On September 20th, Bay Area thrifters lined up at the Alameda County Fairgrounds for the annual Thrift Fest, hosted from 12 p.m. to 6 p. m. Over 125 independent vendors from across California set up booths at the festival, and thrifters had the chance to share their love for fashion and vintage clothing.
“I think thrifting is a way people can share their interest in clothes, fashion, and vintage [items],” said Ella Fortes (‘27).
Thrift Fest provides an outlet for many small businesses to better reach local shoppers in a location accessible to people from all over the Tri-Valley. One such business is Woodshed Theory that specializes in handmade, knitted and crocheted accessories.
“Well, I’ve been to Thrift Fest before as a customer, and they inspired me to come back as a vendor… I do mostly handmade and vintage items, and [my business] just kind of [grew] out of my love for that,” said Claire L, owner of Woodshed Theory.
More than a Market
A recurring event at the Fairgrounds, Thrift Fest has grown into more than a shopper’s hub –- it provides a platform for vendors and customers alike to interact with other members of the thrifting community. The festival creates a forum for local thrifters, while simultaneously creating connections between attendees and vendors.
“I mean, [by] bringing the community together, it helps people to give clothes to other[s] that maybe can’t spend as much money on it,” said thrift-fest attendee Kaitlin Crimson.
Environmental Impact
Since its debut in 2024, Thrift Fest has continued to grow each year with each event, fostering a culture of creativity and sustainability.
“You can give [clothes] away to other people, repurpose them and give them a new home… that’s what I really like about thrifting,” said Crimson.
In contrast to many fast-fashion microtrends, Thrift Fest has set a precedent for resourcefulness and sustainability by promoting second-hand clothing and resales. Through the resale of pre-owned items, events like Thrift Fest increase clothing longevity, reducing waste and offering a more eco-friendly approach to modern fashion.
