Published: November 12, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS, MN: A celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture, and community will return to Uptown Minneapolis this weekend as Mashkiki Studios hosts its 2nd Annual Gashkadino-Giizis Makers Market in partnership with Queermunity.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Queermunity, located at 3036 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.
Held in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the market will bring together 35 Native and local makers, artists, and small businesses for a day of shopping, cultural appreciation, and community engagement. Visitors can discover handcrafted goods, support independent businesses, participate in creative activities, and experience elements of Indigenous culture.
Celebrating Indigenous Creativity and Culture
The Gashkadino-Giizis Makers Market highlights the talents and contributions of Native artists, entrepreneurs, and craftspeople while creating opportunities for the broader community to connect with Indigenous traditions and contemporary creative work. The market's name, Gashkadino-Giizis, comes from the Ojibwe language and refers to November, meaning "The Freezing Over Moon." The name reflects a connection to seasonal cycles and Indigenous language and cultural traditions.
Throughout the six-hour event, attendees can browse merchandise from approximately 35 participating vendors offering a variety of products. Items expected to be available include Native art, handmade jewelry, clothing, books, wellness products, food, and other handcrafted goods.
The gathering also gives visitors a chance to shop locally and support small businesses during the holiday shopping season.
Drumming, Food, and Community Activities
Beyond shopping, organizers are planning several activities to make the market a community gathering. A drumming group will be featured during the event, adding a cultural component to the celebration. Food will also be available, with Q Cafe serving visitors throughout the day.
Organizers say the market is intended to celebrate Indigenous creativity, culture, and resilience while bringing together artists, makers, and community members. The event offers attendees an opportunity to learn more about Native creative traditions, discover new artists, and connect directly with local entrepreneurs.
Hands-On Candle Making, Bear Grease Salve, and Incense Rolling
One of the market's featured attractions will be a series of hands-on activities organized by Mashkiki Studios. Visitors can participate in mini smudge candle making, bear grease salve making, and incense rolling.
The candle and salve activities will let participants choose scents and botanicals while creating their own products.
According to the event's promotional materials, the advertised activity prices are:
Mini smudge candle: $18
Bear grease salve: $20
Make both: $35
The listed prices include all materials for the advertised candle and salve activities. Pricing for the incense rolling activity was not provided.
These interactive stations offer visitors an additional way to engage with the market beyond browsing and purchasing finished products.
Recognizing Native American Heritage Month
The market coincides with Native American Heritage Month, observed nationally throughout November. The month recognizes the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native communities.
Events such as the Gashkadino-Giizis Makers Market highlight Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs while supporting cultural expression and community connections. By bringing together Native and local makers, Mashkiki Studios and Queermunity aim to create a gathering centered on creativity, cultural appreciation, and support for independent businesses.
Event Details: What Visitors Should Know
Event: 2nd Annual Gashkadino-Giizis Makers Market
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Queermunity, 3036 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Organizers: Mashkiki Studios and Queermunity
Featured attractions: Approximately 35 Native and local vendors; Indigenous art; handmade goods; a drumming group; food; Q Cafe; candle making; bear grease salve making; and incense rolling.
Admission: The general market is free, but optional hands-on activities have advertised prices ranging from $18 to $35.
The event is scheduled to run for six hours, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the market, shop from participating vendors, and take part in activities throughout the day.
The 2nd Annual Gashkadino-Giizis Makers Market is one of the community gatherings taking place during Native American Heritage Month, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous creativity while supporting Native and local small businesses.
Written by: Will Wight
