Over 100 hands-on creative classes are packed into one weekend, with hundreds of small businesses selling goods just steps away. That combo alone makes my craft-supply drawer nervous.
The classes cover dozens of hobby categories. Photography, fashion, cooking, and beauty all make the list, and many sessions offer optional kits so you can start a project right away.
I like how this show treats learning and shopping as equal partners. You can pick up a new skill in the morning and buy the supplies for it by lunch.
In Utah, that kind of creative overlap feels right at home.
There’s even a VIP pass with a Western theme this year. Kids eight and under get in free too.
So how many projects will you come home planning?
Two Big Events Share One Roof, And Your Calendar Will Thank You
Pinners Conference & Expo blends a hands-on creative conference with a huge shopping market. Instead of choosing between a class and a shopping trip, you get both in one visit.
The show is widely known as Utah’s leading shopping and creative event. That’s a big title, but the setup backs it up.
More than 100 classes run alongside hundreds of unique businesses.
The 2026 dates are November 5 through 7. That timing lands right before the holiday rush, which feels almost suspiciously convenient.
Gift ideas, party decor, and new hobbies all show up at once.
I believe the real appeal is flexibility. Some people come purely to learn.
Others come purely to browse booths and fill a tote bag.
Most folks probably end up doing a bit of both. You might plan a quiet morning of sewing tips and then find yourself comparing handmade earrings an hour later.
The event makes that switch feel natural.
For beginners, this format lowers the pressure. You can sample a craft without buying a full kit at home first.
For seasoned makers, it’s a chance to refresh ideas and stock up on supplies.
Over 100 Classes Means Your New Hobby Is Probably Waiting Here
Learning a craft from a video is fine. Learning it in a room with a top presenter who can answer questions is better.
The conference side features more than 100 creative classes across dozens of hobby and craft categories. Topics include photography, fashion, cooking, and beauty.
That range means a curious crafter and a total beginner can both find a good fit.
Many classes offer optional kits for purchase. That’s a smart setup.
You show up, grab the materials, and start working without hunting through three stores beforehand.
Planning helps here. With so many choices, it’s easy to circle half the schedule and then panic.
Pick a few classes that genuinely excite you and leave room to wander the market between sessions.
Trying something outside your comfort zone can pay off too. A cooking class might spark a new weekend habit.
A photography session could finally make your phone pictures look less blurry.
Classes run on Friday and Saturday. Thursday stays focused on shopping.
So if workshops are your main goal, mark those two days and plan your energy accordingly. Comfortable shoes are a gift to your future self.
Hundreds Of Booths Make Self-Control A Serious Challenge
Your wallet should probably stretch before this part. The shopping market brings together hundreds of unique businesses under one roof.
Shoppers can browse DIY supplies, crafts, art, handmade goods, and a wide mix of lifestyle products. That variety keeps things fresh from one aisle to the next.
One booth might sell craft materials, while the next offers finished pieces ready to gift.
Supporting small makers is a big perk. Many of these businesses pour real time into what they sell.
Buying from them feels a little more personal than clicking a button online.
A loose plan can help you stay sane. Walk the full floor once before buying anything big.
Then circle back to the booths you still think about.
Bringing a sturdy bag is a practical move. A list of holiday gift recipients helps too.
Suddenly that hand-painted sign or quirky mug has a clear purpose.
Thursday is a shopping-only day, which makes it a solid pick for dedicated browsers. You can explore the market without juggling a class schedule.
Treasure hunting, it turns out, is a full-time job.
Saddle Up For The New Western Roundup VIP Pass
Cowboy boots are optional, but the perks are real. The VIP Pinner pass includes additional perks, including access to the Western Roundup VIP Kick-off Party on Thursday evening.
This pass includes access to classes, which already covers a big part of the event. You also get a swag bag filled with goodies.
Free stuff has a way of making any morning brighter.
Early entry is another highlight. Getting inside before the main crowd gives you first look at the market.
That can matter if you’re eyeing something from a popular booth.
VIPs also get front-of-the-line privileges. A dedicated bag check rounds out the package.
That means less juggling of coats and shopping bags while you move between classes.
Is it right for everyone? Probably not.
If you plan a quick browse, a standard ticket may be plenty.
The VIP pass offers benefits for attendees taking multiple classes and shopping extensively, but VIP tickets for the 2026 event are sold out. It’s built for people who want to squeeze the most out of every hour.
The Western theme just adds a little playful flair to the whole thing.
Mark These Three Days Before Your Schedule Fills Up
Thursday, November 5, kicks things off with a full day of shopping. Doors open at 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM.
Friday, November 6, runs the longest. Hours stretch from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with both shopping and classes.
That evening window is handy if you work during the day and want to stop by later.
Saturday, November 7, goes from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It also mixes shopping with a full day of workshops.
Weekend schedules tend to be friendlier for families and friend groups.
So which day should you pick? It depends on your goals.
Pure shoppers may love Thursday’s focus, while class lovers should aim for Friday or Saturday.
Some people may want more than one day. With over 100 classes and hundreds of booths, trying to see everything in a few hours is ambitious.
Splitting your visit can keep things fun instead of rushed.
Booking ahead is a smart idea, especially for popular classes. Seats in workshops can be limited.
Nobody wants to discover their dream class filled up while they were still deciding.
Getting There Is Easier Than Finishing A Quilt
Pinners Conference & Expo takes place at the Mountain America Expo Center. You’ll find it at 9575 State St, Sandy, UT 84070.
Sandy sits in the southern Salt Lake Valley. That makes the venue reachable for many Utah families without a long road trip.
State Street is also a familiar route for plenty of drivers in the area.
Free parking is available right at the facility. That’s a welcome detail, since parking fees can quietly eat into your shopping budget.
The event also runs a shuttle for overflow parking. It connects to a parking garage across the street and to Jordan High School.
If the main lot fills, you still have backup options.
Arriving early is a sensible strategy for a big show like this. Doors open at 9:00 AM each day.
Getting there close to opening could make the first part of your visit smoother.
Planning your route ahead also cuts down on stress. Save the venue address in your phone the night before.
Then your only big decision that morning is which class or booth to hit first.
Little Makers Get In Free, Which Is Basically A Win
Kids aged eight and under receive free admission to all events. For families, that’s a very nice surprise.
Bringing young kids along can turn the trip into a shared adventure. Colorful booths and handmade goods give curious minds plenty to look at.
A little exposure to crafting might spark a lifelong hobby.
Some practical planning goes a long way. Pack snacks for the car and plan a few breaks.
A tired kid in a busy market can shift the mood quickly.
Keeping little ones close is smart in a large venue. Talk with them about what to do if they get separated.
A quick plan makes everyone feel more relaxed.
Older kids might enjoy helping pick out supplies for a family project. That gives them a sense of ownership.
Plus, a project waiting at home stretches the fun past the event.
I can’t imagine a better way to show kids that making things is cool. They see real people selling things they created.
That kind of example sticks with children long after the tote bags are unpacked.
Raffle Prizes Keep Things Exciting All Day Long
Winning something is always a mood booster. At this event, raffle prizes from popular brands are given away throughout each day.
That steady stream of giveaways adds a fun layer of anticipation. You’re browsing booths or wrapping up a class, and there’s always a chance something good comes your way.
It keeps the energy up from morning to closing time.
Raffles also give you another reason to stay longer. Instead of rushing out after one class, you might linger and explore more of the market.
That extra time often leads to finding something unexpected.
Pay attention to any raffle details when you arrive. Knowing how entries work helps you avoid missing out.
A quick check at the entrance or on event signs can clear things up.
Of course, nobody should plan their whole day around a prize. Think of it as a bonus, not the main attraction.
The classes and shopping already deliver plenty of value.
Still, imagining yourself walking out with brand-new supplies is fun. It’s one of those small touches that makes a big event feel friendly.
Fingers crossed for luck.
Leave With Fresh Ideas And A Few Too Many Bags
Creative ruts happen to everyone. Pinners Conference & Expo is built to shake them loose.
Classes give you new skills. The market gives you the materials and inspiration to keep going.
Together, they can turn a passing idea into a finished project sitting on your shelf.
Connecting with other makers is part of the magic. You’re surrounded by people who also get excited about fabric, paint, or recipes.
That shared enthusiasm can be surprisingly motivating.
Here’s a practical tip for after the show. Pick one project to start within a week.
Momentum fades fast, and that new kit deserves better than a closet corner.
Taking quick notes during classes helps too. A few phone photos of steps or supplies will jog your memory later.
Your future self, staring at a pile of yarn, will be grateful.
This November event gives Utah crafters a reason to look forward to fall. Whether you come for one class or all three days, you’ll leave with something new.
Maybe it’s a skill, maybe it’s a treasure, and maybe it’s both.