AmericanStyle’s 2011 Essential Guide to Fairs & Festivals

The Festival of Fine Craft in Millville, N.J., provides artist demonstrations in nearly every medium. The next festival will be on Oct. 1-2.

Festivals All Year Round

Whether you’re a local arts enthusiast or a cross-country traveler, consider the following month-by-month compilation of national fairs, festivals and retail shows as the ultimate contemporary craft resource.

MARCH

Palm Beach Fine Craft Show
West Palm Beach, Fla., March 4-6
More than 100 artists present a mix of one-of-a-kind or limited edition work in fiber, glass and metal. Admission: $15.

The American Craft Council Show in Atlanta
Atlanta, Ga., March 10-13
One of the most competitive juried shows in the nation, this festival displays work by only the very best artists. Admission: $13 per day or $20 for a two-day pass.

La Quinta Arts Festival
La Quinta, Calif., March 10-13
Located in the mountain town of La Quinta, this juried affair has a mixture of the nation’s best contemporary artists. Admission: $12 per day or $15 for a multi-day pass.

Scottsdale Arts Festival
Scottsdale, Ariz., March 11-13
For more than four decades, this large outdoor festival has and continues to feature 200 of North America’s top-notch artists. Admission: $7 or $10 for a two-day pass.

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Somerset, N.J., March 11-13
Offering a unique marketplace with both traditional and contemporary crafts, there is something for everyone here. Admission: $9.

Bonita Springs National Art Festival
Bonita Springs, Fla., March 12-13
This outdoor exhibition features 200 internationally known artists exhibiting and selling their work in clay, fiber, glass, mixed media, photography and jewelry. Admission: $5 donation.

Contemporary Crafts Market
San Francisco, Calif., March 12-13
This can’t-miss festival displays up-and-coming work as well as pieces by artists featured in national museums and galleries. Admission: $8.

Paradise City Arts Festival
Marlborough, Mass., March 18-20
Featuring a large indoor sculpture garden, this space allows artists to “think outside the box” and present work that you won’t find anywhere else.
Admission: $12 or $15 for a three-day pass.

Spring CraftMorristown
Morristown, N.J., March 18-20
Displaying work from 150 artists, the show features craft suited to even the most sophisticated palate. Admission: $7.

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Oaks, Pa., March 18-20
(See first March listing for more information.)

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
Winter Park, Fla., March 18-20
Discover the artist-lined streets of historic downtown Winter Park and enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Admission: free.

Kentucky Crafted: The Market
Louisville, Ky., March 19-20
The market features Kentucky’s finest crafts, visual art and books, as well as live performances and demonstrations. Admission: $8.

Bayou City Art Festival
Houston, Texas, March 25-27
Explore the work of 300 artists producing original pieces in 18 mediums at this unique event. Admission: $10.

CraftBoston
Boston, Mass., March 25-27
The show features 200 artists selling one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces in clay, fiber, glass and so much more. Admission: $15.

The Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show
Philadelphia, Pa., March 25-27
Now in its 17th year, explore the longest-running craft show devoted to furniture and furnishings. Admission: $12 or $15 for a weekend pass.

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Hartford, Conn., March 25-27
(See March listing for more information.)

Tempe Festival of the Arts
Tempe, Ariz., March 25-27
Tempe’s oldest and largest art festival offers an expansive mix of the arts with an urban atmosphere. Admission: free.

Best of the Northwest
Seattle, Wash., March 26-27
With more than 100 artists, this juried show features only the best of the best artists and craftspeople. Admission: $7.

APRIL

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Gaithersburg, Md., April 8-10
(See March listing for more information.)

Fiesta Arts Fair
San Antonio, Texas, April 9-10
Kick-starting the city’s 10-day Fiesta San Antonio, this fair attracts 12,000 visitors with enticing works in mixed media, ceramics and jewelry. Admission: $8 per day or $12 for a two-day pass.

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
The Woodlands, Texas, April 9-10
The festival shines with high-quality art in a beautiful setting along the Woodlands Waterway. Admission: $10 per day or $15 for a two-day pass.

Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival
Fort Worth, Texas, April 14-17
This four-day show transforms downtown Fort Worth into a mile-long outdoor gallery for the nation’s best artists and craftspeople. Admission: free.

Smithsonian Craft Show
Washington, D.C., April 14-17
Presented by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, this juried show features the work of 120 top-notch artists. Admission: $15.

The American Craft Council Show in St. Paul
St. Paul, Minn., April 15-17
The council’s third show of the year features work from 240 amazing artists, along with live demonstrations. Admission: $12 per day or $20 for a three day pass.

Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show
Baltimore, Md., April 15-17
This invitational show features handcrafted furniture, and functional and decorative craft in a wide range of designs, styles and materials. Admission: $10.

SOFA New York
New York, N.Y., April 15-18
This international art exposition bridges the worlds of design, decorative art and fine art by featuring artists from 55 premier galleries and dealers. Admission: $25 per day or $40 for a four-day pass.

Brookside Art Annual
Kansas City, Mo., April 29-May 1
Attracting nearly 70,000 patrons a year and featuring only the finest arts and crafts, this annual has been an art-lover’s paradise for more than 25 years. Admission: free.

Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst
Tarrytown, N.Y., April 29-May 1
Overlooking the Hudson River, this festival showcases works in fiber, metal, clay and mixed media, benefiting the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Admission: $10.

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Timonium, Md., April 29-May 1
(See March listing for more information.)

Crafts on Columbus
New York, N.Y., April 30-May 1, May 7-8, May 14-15
The Upper West Side of Manhattan becomes an art gallery, displaying some of America’s best handmade craft. Admission: free.

MAY

TACA Tennessee Craft Fair
Nashville, Tenn., May 6-8
This festival showcases the work of 180 artists from across the state. Admission: free.

Broad Ripple Art Fair
Indianapolis, Ind., May 21-22
A fund-raiser for the Indianapolis Art Center, this fair features 225 artist booths, demonstrations and classes. Admission: $12.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival
Reston, Va., May 21-22
This two-day outdoor festival offers visitors the chance to view and purchase art directly from the artists. Admission: $5 donation.

Piccolo Spoleto Crafts Fair
Charleston, S.C., May 27-29 and June 3-5
A part of the 17-day Spoleto Festival, this two-weekend craft event displays work from the area’s leading fine craftsmen and artists. Admission: $3.

Paradise City Arts Festival
Northampton, Mass., May 28-30
(See March listing for more information.)

JUNE

Columbus Arts Festival
Columbus, Ohio, June 3-5
For 50 years, this festival has displayed everything from glass to fiber from more than 230 visual artists. Admission: free.

Three Rivers Arts Festival
Pittsburgh, Pa., June 3-12
The 10-day downtown Pittsburgh festival features a juried artist market, art exhibitions and more than 50 live performances. Admission: free.

Art in the Park
Columbia, Mo., June 4-5
Located in a stunning park setting, this fine arts festival features more than 100 artists—both established and emerging. Admission: free.

57th Street Art Fair
Chicago, Ill., June 4-5
The fair’s unique “Art-Buying Boot Camp” helps you choose the best art for your space. Admission: free.

Contemporary Crafts Market
Santa Monica, Calif., June 10-12
(See March listing for more information.)

American Crafts Festival
New York, N.Y., June 11-12 and 18-19
Buy an abundance of unique American crafts from 175 artists. Admission: free.

Old Town Art Fair
Chicago, Ill., June 11-12
The art fair celebrates its 62nd year with work from 260 artists, a garden walk and tour of the area’s historic homes. Admission: $7 donation.

Talbot Street Art Fair
Indianapolis, Ind., June 11-12
In its 56th year, the annual street fair features juried work from 270 artists. Admission: free.

Boardwalk Art Show & Festival
Virginia Beach, Va., June 16-19
In honor of Virginia’s statewide celebration of women in the arts, the festival celebrates the work of female visual artists with an awards program. Admission: free.

Lakefront Festival of Arts
Milwaukee, Wis., June 17-19
Presented by the Milwaukee Art Museum, this annual festival features leading artists as well as a sculpture garden, fashion show and silent auction. Admission: $12 per day or $20 for a three day pass.

Crafts at Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, N.Y., June 18-19
This show features handmade works in all mediums in a range of prices and styles. Admission: $7.

Des Moines Arts Festival
Des Moines, Iowa, June 24-26
This festival has 30 hands-on art activities and showcases more than 180 of the country’s best artists. Admission: free.

Art-A-Fair Festival
Laguna Beach, Calif., June 24-Aug. 28
Explore the work of almost 130 fine artists in a relaxed setting during this two-month-long festival. Admission: $7.

Sawdust Art Festival
Laguna Beach, Calif., June 24-Aug. 28
Lasting more than two months, this event’s mission is to educate the public about handcrafted art made in the Laguna Beach area. Admission: $7.50.

Francisco’s Farm Arts Festival
Midway, Ky., June 25-26
One of the local community‘s most anticipated events, the festival offers a mix of high-quality art that will have you coming back year after year. Admission: $5.

Indian Market and Festival
Indianapolis, Ind., June 25-26
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art’s market features traditional Native American art as well as performances by dancers, singers and storytellers. Admission: $10.

JULY

Berkshires Arts Festival
Great Barrington, Mass., July 2-4
Featuring work in all craft categories, festival goers can spend all day exploring 165 booths. Admission: $11.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Denver, Colo., July 2-4
Don’t miss Colorado’s premier festival showing 200 of the best fine artists in the country. Admission: free.

The Festival of Arts
Laguna Beach, Calif., July 3-Aug. 31
The outdoor art show displays the work of 140 award-winning artists along with special events like guided art tours. Admission: $7 for a season pass.

Art Santa Fe
Santa Fe, N.M., July 7-10
Check out world-class contemporary art from more than 1,000 international artists. Admission: $8.50.

Pageant of the Masters
Laguna Beach, Calif., July 7-Aug. 31
“Only Make Believe” is the theme of this year’s performance, which sees 500 volunteers transformed into life-sized re-creations of world-famous art. Admission: $15-$100.

Art Fair on the Square
Madison, Wis., July 9-10
In its 53rd year, the festival attracts nearly 200,000 visitors with a range of art and craft, music and family entertainment. Admission: free.

Guilford Craft Expo
Guilford, Conn., July 14-16
The Guilford Art Center’s outdoor show features work from 175 artists as well as a food court, music and children’s crafts. Admission: $7.

Midsummer Festival of the Arts
Sheboygan, Wis., July 16-17
Approximately 135 artists exhibit in a stunning sculpture garden at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Admission: free.

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original
Ann Arbor, Mich., July 20-23
The fair’s mission to increase public knowledge and appreciation for contemporary fine arts and crafts is evidenced by the 150 artist booths. Admission: free.

Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
Ann Arbor, Mich., July 20-23
The fair, created and run by the Michigan Guild of Artists & Artisans, is a unique event that gives patrons an opportunity to interact with the artists. Admission: free.

State Street Area Art Fair
Ann Arbor, Mich., July 20-23
The fair combines the talents of 325 artists with a host of merchant displays along the vibrant streets of Ann Arbor’s campus area. Admission: free.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Asheville, N.C., July 21-24
Browse the art of 200 guild members while participating in the fair’s educational demonstrations. Admission: $8.

Artsfair
Bellevue, Wash., July 29-31
With 325 artists from all over the United States and Canada, there is something here for everyone. Admission: free.

AUGUST

SOFA West
Santa Fe, N.M., Aug. 4-7
The show is an intimate affair of extraordinary work from 30 galleries. Admission: $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass.

Anacortes Arts Festival
Anacortes, Wash., Aug. 5-7
The festival provides a one-of-a-kind experience by combining fine art with a rural island setting. Admission: free.

Kimball Arts Festival
Park City, Utah, Aug. 5-7
Set in a renowned ski resort town, this juried event shows work by 220 national artists. Admission: $10.

League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair
Newbury, N.H., Aug. 6-14
In addition to 200 artist booths, the show offers two exhibitions, “Living with Craft” and “CraftWear,” a lecture series, demonstrations and a sculpture garden. Admission: $10.

The American Craft Council Show in San Francisco
San Francisco, Calif., Aug. 12-14
(See March listing for more information.)

Santa Fe Indian Market
Santa Fe, N.M., Aug. 20-21
Featuring work from more than 100 Native American tribes, this market is the largest and oldest Native Arts market in the world. Admission: free.

American Craft Exposition
Evanston, Ill., Aug. 26-28
This highly competitive show displays 12 handcrafted mediums to benefit breast and ovarian cancer research and care. Admission: $15 for a three-day pass.

SEPTEMBER

Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival
Lancaster, Pa., Sept. 2-5
For more than 30 years, this annual Labor Day festival has showcased work by ceramic, fiber, glass and wood artists. Admission: $10-$12.

Art in the Pearl Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
Portland, Ore., Sept. 3-5
Set in a park, the festival is one of the only all-volunteer, artist-created and -run shows in the Portland area. Admission: free.

Sausalito Art Festival
Sausalito, Calif., Sept. 3-5
Located on the tranquil shores of San Francisco Bay, the view comes only second to the amazing work by the festival’s 280 artists. Admission: $20 or $30 for a three day pass.

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival
Upper Arlington, Ohio, Sept. 5
This one-day festival allows patrons to surround themselves with work by nearly 200 fine artists and craftspeople from all over the country. Admission: free.

The Saint Louis Art Fair
Clayton, Mo., Sept. 9-11
Along with literary, musical and dance performances, the fair entertains patrons with 170 artists and craftspeople. Admission: free.

Art & Apples Festival
Rochester, Mich., Sept. 9-11
Set in the sprawling 30-acre Rochester Park, the festival features more than 250 artists. Admission: $5 donation.

Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend
Wausau, Wis., Sept. 10-11
Hailed as the “biggest art bash in north central Wisconsin,” the weekend includes three events: Art in the Park, the Wausau Festival of Arts and “Birds in Art.” Admission: free.

Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst
Tarrytown, N.J., Sept. 16-18
(See April listing for more information.)

TACA Fall Craft Fair
Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 23-25
(See May listing for more information.)

Armonk Outdoor Art Show
Armonk, N.Y., Sept. 24-25
The juried show displays 200 artists working in paint, mixed media and fine crafts. Admission: $9.

Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair
Peoria, Ill., Sept. 24-25
The riverfront venue provides a first-rate experience by showcasing artists working in all mediums. Admission: $7 per day or $10 for a weekend pass.

Peters Valley Craft Fair
Augusta, N.J., Sept. 24-25
The fair features more than 180 booths of fine handmade American crafts along with demonstrations in a number of mediums. Admission: $7.

Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show
Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 30-Oct. 2
(See April listing for more information.)

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Timonium, Md., Sept. 30-Oct. 2
(See March listing for more information.)

St. James Court Art Show
Louisville, Ky., Sept. 30-Oct. 2
One of the nation’s largest art shows features more than 700 artists in historic downtown Louisville. Admission: free.

OCTOBER

Crafts at Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, N.Y., Oct. 1-2
(See June listing for more information.)

Festival of Fine Craft
Millville, N.J., Oct. 1-2
See more than 145 artists show their work in a beautiful outdoor setting. Admission: free.

Bayou City Art Festival
Houston, Texas, Oct. 8-9
(See March listing for more information.)

Sedona Arts Festival
Sedona, Ariz., Oct. 8-9
Browse the work of 150 artists while taking in the red rocks that create a unique festival experience. Admission: $10.

Paradise City Arts Festival
Northampton, Mass., Oct. 8-10
(See March listing for more information.)

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Gaithersburg, Md., Oct. 14-16
(See March listing for more information.)

Kentuck Festival of the Arts
Northport, Ala., Oct. 15-16
The festival showcases work from almost 300 juried and guest artists of national acclaim. Admission: $10 per day or $15 for a weekend pass.

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Asheville, N.C., Oct. 20-23
(See July listing for more information.)

Morristown CraftMarket
Morristown, N.J., Oct. 21-23
Check out 160 artists from across U.S. and Canada at this nationally-acclaimed event. Admission: $10 per day or $12 for a weekend pass.

Westchester Craft Show
White Plains, N.Y., Oct. 21-23
Approximately 110 artists provide an exciting mix of work in fiber, clay, mixed media and more. Admission: $12.

Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show
Providence, R.I., Oct. 21-23
(See April listing for more information.)

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Somerset, N.J., Oct. 28-30
(See March listing for more information.)

NOVEMBER

SOFA Chicago 2011
Chicago, Ill., Nov. 4-6
Expect only cutting-edge works that bridge the worlds of design, craft and fine art. Admission: $15 per day or $25 for a three-day pass.

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Oaks, Pa., Nov. 4-6
(See March listing for more information.)

One of a Kind Show and Sale NY
New York, N.Y., Nov. 10-13 and 17-20
A refreshing alternative to traditional retail, this show is the ideal place to find unique handmade gifts. Admission: $12.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show
Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 10-13
Discover the work of almost 200 high-end artists while watching daily demonstrations. Admission: $15 per day or $20 for a two-day pass.

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Hartford, Conn., Nov. 11-13
(See March listing for more information.)

Downtown Festival & Art Show
Gainesville, Fla., Nov. 12-13
This community-oriented event features 250 artists working in more than 10 disciplines. Admission: free.

Best of the Northwest
Seattle, Wash., Nov. 18-20
(See March listing for more information.)

Paradise City Arts Festival
Marlborough, Mass., Nov. 18-20
(See March listing for more information.)

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Gaithersburg, Md., Nov. 18-20
(See March listing for more information.)

CraftArt 2011
St. Petersburg, Fla., Nov. 19-20
This show is dedicated strictly to fine craft, as seen in the work of more than 130 artists. Admission: free.

Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair
Winston-Salem, N.C., Nov. 19-20
The warm and welcoming atmosphere found at this fair is only second to the quality work of its craftsmen. Admission: $7 per day or $11 for a weekend pass.

Winter Fantasy Sawdust Art Festival
Laguna Beach, Calif., Nov. 19-20, 25-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11
Start the holiday season with handcrafted work by 175 artists. Admission: $6 per day or $9 for a season pass.

Greater Cincinnati Winterfair
Covington, Ky., Nov. 25-27
A Thanksgiving tradition for many, the fair allows shoppers to find handmade items for holiday giving. Admission: $7.

DECEMBER

One of a Kind Show and Sale Chicago
Chicago, Ill., Dec. 1-4
(See November listing for more information.)

Columbus Winterfair
Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 2-4
This fair allows shoppers to find handmade items for holiday giving. Admission: $7.

Washington Craft Show
Washington, D.C., Dec. 2-4
More than 10,000 patrons attend this annual craft show to survey the mix of top-notch work by 195 artists. Admission: $15.

Holiday CraftMorristown
Morristown, N.J., Dec. 2-4
(See April listing for more information.)

CraftBoston Holiday
Boston, Mass., Dec. 9-11
Featuring 90 of the most innovative craft artists of our time, it’s an amazing opportunity to be creative with your holiday shopping. Admission: $15.

Sugarloaf Craft Festival
Chantilly, Va., Dec. 9-11
(See March listing for more information.)

JANUARY 2012

Celebration of Fine Art
Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 4-March 25
Patrons watch artists create their works, from beginning to end, during this 10-week-long festival. Admission: $8.

Bonita Springs National Art Festival
Bonita Springs, Fla., Jan. 14-15
(See March listing for more information.)

Art Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, Fla., Jan. 19-23
The festival presents the best in contemporary art, photography, video, installation and sculpture from 70 galleries. Admission: $15.

FEBRUARY 2012

St. Armands Circle Art Festival
Sarasota, Fla., Feb. 4-5
Painting, photography and jewelry are just a few of the mediums shown at this annual festival. Admission: free.

ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival
Location TBA, Feb. 18-20
This outdoor event showcases a juried exhibition of fine arts and crafts along with artist demonstrations and interactive art activities. Admission: $10.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Coconut Grove, Fla., Feb. 18-20
A signature event on the south Florida cultural calendar, this show offers visitors a chance to meet the exhibiting artists. Admission: $10.

Naples National Art Festival
Naples, Fla., Feb. 25-26
Join 275 artists as they present their work in fine art and craft in downtown Naples’ premier shopping and dining district. Admission: $5 donation.