At the 17th Annual Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival (July 11 and 12, 2009), you can stroll through the open-air setting free and find exceptional values on handcrafted glass and ceramic items. From massive stoneware urns to elegant fused-glass pendants, this Palo Alto festival offers an eye-popping plethora of pieces, from traditional to contemporary, making it the largest clay and glass festival in the United States.

This year’s emphasis is on affordable and eco-friendly designs, with artists incorporating recycled materials and sustainable practices into their work. If you go, check out their solar-powered pottery kilns.

DEAL: The Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival is FREE.

WHEN: July 11th and 12th, 2009, 10am-5pm both days.

WHERE: Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd., Palo Alto CA (Newell Rd. at Embarcadero Rd)