The Cultural Survival Bazaar is bringing jewelry, hand-knotted rugs, clothing and art by Indigenous makers from five continents to Boston for a weekend of holiday shopping. Between purchases, you can catch live music and dance, eat traditional food, watch artists at work and trade a book at the Indigenous book swap.
The market takes over the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is a suggested $10, or pay what you can, and kids under 18 get in free.
Shop art and meet the makers
More than 50 Indigenous artists and cooperatives are expected, with jewelry, clothing, hand-knotted rugs, home goods, contemporary crafts and fine art from dozens of countries. Some makers sell their own work, and others are represented by their cooperatives or community advocates, so you can ask the person behind the table about the story of each piece. Organizers describe it as a chance to learn about Indigenous cosmovisions, the ways of seeing the world that shape what each artist makes.
Checkout works grocery store style: shop from as many vendors as you like, then pay once at a central register. Prices run from small gifts to bigger pieces, and the organizers suggest bringing a reusable tote. Want to make something yourself? The bazaar lists workshops such as portrait painting and jewelry making, plus demonstrations throughout the day.
Live music, food and an Indigenous book swap
The Boston lineup lists four featured performers: Yarina (Kichwa), Annawon Weeden (Wampanoag), Tinkus San Simon Filial RI and Maya Sejas Ruiz (Quechua). Expect live music, storytelling and traditional dance, and you are welcome to join a dance yourself. The bazaar page names the performers but has not posted set times yet.
Hungry? Plan on traditional dishes and Northeast Indigenous cuisine, with fresh juices and coffee to drink. Families get craft-making demonstrations and children’s learning areas led by cultural educators, including Annawon Weeden, who represents the Mashpee Wampanoag, Pequot and Narragansett Nations.
Have a gently used Indigenous book on your shelf? Bring it to the Indigenous book swap and leave with something new to read.
Who’s behind the bazaar
Cultural Survival, the Indigenous-led nonprofit behind the market, has advocated for Indigenous Peoples’ rights since 1972 and has run the bazaar as a fair-trade festival since 1975. This year it runs four days in total, two in Boston and two in Providence. Its bazaars give Indigenous artists, cooperatives and their representatives a place to sell directly to shoppers. The events bring in nearly $500,000 a year for Indigenous artists and community-led projects, so your holiday shopping supports the makers and their communities.
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Cultural Survival Bazaar
Boston Center for the Arts · Boston
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Bought a ticket for Saturday? Hang on to it. Bring it back on Sunday with a friend and you both get in free. The Cyclorama has an elevator, the market runs rain, snow or shine, and only service animals are allowed inside. For parking, the organizers point to the Atelier 505 garage and the garage at 100 Clarendon St.
Still shopping? Our Boston craft fairs guide and Boston holiday guide have more markets to hit before the holidays.
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Cultural Survival Bazaar at WaterFire Arts Center
WaterFire Arts Center · Providence
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Miss the Boston dates? The bazaar moves to the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence on December 19 and 20, with the same hours, the same suggested $10 admission and free entry for kids under 18. Providence has its own Indigenous book swap, free on-site parking and the same Sunday deal: bring your Saturday ticket and a friend, and you both get in free. The WaterFire Arts Center works for visitors using mobility aids, but the market gets busy, so ask security or event staff if you need a hand.