Best Craft Fairs in Colorado 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers

What makes Colorado unique for craft vendors? The outdoor culture runs deep here. Shoppers at Colorado craft fairs tend to value sustainability, handmade quality, and supporting local businesses. The state also has a strong network of recurring artisan markets, especially along the Front Range corridor from Fort Collins down through Denver to Colorado Springs. Booth fees are generally reasonable compared to coastal states, and many events are free to attend, which means solid foot traffic.

Below you'll find our picks for the best craft fairs happening across Colorado in 2026. We pulled real data from our database, so what you see here are actual events with real dates and fees. For the full, searchable list of Colorado craft fairs, check out TheCraftMap's Colorado search.

Denver Metro Area Markets

Denver is the hub of Colorado's craft scene. The metro area hosts dozens of recurring artisan markets, pop-up events, and seasonal shows. If you're looking to build a consistent customer base, getting into the rotation at a few Denver-area markets is a smart move.

Front Range Community Shows

The cities stretching along Colorado's Front Range, from Fort Collins and Longmont down through Thornton, Arvada, Aurora, and Highlands Ranch, host some of the most vendor-friendly craft shows in the state. These tend to be community-focused events with lower booth fees and loyal local shoppers.

Vendor tip for Colorado: The altitude and dry air can affect certain products. If you sell candles or anything wax-based, you may notice slightly different burn characteristics at elevation. Soap makers should be aware that the low humidity means products dry faster, which can be a selling point. Consider mentioning "made for Colorado's climate" in your pitch. Tools like Soaply can help soap makers dial in their recipes for high-altitude conditions.

Mountain Town & Western Slope Events

Some of Colorado's most memorable craft fairs happen outside the Front Range corridor. Mountain towns and Western Slope communities host events with a completely different vibe, often tied to local festivals, wildlife events, or seasonal celebrations. These shows draw tourists and locals alike, and the smaller vendor pools mean less competition for your booth.

Tips for Selling at Colorado Craft Fairs

Colorado has its own rhythm when it comes to craft fairs. Here's what experienced vendors say works well in this market:

• Layer your booth setup. Colorado weather is unpredictable. Outdoor shows can swing from 70 degrees to snow in a single afternoon. Bring weights for your tent, walls for wind, and always have a tarp ready.
• Lean into the local angle. Colorado shoppers love supporting local makers. If you source materials locally or your products are designed for mountain living, make that front and center in your signage.
• Price confidently. Colorado's cost of living is high, and shoppers here are used to paying for quality. Don't undercut yourself. Handmade goods at a craft fair should reflect the time and skill that went into them.
• Consider the altitude. If you're traveling from a lower elevation, give yourself time to adjust. Hauling booth equipment at 7,000+ feet hits different. Stay hydrated.
• Get into the Elevate Vendor Events circuit. Several of the recurring markets in this list are run by Elevate Vendor Events. Once you're in their network, you get access to multiple monthly markets across the Front Range.
• Track your applications. With so many shows across the state, it's easy to lose track of deadlines. Use TheCraftMap's deadline tracker to stay on top of application windows.

Find More Colorado Craft Fairs

This list covers some of the standout shows, but Colorado has way more happening throughout the year. Summer is especially packed with outdoor festivals across the mountains and Front Range. Browse the full, searchable list of Colorado craft fairs on TheCraftMap to find events that fit your schedule, budget, and product type.