California has the biggest craft fair scene in the country. With 471+ events tracked on TheCraftMap, the Golden State offers year-round opportunities for vendors selling everything from handmade candles and jewelry to ceramics, woodwork, and artisan foods. Here is your guide to the best craft fairs in California for 2026.
Want the full list? Browse all California craft fairs on our California search page.
Why California Is a Top State for Craft Vendors
With nearly 40 million residents and a culture that values handmade, local, and artisan goods, California is a goldmine for craft fair vendors. The state's mild climate means outdoor events run almost year-round in Southern California, while Northern California packs its fair season into the warmer months. Whether you're setting up in a beachside market or a mountain town festival, the foot traffic potential here is unmatched.
Winter and Early Spring (January - March)
California's craft season starts strong in January, especially in the desert and SoCal regions. These early-year shows attract snowbirds, tourists, and locals alike. If you make handmade candles, tools like WickSuite can help you price products before fair season starts.
Inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement, Artazan focuses on handcraft in all forms. Products made with meticulous detail, natural materials, and brilliant colors, presented by the artists and makers themselves.
Now in its 36th year, this festival features artists and craftsmen presenting original artwork in clay, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, photography, and sculpture. Free admission and parking.
A favorite among quilters with over 500 quilts and wearables on display. Juried contest with some of the finest work you will ever see, plus specialized exhibits that change every year.
Original fine art and fine crafts in all mediums. Paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramic, glass, wood, metal, mixed media, digital, jewelry, and handmade treasures. Free admission and parking.
Spring (April - May)
Spring brings some of California's flagship art festivals. These are high-profile shows with strong marketing and big crowds. Soap makers heading to California fairs can use Soaply to track costs and make sure booth fees pencil out.
San Diego's longest running and largest art festival, now in its 42nd year. Occupying 15 blocks of Little Italy, it attracts over 100,000 art lovers from all over the USA.
A 46+ year Ventura County staple with over 400 booth spaces, a beer and wine garden, all-day entertainment, and convenient parking at Simi Valley Town Center.
Summer (June - August)
Summer in California means county fairs, mountain town festivals, and long-running events that can provide weeks of steady sales. The county fairs have higher booth fees but offer massive exposure to tens of thousands of visitors.
A 58-year community celebration in Humboldt County with a parade, chili cook-off, family festival, horseshoe tournament, food and craft vendors at Pierson Park.
A 73-year-old tradition in this Central Coast flower capital. A four-day festival in the heart of California's flower fields.
One of the state's biggest fairs, running nearly a month at the OC Fair & Event Center. Both indoor and outdoor spaces available for vendors.
Experience the spectacular Sierra Mountains at this annual fair. Beautiful landscape and simplicity of life draw tourists back each year, providing good sales. 40 artist spaces on pavement.
Twelve days of fair action with both indoor and outdoor vendor options. A broad audience of families and visitors from across Ventura County.
Fall (September - October)
Fall brings cooler weather and some of California's most unique art fairs, from redwood forest shows to coastal county fairs.
A 63-year-old fine arts and crafts show held Labor Day weekend in a redwood forest south of San Francisco. Fundraiser for the volunteer fire department and local school.
A five-day fair with both indoor and outdoor spaces. The Santa Cruz area has a strong buy-local culture that benefits handmade vendors.
Recurring and Year-Round Markets
These markets run weekly or monthly throughout 2026, giving vendors a reliable, repeatable revenue stream without the one-time-event pressure.
The largest antiques show in Northern California. Held on the 1st Sunday of every month with over 800 dealer booths. The ultimate place to shop for vintage and antique home decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry, art, pottery, and collectibles.
A year-round, rain or shine market held every Wednesday and Saturday. Over 50 years running in Sonoma County.
Every Thursday evening, Downtown Palm Springs transforms into a diverse array of artists, artisans, entertainers, and purveyors of fresh produce, flowers, jewelry, snacks, and sweets along Palm Canyon Drive.
Tips for Vendors Selling in California
Know the Permit Situation
California requires a Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) if you're selling tangible goods. You'll collect sales tax based on the location of the sale, not your home address. Each county can have different tax rates, so use the CDTFA's online rate lookup before each event.
Plan for the Geography
California is massive. LA to San Francisco is a 6-hour drive. If you're planning a multi-fair tour, cluster your events by region: SoCal (LA, OC, San Diego, Palm Springs), Central Coast (SLO, Santa Barbara, Ventura), Central Valley (Sacramento, Fresno, Stockton), Bay Area (SF, Oakland, San Jose), or NorCal (Humboldt, Mendocino, Shasta).
Weather Varies Wildly
Southern California is sunny and warm most of the year. Northern California can be rainy and cool, especially in spring and fall. The Central Valley gets brutally hot in summer (100°F+). The coast is foggy in summer mornings. Pack and plan for the specific region you're vending in.
Competition Is Real
With so many makers in California, you need to stand out. Great booth displays, strong branding, and a clear product niche go a long way. For tips on standing out, check out our guide on how to stand out at a crowded craft fair.
Plan Your California Season
We track 471+ craft fairs across California, with dates, locations, and booth fees where available. Use our California search to filter by date, city, and event type. Save your favorites and track application deadlines so you never miss a show.
California's craft fair season never really ends. With hundreds of events from the Oregon border to San Diego, there's always a show to apply for. Start with the events closest to you, build your reputation, and expand from there.
Ready to find your next show? Search California craft fairs on TheCraftMap and start planning your 2026 season.
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