Press Inquiries

We have a lot of stories to tell - not just about the show, but about the hundreds of artists we've worked with over the years.

Talk to Dani Ausen at [email protected]

“The craft hustle: It can be grueling, but these
Iowans are doing what they love — and making
money, too”

in The Des Moines Register, November 21, 2018

“Whether crafting is their full-time job or a way to make ends meet, Iowa’s makers (as crafters prefer to be called) have a chance to earn thousands in the rush for presents.

While most makers get into this type of work because it’s their passion, their day-to-day is not a glitter-lined fantasy of knitting while sipping tea and listening to true crime podcasts.”

“Market Day Pop Up Aims to Give Shoppers a
Relaxing Black Friday Experience”

in The Des Moines Register, November 29, 2019

“Standing outside of Target isn't that much fun,” Market Day Director Dani Ausen said. “We wanted a family friendly alternative, where there is no standing out in the cold and there's no violence. And we also wanted to take back Black Friday and say ‘it's for us too.’ You don't have to be a giant store to have Black Friday. You can be a little guy, too.”

That is why Ausen says Market Day not only strives to benefit local shoppers, but local businesses as well. Vendors say events like these help bring traffic to their stores and remind people of the pros of shopping local, especially around Christmas. 

“6 vendors to shop at market day”

in The Des Moines Register, May 16, 2016

“Since 2009, Market Day has hosted curated pop-up markets to celebrate unique vendors from Des Moines and surrounding areas.

On Saturday, May 21, shop close to 70 handmade and vintage businesses including art, clothes, jewelry, kitchenware, ceramics, toys and more. Here is a sneak peek at six of the creative vendors you’ll meet this May.”

"market day offers local alternative to
black friday"

in The Des Moines Register, November 18, 2014

"As thousands flocked to malls on Black Friday for sales, a less commercial event was ongoing in downtown Des Moines.

Market Day Iowa's Black Friday event drew about 60 vendors who filled up The Gramercy Tap and the Kirkwood Hotel lobby. The pop-up marketplace spotlights local artists and makers who sell their wares outside of traditional stores."

"mancraft is not your normal craft show"

in The Des Moines Register, September 22, 2016

"A typical craft show attracts a particular niche audience of the crafty.

Aptly named, Mancraft is not your typical craft show. But then again, make/break is not known for status quo events.

Grab a locally brewed IPA and take a walk about the brewery floor brimming with leather goods, one-of-a-kind screen prints, vintage restored golf clubs, and that indistinguishable smell of freshly worked wood. Work up an appetite for an all-American, organic hot dog and take note of the curated aesthetic."

“Local Shoppers Meet Makers at Market Day”

on WHOTV, November 23, 2018

“The opportunity for shoppers to meet product makers is a selling point for Market Day; it's something vendors say the event brings to the table, that other shopping experiences don't always offer.

"I think it's nice to meet the person who actually makes the item you're buying," said Sayers. "And also, then you know who you’re helping out when you spend your money, whereas I think Walmart probably has enough money. I think it's nice to know I’m helping out a real person in my community or in my area, and I like to find out the story behind what they do and why they do it."

“Market Day Black Friday returns for its ninth year”

in The Des Moines Register, November 15, 2017

“Holiday shoppers will find Iowa’s largest selection of locally produced gifts at the Capitol Square Atrium in downtown Des Moines on Black Friday.

Held each year on the Friday following Thanksgiving, Market Day’s Black Friday sale is a market of independent artists and makers. It’s a day to boost the local creative economy and encourage artistic development in Iowa.”

“8 Des Moines holiday markets that offer unique,
one-of-a-kind gifts”

in The Des Moines Register, November 26, 2018

“Shoppers looking to expand their gift-buying beyond the malls and big box stores have a growing number of holiday pop-up shops and seasonal markets to choose from in the Des Moines metro.

It's your chance to find those unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that you can't find anywhere else. “