No lie, 2020 did a number on Phoestivus. Attendance dropped when we came back in 2021.

Then some faceless developer took our old spot at Central and McKinley to build yet another apartment building with ground floor space full, not of local shops, but with treadmills and exercise equipment.

Do I sound bitter?

Well, about the multitude of community-killing apartments, yes. But not about Phoestivus.

On that I’m bullish.

Despite the setbacks, we grew stronger and we survived. Phoestivus is back and bigger than ever. It now runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning, December 14th – 16th.

It is getting more and more like the old German Christmas markets of my youth, which partially inspired Phoestivus back in 2010.

We have an opportunity this year to remind folks why they came, but also to introduce Phoestivus to the thousands of people who have moved in to downtown since we were at the old location.

I’m excited to say that the original Hipster Santa is back!

If you know, you know. And if you know, you are excited by the news.

In addition, we have many of the favorites. We have the Pheats of Strength, the Phoestivus Pole, the Airing of Grievances, food trucks, local beers, and of course over 150 vendors.

Share a ride because parking might be a challenge.

Look for me out there!