Best Craft Fairs for Makers
If you make handmade goods, below are some of the top craft fairs that you should consider applying to. These fairs have been selected based on their reputation, diversity, footfall, networking opportunities, and positive feedback from previous participants.
Porter Flea Market, Nashville, TN
Located in Nashville, Porter Flea Market is an indie craft fair that brings together thousands of shoppers to experience the best modern handmade goods from local and regional artists. The event prides itself on a curated selection of high-quality, original, and unique offerings.
Apart from the opportunity to sell, Porter Flea offers a chance to network with other creative minds, attracting not just makers, but also designers, stylists, and small business entrepreneurs. So, if you create modern, unique goods and have a knack for compelling presentation, Porter Flea could be the fair for you!
West Coast Craft, San Francisco, CA
West Coast Craft is a juried exhibition of artists and designer craftsmen and women inspired by the mood and aesthetics of the West Coast lifestyle. The fair typically happens twice a year at the Festival Pavilion at the historic Fort Mason Center on the San Francisco waterfront.
West Coast Craft welcomes makers from a variety of disciplines, including textile arts, sculpture, furniture design, jewelry, home décor, and more. If you're an artist with a craft influenced by the West Coast aesthetic - think cool but sunny, laid back yet innovative - West Coast Craft should be on your radar.
Renegade Craft, Nationwide
Renegade Craft stands out due to its wide national footprint, with events across major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York City. This fair is a wide-ranging platform for indie-craft artists and serves as a pioneer in the global maker movement.
Renegade is recognized for its festive event atmosphere, complete with food trucks, indie music, interactive features, and more. It provides a vibrant backdrop for showcasing innovative crafts. If you’re looking to reach a diverse, culturally engaged audience in multiple cities, Renegade is the way to go.
One of a Kind Show, Chicago, IL
The One of a Kind Show in Chicago is a much-anticipated event that features more than 600 talented makers from across North America. The wide array of work presented makes this event a hot destination for experienced collectors and new craft enthusiasts alike.
Its festive atmosphere, complete with fashion shows, live music, and gourmet cafes, creates an engaging environment for makers to showcase their creativity and interact with potential buyers.
Indie Craft Experience (ICE), Atlanta, GA
Indie Craft Experience, fondly known as ICE, is a popular craft event that takes place annually in Atlanta. Founded in 2005, ICE is a mission-driven endeavor created by two crafters who wanted a local market where they could sell their own creations and those of their indie-craft community.
ICE has grown substantially over the years and now includes several annual events, such as a summer craft market, a holiday shopping spectacular, and a salvage vintage marketplace. These events feature craft and vintage vendors, food vendors, swag bags for the first attendees, and a series of craft workshops.
The fair is well-known for its laid-back and fun atmosphere. The selection of goods at ICE is diverse and high-quality, ranging from clothing and accessories to home decor, children's items, and gourmet food. It's a great opportunity for makers who produce fresh, innovative, and contemporary goods.
Participating in the Indie Craft Experience offers makers not only a chance to sell their goods to an enthusiastic crowd but also the opportunity to be part of a vibrant, supportive community of crafters. If you're a maker based in the South or looking to tap into Atlanta's thriving craft scene, ICE could be an excellent choice for you.