We’ll begin this section with our personal favorites. There are literally hundreds of craft fairs out there. What we want to do is tell you about some amazing places we have been to so you can see for yourself!
It’s been called the craft fair capital of the world, and after attending year after year, we have to agree. Although we haven’t attended any craft fairs outside of the United States, we’re pretty sure that if you’re looking for some great handmade crafts, you can’t get any better than Bentonville, Arkansas.
In general, during the third week of October, Bentonville becomes one huge craft fair. The traffic is horrible, the people are packed shoulder to shoulder, but nowhere else will you find any better place to get your crafting fix!
Here are some of the main shows you can find during “Big Craft Weekend”:
• ‘Ole Applegate Festival Highway 72 West Bentonville AR, 72712 888-404-7478
The Autumn Fair is the Ozarks largest gathering of artists and craftsmen, for five full days with live entertainment and great food.
The Autumn Fair is at two locations; The Farm – 1 mile west of Bentonville on Hwy. 72 and at the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center – 211 Southeast Walton Blvd. This provides a true Ozark Country Atmosphere. Tour buses welcome.
• Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Festival P.O. Box 5009
Bella Vista AR, 72714 479-855-2064
This is a juried arts & crafts fair with upwards of 300 exhibitors, abundant food, entertainment by musicians, singers, dancers, kids’ activities, art, craft, and music demonstrations. This fair is sponsored by the Village Art Club. It is located off US Highway. 71 at Highway 279 and 340 in Northwest Arkansas
• Frisco Station mall Arts and Crafts Festival 100 N Dixieland Road, Dixieland Mall Rogers AR, 72756 479-872-9917
This is the largest inside mall arts & crafts festival in Northwest Arkansas. It is located at Walnut and Dixieland Blvd. in Rogers. Exhibitors should contact Mike Kinne at (479)750-9823 or email mkinne@cox-internet.com.
• Jones Center Arts and Crafts Festival 922 East Emma Jones Center for Families Springdale AR, 72765 479-751-9313
Located inside the Jones Center, this show is sponsored by Northwest Medical Center Auxiliary – It is a juried show with live music, free admission, and free parking. Only the most unique crafts are accepted to this show! Contact Carolyn McCoy at the above number for more information.
• Ozark Regional Arts and Crafts Fest Embassy Suites 3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway (I540 – Exit 83) Rogers, Arkansas 479-756-6954
This show is completely indoors. The hotel has restaurants, is handicap accessible and offers free parking and admission. Contact Bill or Karen Lloyd at 5557 Walden St. – Lowell, Arkansas 72745
• Ozark Regional Arts and Crafts Festival (not to be confused with the “Fest” listed above!); Holiday Inn Convention Center and Northwest Arkansas Convention Center HWY 412/I-540 – Exit 72 Springdale, Arkansas 479-756-6954
Located in the Holiday Inn NW Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale, this show has free parking and admission plus handicap access. Contact: Karen & Bill Lloyd, 5557 Walden, Lowell, AR 72745
• War Eagle 11036 High Sky Rd. Off-Highway 303 Hindsville AR, 72738 479-789-5398
Back-in-the-Hills of NW Arkansas, 300 of the finest artists and craftsmen display handmade products in a beautiful country setting. This show boasts many years of tradition – 52 years for the fall fair and 44 for the Spring Fair. Also, visit The Mill at War Eagle which is open year-round! Contact Shirley Sutton of War Eagle for more information.
Now, we’ll tell you a little bit about Cedarhurst Arts and Crafts Festival. Mount Vernon, Illinois, is the city that hosts one of Southern Illinois’ best craft shows.
This show is a wonderful mix of handmade crafts and fine arts, with an emphasis on fine arts. You’ll find some beautiful pieces perfect for decorating your home or giving as gifts, but be sure to bring your checkbook and credit cards.
This fair is always held the first weekend after Labor Day on the grounds of Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon, Illinois. This juried craft fair showcases the work of quality craftsmen from throughout the country.
Approximately 15,000 individuals annually attend the festival, which features more than 100 artisans, entertainment, craft activities in the children’s area, and plenty of food. It’s a great family outing!
Only artists or craftspeople selling their own works will be eligible to participate. No dealers, agents or representatives will be permitted. All work must be original and creative. Not acceptable are kits, commercial molds, or commercially fabricated forms.
To participate in this show, you will need to submit slides of your work. A jury will view the slides and make their selection based on originality, artistic conception, and the quality of workmanship.
Only media accepted by the jurors will be permitted in booths. The committee reserves the right to view each booth after set up and requests that any work not up to our standards be removed. The artists must come with their craft and have enough merchandise for all days. The committee urges exhibitors to demonstrate as much as possible.
The Internet is a great place to search for craft shows, fairs, and festivals. Try Googling those words and we’re sure you’ll find many results! However, once you find the perfect show, be sure to do your research to make sure it’s the right shoe for you!
Not all craft shows are done in specific locations. Does that sound strange? It shouldn’t! In this day and age, the Internet is commonplace. Even when it comes to crafting!
Here Some Links To Best lists of Craft Fairs:
We hope you enjoy this full craft fair guide to sell your crafts at craft fairs, this is Part Fourteen, find the full parts here:
