What's a repair cafe?
Got a broken toaster? A wobbly bike wheel? A moth-eaten sweater? Don’t toss it—bring it to Repair Café Traverse City and give it a second life.
This free, donation-based community event pairs attendees with skilled volunteers who help repair household items—from electronics and clothing to bicycles and furniture. You bring the item. We provide the tools. Our volunteers bring the know-how.
How this works:
Bring items for repair.
Come with anything from a pair of ripped jeans to a broken plate or an old bike.
Get Paired with a Fixer.
Check-in and get matched with an expert who will help repair your item.
Repair your item.
Learn how to repair your item with the guidance of an expert and the tools needed for basic repairs.
Things you might bring for repair
Small to medium sized items that could be repaired using basic hand tools like:
- bikes
- clothing
- wooden objects
- wicker
- ceramics
- furniture
- small household appliances (blenders, alarm clocks, vacuums etc.)
- toys
- lamps
- knitwear
Please no electronics like phones, computers, tablets or TVs or oversized items that cannot be easily carried by a team of two. Also, nothing gas-powered or with larger motors and engines.
If your item needs a new part (zipper for a clothing item, new tire/tube for a bike), please pre-purchase a replacement piece that fits the size of your item and bring it with you for our Fixers to take care of!
The repairs offered will depend on the skilled repair volunteers who sign up. Our current Fixer list includes people who can repair textiles and clothes, small kitchen appliances, bikes, and wooden furniture.
Why repair?
Repair Café Traverse City is part of a global movement that began in the Netherlands in 2009. It promotes a shift from our throwaway culture toward sustainability, collaboration, and hands-on skill sharing. It’s not just about fixing things—it’s about learning from each other, connecting with neighbors, and reviving traditional repair knowledge.
Come dressed for the weather, this is an indoor/outdoor event!
Traffic alert: You may want to travel via South Airport to Woodmere. There are events in Old Town and F&M Park that may cause travel delays on the north/west side of the library.