Makers + Shakers Market

Craft Spirits Meet Local Artisans at St. Petersburg Distillery

St. Petersburg Distillery transforms into a bustling marketplace on Thursday, August 13th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for the Makers + Shakers Market. This monthly gathering brings together local vendors, food purvors, and craft enthusiasts in the distillery's industrial-chic space. The 5:00 PM start time catches the post-work crowd looking to unwind with locally-made spirits while browsing handcrafted goods, creating that perfect Thursday evening energy where the weekend feels within reach.

What to Expect:
The distillery's production floor and outdoor areas fill with vendor booths showcasing everything from handmade jewelry to small-batch hot sauces. Expect a crowd that skews toward young professionals and creatives who appreciate supporting local makers while sampling craft cocktails. The all-ages designation means families often show up early before the evening shifts toward a more adult-oriented social scene around 7:30 PM.

Insider Tips:
- Arrive closer to 5:00 PM for the best vendor selection before popular items sell out
- The distillery's own cocktails move faster than beer, so hit the bar early if a specific drink catches your eye
- Cash works at most vendor booths, though many now accept card payments through mobile readers
- The outdoor areas get muggy in August—dress light and stake out spots near the industrial fans
- Parking fills quickly after 5:30 PM, so plan to arrive early or consider alternative transportation
- Browse the full vendor loop before making purchases—the best finds often hide in the back corners

Getting There:
St. Petersburg Distillery sits on 31st Street South between 7th and 10th Avenues in the city's industrial corridor. Street parking along 31st Street fills fast, but side streets like Fairfield Avenue South and Freemont Avenue South typically have open spots within a two-block walk. Public transit serves the area well, with bus stops at 31st Street South & 7th Avenue South just 82 meters from the entrance and another at 31st Street South & 10th Avenue South about 98 meters away. Multiple routes converge at these stops, making this one of the more transit-accessible events in the neighborhood. The distillery's location puts it within easy walking distance of the Grand Central District, so those already in the area can make the short trek down 31st Street.

Local Scene:
The surrounding industrial neighborhood has quietly developed into a food and activity hub worth exploring before or after the market. Bayboro Brewing sits about a 12-minute walk away on 5th Avenue South, offering another veteran-owned spot for craft beer enthusiasts who want to extend the evening. Chelsea St Pete provides a solid dinner option on the same stretch, perfect for grabbing a bite before heading to the market. FloridaRAMA operates just 522 meters away on Fairfield Avenue South, adding an arts and culture element to the neighborhood that complements the maker market vibe. For those looking to make a full evening of it, St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social offers pickleball and social activities within 558 meters. The area's industrial roots show through in the wide streets and warehouse conversions, giving the whole district a raw, authentic feel that matches the makers shakers market's artisan focus.