Best Craft Festivals on the East Coast

For arts and crafts enthusiasts, the East Coast boasts an array of craft fairs and festivals. These events celebrate artisans, their skills, and handcrafted items from a variety of disciplines, like woodworking and fiber arts. Whether you’re looking for something to add to your home decor, are an avid collector, or just like to amble the booths taking in the sights and sounds, craft shows are fun and a great way to discover who people are, and what inspires and motivates them. Learning more about others is one of the best parts, plus you may go home with something amazing to display. Here I’m sharing some of the best craft festivals on the East Coast; some of which harken back to the origins of the nation.  This is by no means an absolutely comprehensive list but will hopefully give you some inspiration. These fairs and festivals are also great additions to your East Coast travels.

Multi-City Craft Festivals on the East Coast

The American Craft Council hosts a variety of craft shows in various locations across the United States. Past events have taken place in Baltimore, Maryland, and Atlanta Georgia but the council hosts numerous workshops, events, and marketplaces throughout the year. To stay abreast of American Craft Council shows and marketplaces nationwide, visit their website or subscribe to the quarterly American Craft Magazine.

Artrider Craft Shows – Artrider Production hosts craft shows and exhibitions across New York and New Jersey featuring high-quality fine arts and crafts from skilled artisans. In addition to city events, additional exhibition locations include Tarrytown, Rhinebeck, Guilford, Westport, and Morristown.  

Renegade Craft Fair – With events across the country, including craft festivals on the East Coast – specifically New York City and Brooklyn – the Renegade Craft Fair focuses on contemporary arts, crafts, and design and features a variety of independent artisans and makers.  I love the Renegade fairs but be warned–they’re some of the most crowded craft fairs I’ve attended. This is a combination of being hosted in cities and just simply being so well-curated and amazing. Make sure to do some craft supply shopping while you’re in NYC!

Southeastern Weekend-long Craft Shows

Coconut Grove Arts Festival – If you’re looking to get away from the colder weather in February, head to Miami for the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. This event is one of the largest outdoor craft festivals on the East Coast and attracts artisans and shoppers from around the world. It’s an all-immersive event that takes up several city blocks, with art, food, fun and so much to enjoy for the whole family.  

Craft Shows in the Carolinas

The Flowertown Festival – Hosted by the Summerville, South Carolina YMCA, the Flowertown Festival aligns with azalea season in the south, making it the ideal spring activity for those looking to get out and enjoy the weather and all that the Charleston area has to offer. This three-day weekend is full of arts, and crafts, food vendors, rides, and experiences for the whole family and serves as the premier YMCA fundraiser for the region. 

The Big Crafty – Asheville, North Carolina celebrates local crafters, independent artists, and makers from the region and beyond with a wide range of handmade goods each year at The Big Crafty. The semi-annual event in downtown Asheville was founded by Justin Rabuck and Brandy Bourne in 2008 and has been a big draw to the area for decades. And, while you’re in town, be sure to make time to visit the Biltmore Estate. I grew up going to Bele Chere, which was amazing, but, sadly, its last year was 2013. The Big Crafty is a super solid replacement.

 Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival – Held near Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina at the Atalaya Castle in Huntington Beach State Park, the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival brings shoppers and artisans from all over. This three-day event celebrates artists in a variety of mediums and is held at the former home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, with their former home, Atalaya Castle as a backdrop.

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair – The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is held twice each year, both in the summer and fall months and has been voted one of the Southeast’s most popular events. And, with good reason; held in the Gatlinburg Convention Center, the fair brings craftsmen and artisans from around the country. Over two hundred artisans are on hand each season. Booths include displays of handcrafted mountain dulcimers, pottery, handmade candy, holiday ornaments, and more.

Art Shows and Craft Festivals on the East Coast

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show – Held each fall in the City of Brotherly Love, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show attracts artisans and visitors from all over. Recent art show winners include Tyler MacDonald, who in 2023 won the Louise K. Binswanger Prize for Best Artist New to the Show. Other winning titles include Excellence in Fiber Arts and Excellence in Glass. The craft show typically runs the weekend before Thanksgiving each year. 

RISD Craft – The Rhode Island School of Design holds juried craft shows in both the spring and fall. Current students and alumni are eligible and the craft show highlights a wide variety of art. The spring show takes place during Commencement and Reunion weekend in June.

Smithsonian Craft Show – This juried arts and crafts show takes place at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC each spring and highlights about 120 artists from all over. Hosted by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, funds from the show go to benefit education and research programs facilitated by the Smithsonian. 

Common Ground Country Fair – Held in Unity, Maine each fall, the Common Ground Country Fair features handmade crafts, skilled artisans, and traditional northeast craftsmanship as well as contemporary arts and crafts and demonstrations. Autumn is also an ideal time to visit the northeast before the cold winters settle in, especially if you’re interested in seeing peak fall foliage.

The East Coast is home to several craft festivals throughout the year; these provide just a small glimpse into the world of craft festivals and art shows in the region. Attending one of these shows is a great opportunity to get to know some skilled artisans and craftsmen. It’s also an excellent way to get a feel for the people, places, and experiences that make the East Coast unique.