Smashfest 2019

Why jostle past customers at big-box stores on Black Friday when you could give yourself some elbow room—and the opportunity to get out post-Turkey Day angst—at Smashfest 2019? Hosted by The Scrap Exchange, this annual event offers visitors a rare chance for some holiday-season rest and relaxation (and exertion) with live music, a bonfire, s’mores, crafting, bites from the Succotash Food Truck and, of course, the opportunity to smash stuff. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees can purchase food and smash tickets (vouchers that allow to access the SmashZone, a no-holds-barred area dedicated to shattering, cracking, and splintering). Aside from the ultimate satisfaction of goods well-smashed, participants are also supporting the Scrap Exchange. If, for whatever reason, your heart is set on Black Friday shopping, Smashfest doesn’t start until 3:00 p.m., leaving plenty of time in the morning. At its heart, though, Smashfest is an opportunity to creatively reimagine our relationship with consumerism. —Rachel Rockwell