Our Editors' Favorite Craft Fairs Around the Country
Every year, thousands of crafters head to different markets for artisanal goods, including knitwear, pottery, or home furnishings. Our editors meet with makers at these summits, where quality and sustainability rule and a newly coveted heirloom is sure to be found.
Craft fairs and markets bring makers from all over the nation together to showcase and sell their work. Navigate through the crowds, and you'll get to visit a variety of booths where artists sell their paintings, sculptures, jewelry, fashions, and other creations. There's often also plenty of music from local musicians and bands, as well as fun festival food from local chefs. As crafters ourselves, we like to support others who have made their art their life's work. The unique finds that you can get at a craft fair add personality and flair to your décor, and it's inspiring to get to meet the artists behind the items that you purchase.
As such, the editors at Martha Stewart Living like to attend as many craft fairs as they can throughout the year. To follow our example, consider planning a few of your own trips this year—there are plenty to choose from throughout the United States. From Field and Supply in New York to the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festivals in New Mexico, these craft fairs offer a wide variety of art and styles that you can't find anywhere else. We like to make a day of it with our friends and families, so that we can enjoy the creativity of artists from all over the country. We also find plenty of items to add to our home décor or our closets. Shop our list of craft fairs to plan your next road trip. You can be inspired by the amazing work that these artists and crafters put on display, just as we are.
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Field + Supply
In New York's Hudson Valley, the Field + Supply fair draws hundreds of up-and-coming artisans eager to show their wares. Among them, Caroline Z. Hurley and Sawkille Co.—shop these names and others for an assortment of handmade furniture, accessories, ceramics, and more. You can even try your hand at one of the activity stations, such as hammering your own ring or making leather pouches, all while listening to live music at the Hutton Brickyards.
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Echo Park Craft Fair
The Echo Park Craft Fair, which celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, is always a must-visit spot for those on the West Coast. Indie designers like Lily Forbes and cosmetics brands like Sunnies Face showcase their latest creations at this bi-annual craft fair. As part of the worldwide makers movement, the craft fair celebrates handcrafted items and locally sourced artwork and food.
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Renegade Craft Fair
The traveling Renegade Craft Fair sets up shop in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. Why not go to all of them if you can? Each venue will feature local creatives and tastemakers that gives you the best of its location. More than 300,000 people attend these craft fairs annually.
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Common Ground Country Fair
Thirty-nine years ago this month, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association inaugurated its country fair with two humble goals: to bring the community together after harvest time to exchange ideas and to raise funds. Since then, the event has exploded into a hot ticket for eco-minded growers, artisans, and animal breeders everywhere. Every September, thousands head to the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, Maine, for a three-day celebration of local crafts, food, and organic-farming know-how with live demonstrations (think wool spinning, horse plowing, and tree felling)—and, oftentimes, Angora bunnies steal the show.
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Berkshire Crafts Fair
What began as a school crafts fair in 1974 has expanded into a professional event that curates artisans in decorative fiber, glass, pottery, mixed media, metal, and more. At the Berkshire Crafts Fair, you'll be able to find unique wearable items like earrings and gowns, as well as décor like vases and chairs.
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Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Sugarloaf is the brainchild of Deann and George Verdier, a school teacher and an engineer, who envisioned a well-curated art and crafts market where top-quality goods could be sold accessibly. Fast forward from its first-ever show in 1976 to today, artists from across the nation now compete for the 350 spaces available in each show. Eleven shows are held each year in major metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, and central New Jersey.
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Rockbrook Village Art Fair
More than 120 artists from the United States gather at the Rockbrook Village Craft Fair. Choose from a variety of art forms, including glass, wood carvings, paintings, jewelry and ceramics. Artisans like Steve Brewster and Sharon Correll exhibit their latest work for purchase.