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.