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Having a hard time finding craft shows – or finding out about them too late? Today, let’s take a look at ways to find local craft shows and fairs.
Table of Contents
5 Ways to Find Craft Shows in Your Area
Use a Craft Show Directory Online
Some good places to start include: Festival Net, CraftMaster News (by subscription only), and my favorite CraftLister. (They also list non-craft events, and I have discovered lots of neat places to go with my kids!)
Don’t forget, you can also search Google for “craft shows (your state)”.
Look in Your Local Newspaper or Arts and Crafts Magazines
Often times, craft show organizers put up classified ads in local newspapers to help find vendors in the months before their show. They advertise once again for shoppers when the show or fair is closer.
Also, look in the back of arts and crafts magazines for upcoming shows or fairs. If you don’t want to purchase a copy of major crafting publications, feel free to visit your local book store or library.
Reach Out to Local Churches, Schools, Service Organizations, Women’s Groups, and Athletic Leagues
Groups and organizations often have craft shows as fundraisers. Reach out to them to see if they have any upcoming shows or fairs planned.
Talk to Other Crafters
Visit your local craft store and ask around. Having worked at Michaels Arts and Crafts as an instructor, I can tell you that most of the people that work in craft stores also craft. Many have their own crafting businesses on the side, and may also attend shows or fairs.
Additionally, our local Michaels, Joanns, and Hobby Lobby are have bulletin boards in the front of their stores with upcoming craft show information.
Follow Organizations on Social Media
Take some time and start looking through social media. There are bound to be crafters and organizers talking about upcoming shows.
Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available at through the Design with Me series.
Ella Moore
Tuesday 16th of May 2023
I am very happy to read up this it gave me some great ideas
Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business
Monday 22nd of May 2023
Great!
Amy Smith
Saturday 21st of May 2016
This is a great article and I appreciate this information. Personally, I have yet to sign up for a fair due to two factors. 1. Making to little and failing. 2. Making to much and again still being in debt. So my question is how does one know how much is enough without being too much?
Christine
Monday 23rd of May 2016
Hi Amy! I take enough inventory to make at least 5 times the show entry fee. Craft shows are really hit or miss. I'd dive in and try one out to see if you even like doing them - some people don't.