The story of this thing called The Swing

A sewing kit containing spools of thread, scissors, and other sewing tools, with a floral box cover in the background.

Established in 2011, The Strawberry Swing is The Midwest’s celebration of the handmade movement, striving to showcase the highest quality goods in an inclusive and accessible environment. Entrepreneurship and community thrive in our ecosystem. Our network of markets and pop-ups allows communities to gather and share in local culture, provides a platform for entrepreneurial growth, and provides consumers with an active role in affecting their local economy and landscape.

Recently, we launched Shop Local KC which is a curated online marketplace with over 350+ local, diverse Kansas City artisans, and opened our flagship store at 3630 Main Street on June 25, 2021 (closed January 2023), our second location in Leawood, Kansas in July 2022 (closed January 2023)., our third in Crown Center April 2023 (Open 7 days a week) and our fourth in Brookside September 2023 (Open 7 days a week)! Shop Local KC not only supports hundreds of local artists & makers by giving them an outlet to sell their products, it provides on-site creative activations, curated pop-ups, and is a gathering place for creatives in Kansas City.

The Swing has become a Kansas City tradition, with monthly pop-ups at historical Kansas City spaces like The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Union Station, The Alexander Majors Grounds, The Wornall Home, Powell Gardens, and more. This highly curated experience includes inspired handmade and vintage vendors, innovative food trucks, local live music, kids’ crafts and was recently featured as one of the Top 35 Indie Craft Fairs in the World. Our juried makers specialize in ceramics, clothing, printing, painting, photography, woodworking, leatherworking, metalsmithing, fiber arts, etc.

A smiling woman with glasses and a headband stands behind a flower stall at a market, surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery. Market tents are visible overhead, and there are people browsing in the background.

Katie Mabry van Dieren CEO/Curator

Email Katie

What People Are Saying

  • “

    Great, fun, exciting, and exhilarating holiday market. This was my first Holiday Market with Swing and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was able to sell almost all my inventory & meet new makers and friends. The event was well organized and the helpers were great. I heard many good comments from the attendees. They liked the outdoor event & there were compliments about the maker variety. Thanks for a great event.

    ”

  • “

    “Thank you so much for all you have done for us makers. I know it must have been a very daunting task to find ways to have in-person events while keeping everyone safe during the pandemic. Your passion, ingenuity, and countless hours of hard work have not gone unnoticed. The Saturday pop-ups and markets provided me some normalcy to this year and gave me renewed purpose. I can’t wait to swing again!”

    ”

  • “

    I sold all but two of my originals. I was thoroughly impressed with how many people came out and during cold weather! Good job!! The other makers were incredibly nice and all the helpers were very sweet. The social media plugs brought me many new followers and a couple of commissions!! Great event. Thanks so much!!

    ”

Best Pop-Up Pitch Best of KC 2022
Best Gift Shop (Shop Local KC) Pitch Best of KC 2022
Best Accessories Shop (Shop Local KC) Pitch Best of KC 2022
Best Pop-Up Kansas City Magazine 2022

A sign featuring a sunset sky with clouds, with the text 'Greetings from the Heartland, Best of KC 2022', and a large word 'WINNER'. The lower part shows a farm field with text promoting local Kansas City shops, including strawberry wing, best pop-up, shop local KC, best gift shop, and best accessories shop.
A circular graphic with a black background and gold border, featuring white text that reads "Readers' The Best of KC '22 Choice" in a decorative font.