You’ve probably driven past that massive, weathered brick building on Athens Avenue in Lakewood a thousand times without really looking at it. Honestly, it looks like the kind of place where people still punch physical time clocks and wear grease-stained coveralls. But once a year, the Lake Erie Building—better known to everyone in the neighborhood as the Screw Factory—transforms into something completely different. The screw factory holiday market is basically the antithesis of a fluorescent-lit mall crawl.
It’s crowded. It’s a little drafty. The elevators are old-school. And it is, without a doubt, the most authentic way to actually feel the creative pulse of Cleveland.
What the Screw Factory Holiday Market Actually Is
Forget those generic craft fairs where every booth looks like it was curated by a Pinterest algorithm. This is different. The Screw Factory is a living, breathing workspace for over 80 artists. When the holiday market rolls around—usually across a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in mid-December—these makers throw their studio doors open to the public.
You aren't just buying a pot or a necklace; you’re standing in the room where it was fired or soldered.
The 2025 season just wrapped up its 8th annual run from December 19th through the 21st. If you missed it, you missed out on three floors of pure industrial-chic chaos. The layout is a bit of a labyrinth. You’ll find yourself wandering down long, dimly lit hallways, following the sound of chatter and the scent of expensive candles, only to stumble into a studio filled with world-class oil paintings or intricate wood-turned bowls.
Why the building matters
There’s a deep sense of history here that you just can't fake. Built in the early 1900s, the Lake Erie Building was originally home to Templar Motors. They made luxury cars there until the mid-20s. Later, it became Lake Erie Screw, which is how it got the nickname everyone uses today.
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When you’re walking the "Ramp level" or the "Lake Erie Room," you’re walking on floors that have seen decades of heavy manufacturing. That grit provides a sharp, beautiful contrast to the delicate jewelry and fine art on display during the screw factory holiday market.
The Vibe: What to Expect When You Visit
If you’re the kind of person who gets stressed out by parking, breathe easy. It’s free. That’s a rare win in Lakewood. But the secret is to use the west parking lot if you want the elevator.
The Friday night session (usually 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) is always a bit more "party" than "shopping." People are grabbing drinks, maybe hitting up a food truck outside, and socializing. It’s a date night vibe. Saturday is the heavy lifting day—10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—where the serious collectors come through to snag the best pieces before they’re gone. Sunday is for the chill procrastinators. It wraps up early, around 3 p.m., and it’s usually a bit quieter.
- Resident Artists: These are the folks who live in the building year-round. Think names like Gina DeSantis (ceramics) or Phyllis Fannin.
- Guest Makers: The organizers bring in dozens of outside vendors to fill the large event spaces like the Templar Room.
- The "Secret" Rooms: Don't just stay in the main halls. Some of the best finds are tucked away in the back corners of the third floor.
Honestly, the best part is the lack of "corporate" polish. You might see an artist finishing a piece at their workbench while you chat with them. You might see a stray cat (though maybe not officially). It feels like a community.
Navigating the Three Floors of Art
The scale of the screw factory holiday market is actually kind of intimidating the first time you go. You can’t just "pop in" for twenty minutes. You need a solid two hours if you want to see everything.
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The First Floor and Ramp
This area usually hosts some of the larger guest vendors. It’s where you’ll find the heavy hitters—huge photography prints, furniture makers, and often the food and drink stations. Since the building is still under new management as of 2024, the "Ramp" level has seen a bit of a glow-up recently, but it still maintains that raw, industrial edge.
The Upper Floors
This is where the magic happens. The studios on the second and third floors are where the resident artists "live." You'll see shelves of unfinished work, jars of brushes, and the messy, beautiful reality of making things for a living.
Expect to find:
- Hand-poured candles that actually smell like a forest, not a chemical factory.
- Ceramics ranging from $20 mugs to $500 sculptural pieces.
- Apparel and Textiles that you won't find at a big-box retailer.
- Apothecary items, like small-batch beard oils and botanical skincare.
Pro Tips for the Next Market
If you're planning to attend a future show—like the Spring Art Show in May 2026 or the next screw factory holiday market—keep these things in mind.
Bring cash. While almost every artist takes cards or Venmo now, the Wi-Fi in a giant concrete and steel building is notoriously flaky. Having a few twenties in your pocket will save you a lot of frustration when the Square reader inevitably hangs.
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Wear layers. The building is old. Some hallways are freezing, and some studios with kilns running are basically saunas. You’ll be taking your coat on and off constantly.
Talk to the artists. Most of these people are incredibly passionate about their craft. Ask them how they made something. They aren't just salesclerks; they’re the creators. It makes the gift way more meaningful when you can tell the recipient the story of the person who made it.
Why Local Markets Like This Still Matter
In a world where you can order a "handmade" looking item on Amazon and have it delivered by a drone four hours later, the screw factory holiday market feels like a necessary rebellion. It’s about supporting the guy who spends his weekends covered in sawdust or the woman whose hands are permanently stained with ink.
When you buy something here, the money stays in Lakewood. It stays in Cleveland. It pays for studio rent and more clay and better paint.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Mark your calendar: Check the Screw Factory Artists website early in November. The holiday market is almost always the weekend before Christmas, but they also do a "Small Business Saturday" event in late November that is a bit smaller but just as cool.
- Check the Artist List: If you have a specific person you’re looking for, like Thrive and Shine Candles or Red Squirrel Gifts, check the "Discussion" tab on their Facebook event page. They usually post a full map and vendor list a few days before.
- Eat first (or after): While there are usually snacks and sometimes a coffee vendor like Rising Star or a local baker, it’s not a full-service food hall. Hit up somewhere like LBM or Buckeye Beer Engine nearby for a post-shopping debrief.
- Parking Strategy: If the main lot is full, there’s usually street parking on Athens, but read the signs carefully. Lakewood parking enforcement is no joke, even during the holidays.
The screw factory holiday market isn't just a place to buy stuff. It’s a snapshot of what makes Cleveland’s creative scene so resilient and weird. It’s loud, it’s a little messy, and it’s exactly where you need to be if you want a gift that actually has a soul.
Actionable Insight: Before the next market, follow the @screwfactoryartists on Instagram. They do "Studio Stories" features throughout the year that show the behind-the-scenes process of the makers, which helps you narrow down which studios you want to prioritize when the halls get crowded. If you're an artist yourself, keep an eye on their application deadlines, which usually close months in advance for the holiday season.