Makers + Shakers Market

Craft Spirits Meet Local Artisans at St. Petersburg's Thursday Night Market

The Makers + Shakers Market transforms St. Petersburg Distillery into a bustling evening marketplace on Thursday, October 8th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This makers market in St Petersburg combines the distillery's craft cocktail scene with local vendors, creating a Thursday night destination that feels more like a neighborhood gathering than a typical shopping event. The 31st Street South location brings together the area's creative energy in a space that already knows how to pour a good drink.

What to Expect:
St. Petersburg Distillery opens its doors to local makers while keeping the bar fully operational, so browsing handmade goods pairs naturally with sampling craft spirits. The Thursday evening timing catches the after-work crowd looking to unwind while supporting local businesses. October weather in St. Pete hits that sweet spot where outdoor market browsing stays comfortable through sunset, and the all-ages format means families can drop by early before the scene shifts to a more adult vibe later in the evening.

Insider Tips:
- Arrive closer to 5:30 PM after the initial rush clears but while vendor selections remain full
- Bring cash for smaller vendors, though the distillery bar accepts cards
- The distillery's outdoor space fills up fast, so stake out a spot early if planning to stay for drinks
- Sample the distillery's signature spirits before the evening rush hits the bar around 7:00 PM
- Parking along 31st Street South goes quickly, so side streets become your friend
- Check vendor lineups on social media beforehand to plan which makers to hit first

Getting There:
St. Petersburg Distillery sits at 800 31st St S, right in the heart of a neighborhood that's seen steady creative growth over the past few years. Street parking along 31st Street South and the surrounding residential blocks provides the main option, with spots typically available within a block or two of the venue. Multiple bus stops serve the area, including the 31st Street South & 7th Avenue South stop just 82 meters from the distillery entrance and the 31st Street South & 10th Avenue South stop 98 meters away. These stops connect to several PSTA routes that run through downtown St. Pete. The distillery's location makes it walkable from the Grand Central District, about a 15-minute stroll from Central Avenue's main commercial stretch.

Local Scene:
The surrounding neighborhood offers solid options for extending the evening beyond the market. Bayboro Brewing sits about a 12-minute walk away at 2390 5th Ave S, bringing veteran-owned craft beer to the mix if the distillery spirits aren't your speed. Chelsea St Pete provides another nearby option at 2462 5th Ave S for those wanting to grab dinner after browsing vendors. The St. Pete Sunday Markets operate just 200 meters away, showing how this area has become a natural hub for local market culture. For something completely different, St. Pete Athletic Paddle & Social offers pickleball courts about a 7-minute walk from the distillery, though probably not the best post-cocktail activity. The area's mix of industrial-turned-creative spaces gives the whole district a works-in-progress energy that matches the makers market vibe perfectly.