The Rivet Winter Market Returning to State College with Record Number of Local Vendors

Nearly 90 local artists, makers and small businesses will set up shop in State College this weekend as The Rivet at Discovery Space hosts its largest Winter Market yet. Holiday shoppers will have two days to browse handmade goods, create personalized gifts and explore family activities this weekend.

The seventh annual market will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Discovery Space and The Rivet, 1224 N. Atherton St. Admission is free, and Discovery Space will offer free admission to its exhibits throughout both days.

The expanded vendor lineup will include handmade jewelry, ceramics, artwork, home decor, speciality foods and other gifts. Booths will be set up inside The Rivet’s Maker Booth area and throughout the outdoor parking lot.

Visitors can also have their portraits taken by Pittsburgh-based photographer Joseph Wyman, who will set up a temporary studio in The Rivet’s woodshop. Wyman specializes in tintype photography, a 19th-century process that produces photographs on metal plates. Finished portraits will be shipped to customers after the event.

Those looking to make their holiday gifts can visit The Rivet’s Customization Station, where projects will include personalized luggage tags, wine glass charms, keychains and custom canvas pouches. Visitors can also order engraved rocks and lowball glasses.

Customization projects will cost $20 or less. Girl Scout troops will also operate a gift-wrapping station and accept donations.

Discovery Space will host free children’s concerts from noon to 2 p.m. both days. Visitors can take part in a public vote to name the Marine Life Center’s newest resident, a white-spotted bamboo shark.

Food and drinks will be available from Bonnie Blues, Fatema’s Kitchen, Fox Den Coffee and Sunshine Beverage Co.

Parking will not be available at the venue; however, visitors can park at Radio Park Elementary School and walk to the market or use a golf cart shuttle. Additional parking will be available at Giant on North Atherton Street, with a complimentary shuttle running throughout the event.

“It’s exciting to see the Winter Market continue to grow, with more local makers, more opportunities for people to get creative, and more ways for the community to support our work,” Michele Crowl, executive director of Discovery Space and The Rivet, said in a statement. “The market brings our mission to life in a really tangible way. Whether someone is shopping for a handmade gift, making something of their own, or participating in our fundraisers, they’re helping create opportunities for people of all ages to explore science, technology, and creativity.”

The holiday weekend market serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Discovery Space and The Rivet. Proceeds from the prize wheel, raffle baskets and silent auction will support the organizations’ educational programs, including hands-on science activities, STEM education and creative workshops.

Discovery Space was named Nonprofit of the Year at the 2026 Centre County Business Awards, recognizing its work providing science education and creative learning opportunities throughout the region. The organization operates the children’s science center alongside The Rivet, a maker space offering tools, workshops and creative programming for teens and adults.

More information about the vendors and activities is available on The Rivet’s website.