Your Saturday Starts at Nik & Ivy
- John E. Streetz
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 29 minutes ago
As anticipation builds for this Saturday’s Spring Maker’s Market at Nik & Ivy Brewing, even more reasons are emerging to make this a must-attend event for the Lockport community and beyond. If you scroll down to the bottom, you can see three pictures from several artists showcasing the newest items in their inventory that will be available for Saturday's Market!!!
At the heart of it all is Nik & Ivy Brewing itself—a business deeply rooted in the community it serves. Owner Paul, whose family has called Lockport home for generations dating back to the early 1900s, built the brewery with a vision that goes beyond craft beer. From supporting local fundraisers to his involvement with the Lockport High School Foundation, Nik & Ivy isn’t just a venue—it’s a gathering place built on hometown pride, family values, and giving back.
That same community spirit is already on full display thanks to artists Betty Wagner and Joanne Miller of L&W Crystals and Slow Poke Sculpts. In the days leading up to the market, they’ve been out in Lockport connecting with fellow small businesses—posting flyers and spreading the word at spots like Mini Mart, Ace Hardware, Kratom, Pops Restaurant, Rosati's Pizza, Burrito Loco, The Donut Shop, Brown’s Chicken, Embers, The Vegan Cafe, Nicky's Gyros Lockport, Healthy Sins, Beanie’s Candy Store, Victory Leathers, Blissful Brew, Krema Coffee, and Studio 305. Their grassroots effort is a perfect reflection of what this event is all about: local supporting local.
[Sliding Photos] Pictures of some of the businesses and poster placements at the small businesses helping to spread the word about our event on Saturday 4/11/2026! Photos by various.
This year also brings a thoughtful change to the event schedule. The market will now run from 12pm to 5pm, a shift from last year’s extended hours. After seeing a slowdown in traffic later in the day and considering the comfort of outdoor artists, organizers made the call to create a more energetic, well-paced experience from start to finish—while also avoiding the risk of late afternoon weather.
Speaking of weather, early forecasts are pointing in the right direction. Local weather tracker Dan Kuchta reports a chilly start, but temperatures rising into the 50s and 60s throughout the afternoon, with only a slight chance of rain later in the day and minimal wind expected. In other words, a solid spring day to grab a drink, shop local, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Adding even more flavor to the afternoon, Mucha Salsa Mexican Restaurant will be set up inside the brewery starting at 12 p.m., serving up authentic Mexican cuisine made fresh from scratch. Based out of their storefront in Homer Glen, Mucha Salsa is known for using quality ingredients and bold, traditional flavors. Their menu typically features favorites like nachos, tacos, and burritos, with protein options ranging from marinated skirt steak and ground beef to shrimp and chorizo, with the exact offerings announced when service begins on Saturday. It’s the perfect pairing to enjoy alongside a craft beer while taking a break from shopping and exploring the market.
Among the standout vendors this weekend is Tonie’s Treats, bringing something special not just for attendees—but for their four-legged companions as well. Known for crafting dog treats using recycled brewery grains from places like RT66 Old School Brewing; they also sell them at breweries like Garage Band Brewing. Ultimately, Tonie’s Treats combines sustainability with creativity. Shoppers can expect crunchy biscuits, pup cups, and even stylish accessories like bandanas and bow ties. It’s a perfect example of how this market blends innovation with community connection.
Left to Right: Tonie's Treats, DK Custom Woodworking Company and Ahimsa on Earth
Adding another layer of excitement, Nik & Ivy Brewing is also part of a larger regional experience happening throughout April—a Mini Golf Brewery Tour spanning more than 40 breweries. Kicking off April 9 and running through April 30, participants can visit each location, scan a QR code, and take on custom-built putting challenges unique to each brewery. With Tighthead Brewing also participating, attendees have the perfect excuse to turn this weekend into a two-day adventure of craft beer, creativity, local shopping and friendly competition.
Back at the market, vendors are gearing up with fresh inventory and unique finds. DK Custom Woodwork Company, a veteran-owned business known for high-quality craftsmanship, has restocked popular items like Blanton displays and pizza peels just in time for the event. It’s just one example of the care and preparation that goes into making this market stand out.
This year’s curated lineup features 20 local artists and makers, offering a wide range of handmade goods, specialty foods, art, and more. While the lineup is always subject to minor changes, the current roster includes
Slow Poke Sculpts Hannah Miller
With a strong lineup, community-driven energy, great beer, and new experiences layered into the day, this Saturday’s Spring Maker’s Market is shaping up to be more than just an event—it’s a celebration of everything that makes the local scene thrive.
Details: When: Saturday April 11th, 2026, from 12pm to 5pm
Where: Nik & Ivy Brewing in Lockport, Illinois.
Whether you’re coming for the vendors, the beer, the mini golf challenge, or simply to enjoy a spring afternoon in Lockport, Nik & Ivy Brewing is the place to be from 12pm to 5pm this Saturday.
Here's a glimpse into some of the artists that have been working hard to make new items for this Saturday's market! Many of these were pulled from their active Facebook business pages. These are linked to above in the artist list.
In all cases, these photos are provided by the respective artist.
Ahimsa on Earth
Ahimsa on Earth has been prepping all week and brings lots of new items to the Saturday market
Dk Custom Woodworking Company
Drew is constantly working in the shop to make sure board, accessories, tools and even propagation kits! Check out their line-up at the market this Saturday!
MPN 3D
Jake was feeling corny one moment and designing new plant themed articulated creatures. MPN 3D has way more to offer than just these cute items. Check them out 12pm to 5pm Saturday 4/11/2026.
Crafty Creations
Sara is always making new items with different colors, themes and focal points. Whether you are a cat lover, drink lover or frog aficianado, you won't want to miss their display Saturday.
AVREPHOTO
This isn't a great example of their new items but I thought it was appropriate to share some pictures from their business profile on Facebook. Please do give them a follow to support their love of pictures and art. Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584059944526
Reflections with Kate
Reflections with Kate doesn't focus on one type of art. They are an illustrator, a wood burner, a bead maker, jewelry crafter and so much more. Check out their truly unique creations this Saturday in Lockport!
Belonio Doodles
Did you know that Belonio Doodles is also one of our alliance photographers and videographers? They are! In addition, they are a comic collector and seller and card collector and seller. Be sure to find all of these things and their original art on Saturday.
Canal Woodworking
Woodturned pens, charcuterie boards, handheld kitchen tools and cutters are just some of the items you can find at this Lockport native. Check out their current line-up this Saturday at Nik & Ivy Brewing from 12pm to 5pm!
Ember and Ivory Candle Co.
Spring scents are in fashion and this artist will have a great variety of colors, scents and candles to choose from. Don't miss their space at the Nik & Ivy Maker's Market!
Kay Dee Kay Creations
Kay Dee Kay is a favorite at Streetz Artz Alliance shows and has a grand variety of items, decor and more, with each show the variety changing and always getting better. Check out their outdoor space this Saturday in Lockport, IL!
New Retro Mama
These were just some of the new photos I found on their Facebook business page. I'm not a presciption glasses wearer but if I were, I would want one of these!
Slow Poke Sculps
This artist was at shows last year at Nik & Ivy Brewing and also were a big help in getting posters out in the area for the event. Each item is handcrafted by the artist and worth supporting. Check out the latest items 4/11/2026 from 12pm to 5pm!
Mucha Salsa Mexican Restaurant
Mucha Salsa brings some delicious tacos, burritos and more rounding out the experience of the Makers Market. They will be setup inside the brewery and have their menu finalized at the beginning of the event.
In the meantime, the Streetz Artz Alliance thanks you for your support. If you can't attend, sharing our events and inviting your friends really goes a long way to support us. Should you ever have any feedback for us, feel free to message us on the website.