As we promised in our Buy Nothing Day article, we also have some ideas to shop small on Thanksgiving weekend by embracing the “Plaid Friday” or “Small Business Saturday” movements. Saturday is also “Indies First Day” at local bookstores. Instead of the hustle of corporate Holiday shopping, these events offer a slower pace and a kind of “old-fashioned, small town” shopping feel that just seems more conducive to family time. Make your shopping checklists and enjoy a day out with the family at quaint retail stores and local favorites.
These events are listed as they land in our mailbox and in no particular order.
Plaid Friday on Black Friday
Instead of paying big bucks at the big box stores, Plaid Friday shoppers choose to spend their holiday money at local businesses on Plaid Friday, November 25, 2022. And seriously dress up in plaid. You might receive discounts for wearing plaid. Plus, it seems perfect for a cold, Minnesota winter day to be wearing flannel.
There are great deals and special promotions at many independent businesses and shops around town. Music, refreshments, and deals. You really can’t go wrong.
Textile Center Holiday Gallery Shop
Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
Lots of unique gifts for kids and families created by local makers. This is ongoing during the Holiday season and you could attend Friday or Saturday. Browse ahead on the Textile Center’s online store here.
Black Friday at Midtown Global Market
Lake Street and 10th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Always a neighborhood favorite, this mall is full of independent retailers and local shops. In past years, they have offered free gift wrapping and pop-up shops featuring small business owners.
Bonus Family Fun
Santa will visit between 3pm and 5pm on both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, kids holiday art activities, and a holiday selfie station.
Stillwater Hometown for the Holidays – Black Friday/Plaid Friday
Downtown Stillwater MN 55082
Get a jump start on one of our favorite Christmas Towns in the Twin Cities while shopping Stillwater’s independently owned boutiques, shops and restaurants. Stillwater will also host a Small Business Saturday shopping event with over 100 shops.
Bonus Family Fun
Stick around for dusk because the Wintertime in Stillwater Lights Displays & LED Light Show open tonight!
Small Business Saturday
Keep the local love going on Saturday, November 26, 2022, with these Small Business Saturday events in local communities. Small Business Saturday, like Plaid Friday, is another chance to support small local businesses.
Ho Ho Holiday Hoopla
Downtown Hastings, MN 55033
Horse and wagon rides, $5 Grinch photos, holiday lighting at 5:30pm, and much more. Pre-register for photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus! 8:30am-6pm.
Bonus Family Fun
Free stockings of goodies for the first 300 kids.
Light Up The Lake – Small Business Saturday
Wayzata, MN 55391
Wayzata encourages shopping and supporting small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the the entire holiday season!
Bonus Family Fun
Stroll through Depot Park after dusk to see the decorations.
Visit Downtown Chaska – Small Biz Saturday
Chaska, MN 55318
Small businesses in Downtown Chaska will be open for shopping.
Bonus Family Fun
Music, snacks and family activities. 11am-1pm.
Buffalo – Small Business Saturday
Buffalo, MN 55313
Find a list here of shops in Downtown Buffalo, Depot District, Hwy 25 & Hwy 55 ready for Holiday shopping.
Bonus Family Fun
Today is the first day of the Festival of Trees at Wright County Historical Society.
Small Business Saturday at Midtown Global Market
Lake Street and 10th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Shop local, dine on authentic cultural foods and support small businesses.
Bonus Family Fun
Santa will visit between 3pm and 5pm on both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, kids holiday art activities, and a holiday selfie station.
FREE Family Activities at Minnesota Center for Book Arts
1011 Washington Ave. S., First Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Discounts and shopping deals at MCBA and Open Book Artist and Writer Mart all in one space. • 10am–4pm
Bonus Family Fun
- Families can decorate gift bags and tags with hand-carved stamps and pull a print on a tabletop press.
Foci Holiday Glass Market
Foci MN Center for Glass Arts, 2213 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Shop local glass artists for gifts and one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments. • 11am–6pm
Bonus Family Fun
- Visit between 1pm and 4pm to watch glassblowing demonstrations.
Blue Sun Soda Shop’s 7th Anniversary Party
Blue Sun Soda Shop, 1625 County Rd 10 D, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Stock up on candy and soda for the holidays with special deals on gift packs and Whistler soda. • 11am–8pm
Bonus Family Fun
- Free soda factory tours at noon, 1pm & 2pm as space allows
- Santa visits from noon to 4pm
- Free soda tastings and a new Cuckoo milkshake flavor to try.
Indies First Day
Indies First is celebrated at local bookstores to bring together authors, readers, and publishers in support of independent bookstores.
Red Balloon Bookstore
891 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Special promotions throughout the weekend. Spend $30 or more and get a free Red Balloon Bookshop sticker. • 10am-7pm.
BROWSE OUR LIST OF THE BEST TWIN CITIES INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES FOR KIDS
Strike out on your own to find small businesses during this busiest shopping season. American Express offers a handy interactive map of small, locally owned businesses here.
Related Posts:
- Check out FFTC’s Screen Free Gift Guide Here.
- Black Friday Alternatives: Plenty to Do in the Twin Cities
- November Family Weekend: Thanksgiving Break Ideas
- Holiday Shopping Events: Christmas in the Twin Cities 2019
- Christmas Shopping with Local Toymakers