All right, artisans and vendors—are you ready? It’s time to take the plunge into the world of handmade selling! You’ve built up some inventory. You may have even dipped your toes into selling online. And just like that… huzzah! It’s already time to start thinking about applying to craft fairs. So—how do you actually find craft fairs in your area? Great question! I’ve gathered a list of helpful places to start your search.
I always suggest giving the craft fair circuit a go, even just to confirm you don’t want to do it. However, you might just find that you love it!
– Pamela Grice, the Crochetpreneur
Is Selling at Craft Fairs the Right Choice for Your Crochet Business?
Now, maybe you were planning to stay home and stick to online sales—and that’s totally okay. But I always recommend giving the craft fair circuit at least one try. Even if you discover it’s not for you, at least you’ll know for sure. And who knows? You might end up loving it. There’s nothing quite like the moment the doors open and crowds rush in, oohing and aahing over your creations… and yes, placing some cold, hard cash directly into your hands.
Of course, not every craft fair will be a blockbuster. Finding your best shows takes some experimentation, a little detective work, and a bit of networking. But once you discover the right events, you may find that meeting customers face-to-face becomes one of your favorite parts of running a crochet business.
Best Platforms to Find Upcoming Craft Fairs Near Me
Are there any popular craft fair directories I can use?
FestivalNet.com. One of the most robust festival directories out there. The free membership lets you search by month, state, radius, and type of event. Paid memberships (around $60/year) include full application details, but honestly—if you’re new to fairs, the free version is usually enough.
FairsAndFestivals.net . Another extensive, filterable directory packed with events, plus vendor listings and articles. It’s easy to get sucked into browsing, so keep your mission in mind while you explore.
Eventbrite.com. A surprisingly rich resource for local events, including fairs, markets, classes, fundraisers, and more. With its social features and growing popularity among organizers, it’s definitely worth a look.
track all your market details like a pro
Free Tracker for Your Upcoming Markets
With this form, you can compile all of the important information for possible fairs including craft fair details, contact information, payment information and more! You’ll never miss out on important opportunities when you track your details like the most profitable professionals.
Etsy Resources
Etsy Teams can be a helpful method of gathering information about local craft fairs. Do a quick search through the teams and find one in your area. Join up and check out their listings of local fairs. If you don’t find a thread listing local events, check with the moderator to see if you can start one!
Etsy Local is a hidden little gem filled with information. Simply enter your location and desired dates and you will receive not only a listing of local events but details on other handmade sellers who have already committed to the show.
Local Event Calendars
Don’t underestimate your city’s own event listings. Chamber of Commerce sites, local news outlets, and community calendars are often full of opportunities that never make it to the national directories. A simple “[my city] event calendar” Google search can open up a goldmine of craft fair leads.
Facebook Groups
Many organizers rely on Facebook for free promotion. Search for “[your city] craft fair” and you may find vendor groups, listing pages, or the official Facebook page for specific shows. Facebook can also be a great place to find your desired event once you’ve learned its name from one of the larger sites. Many shows are creating their own page and uploading an application right there for your convenience.
Craigslist
Yes—really! Craigslist can be a surprisingly handy resource to find craft fairs when you search the Community and Events sections for “vendors,” “craft fair,” and “craft show.”
More Resources for Craft Fair Sellers
After you find the perfect craft fairs and events to
- How to Sell at Craft Fairs: Four Types of Customers
- Simple Steps for Planning Your Craft Fair Inventory
- Top 10 Places to Sell Crochet Offline and In-Person (that aren’t craft fairs)
- Mastering Craft Fairs Course: Become a Crochet Selling Rock Star!
A Quick Word of Encouragement
Some big fairs fill up fast—sometimes a year in advance. If you want Don’t stress about it. Smaller shows can be incredibly profitable, and every fair you participate in helps you learn, grow, and prepare for even bigger opportunities.
You’ve got this. Truly. Your perfect craft fair is out there—now you know exactly where to start looking.
Get Access to Our Entire Vault of Crochet Business Boosting Resources!
