This article is sponsored by LocalShops1 and Shopapalooza.

It’s not quite the holiday season just yet, but we can’t help but be in a festive mood. LocalShop1s’s annual Shopapalooza event is whetting our appetite for the most wonderful time of the year.

The massive shopping extravaganza takes place in South Straub Park on November 17 and November 24. This event is the perfect remedy to big box Black Friday fatigue. Shop local. Support local. Enable the makers and collectors in the Sunshine City to prosper while picking up a totally unique gift for a loved one.

*Photo courtesy of Smokin’ J’s 

150 local vendors gather on the waterfront

Shopapalooza features more than 150 local vendors who cater to nearly 5,000 Tampa Bay area shoppers each year. The numbers are impressive. But what you can find from local businesses far exceeds the holiday hype.

Honestly, we’re mostly there for the food. Gulfport’s Smokin J’s will be at Shopapalooza with their sometimes sweet, sometimes spicy homemade pickles, and iPop Gourmet will be on hand bagging our favorite on-the-go snack, popcorn.

We’re also fully prepared to treat ourselves to a chocolate chip bundtlet at Nothing Bundt Cakes.

*Photo courtesy of True Vintage Eyewear

Fashion boutiques and handmade jewelry galore

There’s almost too many vendors to count. Gypsy Junque will be selling some of the finest handmade jewelry we’ve ever seen. True Vintage Eyewear will showcase summer-ready frames, because, you know, we basically have one season in sunny St. Pete.

Gray Space, one of the funnest fashion boutiques in the Burg, will be on hand with some of the latest vibrant styles for men.

LuLaRoe, Thread Appeal, Spenny Lane, and Hopcloth are among the other featured fashion retailers at the the event.

*Photo courtesy of Gray Space

Live entertainment and activities for kids 

This is just a sampling of what you’ll find at Shopapalooza — and there will be opportunities for arts and crafts, learning about different wellness facilities in St. Pete and a whole bunch of paper goods and handmade lotions to browse.

LocalShops1 promises ample surprises and giveaways for kids and adults, too.

Shopapalooza takes place on Saturday, November 17, and Saturday, November 24. The event runs from 10am-5pm both event days. Admission is free and you can find South Straub Park at 198 Bayshore Drive NE.

Want a look at all the participating vendors? You can look through all the local shops online here.

More event details can be found on Shopapalooza’s event page.