Hessler Street Fair

When: May 19 & 20, 2012; 11am til dusk

Where: Hessler Street (off of Ford) in University Circle

Who: Public; all ages

Cost: Free!

The Hessler Street Fair, for me, marks the beginning of all the summer festivals.  It is always on a weekend in late May, and for as long as i've been going there has never been even a drop of rain.

Individual stands line the small, brick road, and range from your average street food (and some sweet treats!) to hand-made jewelry to palm reading and henna tattoos.  The overall theme is very hippie and bohemian.  You'll see a lot of tie-dye and bright colors.  At the end of the street there is always a band playing on a small stage with an open area for dancing and whatnot.  Along the street there are individual violin and guitar players and even your occasional open poetry mic.

This street fair is really great for finding locally-made, unique products.  Commonly sold products include jewelry, clothing, photographs, paintings, etc.  They also have stands for Henna tattoos, 5 minute chair massages, and in the past i've gotten my palm read.  Hessler isn't known as much for its food scene; however, it does cater well to its overheated fair-goers with ice cream and lemonade stands.

For the kids they have this whole grassy area set up off the street with magicians, balloon-makers and arts and crafts.

Hessler is definitely one of my favorites and I highly recommend checking it out