Holding strong since the advent of indie craft fairs in the mid-'00s, No Coast Craft-o-Rama is still the state's biggest and most popular fair of its kind. New items this year include adorable plush embroidered toys from Penguin & Fish, quirky vintage-inspired stationery and letterpress from Dude and Chick and handmade eco-friendly jewelry in the shapes of trees, bunnies and deer by Figs & Ginger. Returning favorites include poster screen-printers Miss Amy Jo, Aesthetic Apparatus and Burlesque of North America, painter Amy Rice and babywear line Hazel & Melvin's Room. (3-8 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Free. Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Mpls., www.nocoastcraft.com)

Haven't had a hankering to purchase a festive little dress full of frills and furbelows for holiday cocktail parties and swanky seasonal shindigs? You'll find more than a few swaying options at this holiday fashion show. The VimLab/Ignite Models production at the W hotel features fashion from local boutiques Il Vostro and Bumbershute as well as accessories created by local golden boy Christopher Straub of "Project Runway" fame. Sip a complimentary pomegranate cocktail while watching, and figure out what you'll be wearing all season long. Springing for VIP tickets ($20-$25) nabs you a swag bag and free drink. (7:30-10 p.m. Wed. W Minneapolis -- The Foshay, 821 Marquette Av. S., Mpls. General admission $10-$15. www.vitalculture.com)