Repair fairs are free community events where volunteers with various skills guide people in fixing their broken household items like electronics, bikes and toys. Often accompanied by a clothing and housewares swap, these fun community events promote skill-sharing, waste reduction and sustainability; boost DIY self-confidence; and encourage friendly conversation over a cup of coffee.
Originating in the Netherlands in 2009 to combat the throwaway culture, repair fairs have become a global movement supported by the nonprofit Repair Café Foundation, which organizes pop-up events worldwide. By mending, recycling and reusing items, participants safeguard the planet and save money, too.
Finding or Starting a Repair Fair
• RepairCafe.org and TheRestartProject.org list thousands of repair events worldwide and also help individuals start their own local groups.
• Search “repair fair near me” or “repair café near me” on the internet to find nearby events.
• Facebook search for “repair fair”.
• Local newspapers list these events in their calendars and can also help promote a new repair fair.
Common Fair Items
• Clothing that needs to be mended, patched, hemmed or altered, as well as garments with missing buttons, broken fasteners or stuck zippers
• Bicycles that need to be tuned up or that require repairs to brakes, gears, chains and tires
• Small appliances, including toasters, blenders, coffee makers, mixers and food processors
• Wooden furniture with loose joints or wobbly legs, or that need surfaces restored
• Lamps that need to be rewired
• Toys with broken pieces or mechanisms
• Antiques, books, documents and old photographs that need to be preserved or restored
• Jewelry with broken clasps or that need to be resized or polished
• Miscellaneous items like umbrellas or tools in need of repair
Typical Skills Needed
• Electricians to repair small appliances, lamps and other powered items
• General maintenance and repair workers that can fix a variety of mechanical equipment and everyday items
• Carpenters that can fix furniture or other structural items
• Textile and sewing specialists to mend clothing, upholstery or other fabric goods
• Bicycle mechanics for basic tune-ups and repairs
• Jewelry repairers for treasured items
• Electronics technicians for diagnosing and repairing household electronics such as radios or computers
Helpful Tips
• Bring items in a clean and ready state.
• Prepare a clear explanation of the problem that needs fixing.
• Arrive early, or be prepared to wait.
• Ask questions and bring a notebook and pen to take notes.
• Have fun and engage in conversations.