Weekend Festival Roundup: Shop, Listen, and Celebrate — November 7–9

A cluster of seasonal events across central and southern Indiana will transform small‑town venues into bustling hubs of music, handmade goods and holiday cheer next weekend. From the boutique stalls of the Pink Wagon Market in Seymour to the 20th‑anniversary Déjà Vu Art and Fine Craft Show in Columbus, festival organizers say the slate of November 7–9 offers shoppers and music fans easy ways to start holiday plans while supporting local artists and small businesses.

The highlights: Pink Wagon Market runs November 7–8 at the Celebrations Event Center in Seymour; Quigley Jazz Jam Fest fills Peru with live jazz November 7–9; Christmas in Pendleton turns downtown Pendleton into a festive block party on November 8; Déjà Vu Art and Fine Craft Show stages a juried, eco‑minded exhibit in Columbus on November 8; and the Delts’ Holiday Crafts & Gifts Show marks its 40th year in Portland on November 8.

Organizers and long‑time visitors say the weekend is designed for discovery. "This is the kind of weekend where you find a one‑of‑a‑kind gift and a new favorite band in the same afternoon," said a Seymour community representative. "It’s small‑town hospitality with big seasonal energy."

Pink Wagon Market — Seymour (Nov. 7–8)
The Pink Wagon Market brings boutique shopping indoors to the Celebrations Event Center (357 Tanger Blvd., Seymour) on Friday and Saturday. The market features apparel boutiques, handcrafted jewelry, home goods, children's items, beauty products, candles, holiday décor, vintage finds and accessories.

What to expect: a curated, boutique atmosphere aimed at early holiday shoppers and lovers of handcrafted goods. While detailed hours were not published, similar markets typically run mid‑morning through early evening; arriving on opening day increases chances to meet makers before popular pieces sell out. Visitors should bring cash and a tote for smaller vendors and check the venue’s social channels for vendor lineups and parking instructions.

Quigley Jazz Jam Fest — Peru (Nov. 7–9)
Peru’s three‑day Quigley Jazz Jam Fest celebrates the legacy of tenor saxophonist Richard Quigley with performances across local halls and restaurants. The weekend features a big‑band night — a 20‑piece Quigley Jazz Band set on Saturday evening at the Riverview Event Center — blues and combo sets (including the No Regrets Blues Band) and a Sunday afternoon matinee with guest soloists and ensembles.

Background: The festival, now running for more than 17 years, highlights Indiana composers and local talent and anchors Peru’s cultural calendar each November. For more information, interested attendees can call the festival contact at (765) 469‑2398.

Christmas in Pendleton — Downtown Pendleton (Nov. 8)
Pendleton will flip the holiday switch on Saturday with a downtown celebration that includes a noon–evening slate of family activities, an illuminated holiday parade at 5:00 PM and a tree‑lighting ceremony after the parade. Attendees can expect Santa’s Workshop, carriage rides, live Christmas music, a kids zone, snowball toss games, appearances by the Snow Queen and Princesses, and live reindeer viewing.

Practical tip: downtown streets will be busy during the parade and tree lighting. Arrive early to secure parking near shops and restaurants and to take advantage of seasonal food and vendor offerings.

Déjà Vu Art and Fine Craft Show — Columbus (Nov. 8, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM)
The juried Déjà Vu show celebrates its 20th anniversary this year at The Commons (300 Washington St., Columbus). The fair focuses on art made from reused, recycled or natural materials — everything from mixed‑media collages and sculpture to wearable art and woodworking — and draws artists from several states.

Featured artist: Agnes Faverjon, recognized this year for her mixed‑media collages inspired by travel, animals and public figures. Admission is free. The show’s emphasis on sustainability makes it an especially good stop for shoppers looking for meaningful, eco‑conscious gifts.

Delts’ Holiday Crafts & Gifts Show — Portland (Nov. 8)
The Delts’ Holiday Crafts & Gifts Show returns for its 40th year at Jay County Middle/Senior High School (2072 W. IN‑67, Portland). The indoor market traditionally hosts more than 150 booths and draws roughly 1,500 attendees, combining a wide selection of handcrafted gifts with food available throughout the day. The event supports philanthropic causes and charges a modest admission (reported at $2).

Quote: "People come back year after year for the variety and community spirit," said a show spokesperson in previous years. Early arrival is recommended to browse the full selection before the afternoon rush.

Practical planning and tips for the weekend

Timing: Déjà Vu runs 10:00 AM–4:00 PM on Saturday; Christmas in Pendleton activities begin around noon with the parade at 5:00 PM. Markets often open mid‑morning and close in the late afternoon or early evening.
Parking: Expect downtown street closures near parade routes (Pendleton) and busy parking at indoor school and performance venues. Carpool or arrive early on Saturday.
What to bring: reusable shopping bag, small bills for vendors, comfortable shoes, and a light layer — November evenings in Indiana can be brisk.
Accessibility: Most venues are indoors or on level ground; check individual venue pages or social feeds for accessibility specifics and last‑minute changes.
Support local: Events are designed to spotlight small businesses, artisans and community groups; buying directly from vendors supports the local economy and helps keep these traditions alive.

What this weekend means for readers
This trio of markets and music events offers a practical, festive way to start holiday shopping, enjoy live performance and celebrate community traditions without traveling far. Whether readers want to hear a big band under historic rafters, find a recycled‑material piece that tells a story, or pick up handcrafted gifts in a boutique setting, November 7–9 provides multiple opportunities to connect with Indiana makers and musicians.

For last‑minute updates, attendees should check event pages and venue social media feeds, or contact organizers directly — for Quigley Jazz Jam Fest inquiries call (765) 469‑2398; for the Delts’ show, organizers can be reached at dttcraftshow@yahoo.com.