craftcation 2026 attendee HUB
Our incredible team at Craftcation 2025
Welcome, Craftcation Attendees!
I’m Nicole—founder of Craftcation and one of the people behind the scenes (alongside our amazing team) working to make your experience unforgettable.
This page is your go-to hub for everything you need to know before and during the conference: updates, announcements, reminders, and must-know info. Bookmark it now and check back often—I’ll also pop into your inbox with the highlights so you don’t miss a thing.
If you need help or have questions, I’m just an email away.
See you soon!
Love, Nicole
THE COUNTDOWN TO CRAFTCATION 2026 IS ON....
April 8-12, 2026
Navigate quickly to important information on this page.
Stay on top of important deadlines for Craftcation 2026—here are the key dates you don’t want to miss!
Click the follow calendar button below to add the Craftcation important dates to your personal calendar.
Use the dropdown menu at the bottom of the calendar to select your timezone.
VIRTUAL CRAFTY HOURS:
Usually the 4th Friday of the month at 10am PT. Check the calendar for dates & links.
Craftcation offers lots of opportunities for attendees to participate in various activities and ways. See below for info, dates and applications.
PRESENTER APPLICATIONS:
Open: 6.20.26
Close: 9.1.25
Notifications sent: 9.15.25
POP-UP SHOP VENDOR APPLICATIONS
Open: 7.15.25
Close: 2.15.26
Notify: 2-5 weeks after application
WANDERINGS APPLICATIONS:
Open: 7.15.25
Close: 2.15.26
Notify: 2-5 weeks after application
IRON CRAFT
APPLICATIONS:
Open: 7.15.25
Close: 2.15.26
Notify: 2-5 weeks after application
LOOKING TO STAY ON-SITE AT THE BEAUTIFUL VENTURA BEACH MARRIOTT?
Ventura Beach Marriott | 2055 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
Rooms at the Marriott are currently sold out.
- We have discounted nights available for registered attendees starting Tuesday, April 7 – Monday, April 13.
- We have a variety of King rooms and (2) Queen Bed rooms available in our block.
- The discounted rate for rooms is $209/night. This applies to both room types mentioned above.
Alternative places to stay are below.
- Waypoint Ventura: Vintage trailers near the beach. We’ve never stayed there but it’s SO cute!
- The Pierpont Inn: a two-minute drive from the Marriott. We’ve stayed there before and we liked its quaint atmosphere, cottages and manicured grounds. It recently changed ownership and we haven’t been there since but they have great ocean views and a historical vibe.
- The Crowne Plaza: It’s a three-minute drive to the Marriott. This was the former home of Craftcation. It’s right on the beach and they have lots of patio seating overlooking the ocean. Walkable to downtown Ventura.
- The Best Western: Also a three-minute drive to the Marriott. This is a great old-school style motor inn that was renovated a few years ago to bring back the retro charm a la Schitt’s Creek. Walkable to downtown Ventura!
Any rooms that are reserved in our block can be canceled within 48 hours before arrival without a penalty. To cancel, simply contact the Ventura Beach Marriott front desk team by calling (805) 643-6000 or cancel within the Bonvoy app or at Marriott.com. Once your room is canceled, it will be released back into the block.
ALL ROOMS AT THE MARRIOTT ARE sold out.
BY AIR: LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is the most cost-effective nearby airport. It is about 70 miles south of Ventura. Burbank “Bob Hope” Airport is a little more expensive to fly into but is slightly closer to the Ventura area.
No matter which airport you choose, you’ll need to arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel.
BY TRAIN: If you are local to California, we highly recommend traveling by train! Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train runs from San Diego through Los Angeles, and continues north. The Amtrak stop in Ventura is only five minutes from the hotel. The trains also have wi-fi for internet access while you travel! Ditch your car and take the train for the green, hassle-free choice, and immerse yourself in the panoramic views of the ocean on your trip.
BY CAR: Take the 101 Freeway to Seward Avenue.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:
- Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train from Union Station in Los Angeles (get there quick with the flyaway shuttle from LAX), or catch it directly from the Burbank airport
- Roadrunner shuttle from LAX to Ventura.
Are you so excited about Craftcation that you want to shout it from the rooftops? (ME, TOO!) Well, how about shouting it online instead? We put together a ton of images, and even some videos for Instagram reels, for you to share on social media, in your newsletters, on your blog, on Facebook, wherever you’d like.
COMING SOON!
Be ready to go when the clock strikes 10am PT on MARCH 15, 2025 by spending time BEFORE workshop enrollment opens getting familiar with the schedule, the workshops and the presenters. Full instructions and details on our new enrollment process coming soon! Stay tuned!
And remember as you create your schedule: make space for downtime, meals, office hours, connecting with each other and enjoying the hotel pool, beach, etc.
Nicole, our CEO and Creative Director, has put together some schedule planning worksheets to help you get organized and prepare for workshop registration. Click the button below to download and get started planning your conference schedule!
COMING SOON!
While planning your trip to Craftcation, we encourage you to schedule time to visit some of our favorite places in Ventura! Some even offer discounts and specials for Craftcation attendees (we’ll add that information as it becomes available). Click a category in the list below for more info.
- IN-N-OUT: A favorite take out spot for Californians and right across the street from the Marriott!
2070 Harbor Blvd. - SOCIAL TAP: Upscale American grub-like burgers, chili & wings, plus craft beer & happy hour in a vibrant space.
1105 S Seaward Ave - LUCKY THAI CUISINE: Dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
1141 S Seaward Ave - DUKE’S GRIDDLE ‘N GRILL: Breakfast, burgers & seafood supplied in a laid-back, surf themed place with a full bar & a patio.
1124 S Seaward Ave - SPASSO CUCINA ITALIANA: Homey Italian eatery offering classic pizzas & pasta dishes, plus a bar & patio seating
1140 S Seaward Ave - SURF N’ YOGURT: Adorable little neighborhood self-service yogurt shack.
1038 S Seaward Ave - JOLLY OYSTER: Wonderful little blue trailer serving the freshest oysters in town. Next to the Marriott in the state park beach.
911 San Pedro Street
- RUMFISH Y VINO: Buzzy gastropub featuring Central American plates and inventive cocktails.
34 N. Palm Street - FLUID STATE BEER GARDEN: Craft beer bar and artisanal pizzeria. You will not be disappointed by the mushroom slices!
692 E. Main Street - PALERMO COFFEE: Urban gift/coffee shop with locally roasted brews, gelato, and other treats.
321 E. Main Street - BEACH HOUSE TACOS/FISH: Taco stand on the pier. Great breakfast tacos.
668 Harbor Blvd - BARRELHOUSE 101:
Gastropub with lots of beers on tap and a lively atmosphere.
545 E. Thompson Blvd - SPENCER MACKENZIES: This super casual neighborhood seafood place is our personal favorite; we must eat here every time we are in Ventura!
806 E. Thompson Blvd - RICE THAI CUISINE: Soju cocktails, teas, and thai favorites.
387 E. Main Street - CAFE NOUVEAU: Our #1 FAVORITE breakfast spot in town! High-end restaurant for Californian cuisine offers a plant-filled patio.
1497 E Thompson Blvd - VENTIKI: Great tiki bar with small plates and strong drinks; get the zombie!
701 E. Main Street - PARADISE PANTRY
Thoughtful soups and sandwiches, cheese plates and more – all using artisan products + a wine and cheese shop next door.
222 E. Main Street - TOPA TOPA BREWERY CO
16 rotating taps of hand-crafted beers.
104 E Thompson Blvd - VENTURA COAST BREW CO: Promoting hand-crafted beer culture by focusing on high quality approachable beer styles and experimental ingredients
76 S Oak Street - LEASHLESS BREWING: Certified organic, artisanal independent craft brewery making the world a better place, one glass of organic beer at a time.
585 E Thompson
ARTHOUSE & CO.: Curated market, creativity space, and artist-led gallery.
62 S. Oak StreetB ON MAIN: Beachy, shabby-chic gift store.
446 E. Main StreetCALICO CAT BOOKSHOP: Vintage and rare bookshop.
495 E. Main StreetCOPPERFIELDS GIFTS + RARITIES: Great gift store, candles, and unique paper goods.
242 E. Main StreetFINDINGS MARKET: A pop-up experience that supports and features local creatives.
27 S. Oak StreetGOLDIE’S ON MAIN: Cute clothing boutique.
210 E. Main StreetOLIVE VENTURA: Premier California extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, gourmet foods, and small production wines.
294 E. Main StreetSMITTEN: A cozy haven celebrating romance and women-centered literature + great gifts and goods.
365 E. Main StreetSPICE-TOPIA: Spices, teas, chocolate, and sauces for every dish and drink you can dream up.
576 E. Main StreetSUPERBUZZY: Amazing fabric store specializing in textiles and craft products from Japan.
1794 E. Main StreetTHE REFILL SHOPPE: Eco-conscious refill shop for home and body care. Great if you need toiletries!
363 E. Main Street
- MUSEUM OF VENTURA COUNTY: Learn about the history, art, and culture of Ventura County, including information on the Chumash people or “First People” in this area.
100 E. Main Street - MAKE VENTURA: Shared tool and maker space.
420 E. Santa Clara Street - SAN BUENAVENTURA MISSION
Beautiful historic landmark.
211 E. Main Street - FARMERS MARKETS:
Downtown: Corner of Santa Clara & Palm Streets – Saturdays – 8:30am-12noon
Midtown: Pacific View Mall West Parking Lot 3301 N. Main St. – Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm
