market that could raise funds for the coalition while giving Tucson’s artisans a space to thrive.
“The first market was held in the parking lot of Antigone Books,” Shannon remembers. “It’s grown so much since then. Now, we stretch from Fourth Avenue all the way to Sixth Avenue, with about 300 maker spaces. ”
One of the market’s standout features is its focus on local talent. To participate, artisans must live in Pima County, which makes the experience deeply connected to the community. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out — everyone’s welcome.
“It’s amazing to watch,” Shannon says. “Some people start out with just a little table, and the next year, they’ve got a full booth. Eventually, you’ll see their products in shops around town. That’s what it’s all about: helping people grow their businesses in a low-pressure way.”
The market isn’t just about the vendors; it’s a full-on community event. Visitors can enjoy live music from local performers like indigenous DJ MizSkoden, adding energy and excitement to the day. The coalition is also making a real effort to be eco-friendly, teaming up with the City of Tucson to reduce waste and make the whole event as sustainable as possible.
Even with all the growth, the market is still a grassroots effort. Most of it is run by volunteers, and you can feel the love and care that goes into it. For Shannon, the mission is clear: “The whole point is to promote these artists and their work.”
Shannon believes that Tucson’s creative scene thrives because of the city’s collaborative spirit. “Artists here really support each other. It’s not about competition — it’s about collaboration. That makes a huge difference.”
For anyone who wants to soak in Tucson’s unique feel and support its talented local makers, the Made in Tucson Market is a can’t-miss event. Whether you’re hunting for handmade jewelry, quirky art, or just want to soak up the vibe, it’s a true celebration of everything that makes Tucson special. The next Made in Tucson Market will take place in March of 2025.
Related Information:
Made in Tucson’s Facebook Page
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