Support Your Local Shops on Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday

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 24, 2023. 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..

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.

Mischief Toy Store

818 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, 55105
On both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Mischief Toy Store will give you a stocking to stuff. Anything you can fit in it is 20% off. In addition, they are offering 20% off on their 12 favorite Holiday gifts and all curated online gift packages.


Small Business Saturday

Keep the local love going on Saturday, November 25, 2023, with these Small Business Saturday events in local communities. Small Business Saturday, like Plaid Friday, is another chance to support small local businesses.

Holiday Hoopla & Small Business Saturday

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! 9am-6pm.

Bonus Family Fun

Free stockings of goodies for kids 12 and under — while supplies last 9am-12pm.

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.

Chanhassen Small Business Saturday

Chanhassen, MN 55317
Neighboring Chanhassen businesses will be open for Small Business Saturday. Find a map of participating shops here.

Visit Downtown Chaska – Small Biz Saturday

Chaska, MN 55318
Small businesses in Downtown Chaska will be open for shopping.

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.

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. Fun activities will include Zumba, a food demons/samples, and free gifts for the first 100 people. The event is from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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. Look for demonstrations by the MCBA & the Weavers Guild of MN • 10am-4pm

Bonus Family Fun

  • Families can hand-print gift tags using a Platen Press from 12-3pm.

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

Blue Sun Soda Shop’s 8th 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–7pm

Bonus Family Fun

  • Free soda factory tours at noon and 1:30pm as space allows
  • Free soda tastings and a new Cuckoo milkshake flavor to try.

Stillwater Hometown for the Holidays – Shop Small Business Saturday

Downtown Stillwater MN 55082
If you didn’t hit up Stillwater on Friday, there is still time to shop on Saturday with over 100 participating shops.

Indies First Day

Indies First is celebrated at local bookstores to bring together authors, readers, and publishers in support of independent bookstores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Red Balloon Bookstore

891 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105
Stop by to enjoy a small treat and make your own button with RBB’s Button maker. • 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.

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