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

Connecticut packs a lot of craft fair energy into a small state. From the shoreline towns along Long Island Sound to the rolling hills of Litchfield County, the Nutmeg State has a craft show scene that punches well above its weight. Whether you sell handmade candles, jewelry, pottery, or soap, Connecticut offers a dense network of shows with high foot traffic and buyers who appreciate quality handmade goods.

We pulled together the top craft fairs happening across Connecticut in 2026, drawing from our database of 39 Connecticut craft fairs on TheCraftMap. Here are the shows worth marking on your calendar.

Spring Fairs: Kicking Off the Season

Connecticut's craft season gets rolling early. By March and April, indoor venues across the state are hosting shows that draw cabin-fevered shoppers looking to spend. Spring is a great time to test new products and build your customer base before the bigger summer shows.

Mike & Pat's shows have a loyal following across New England. If you're a crafter looking for a well-organized indoor show with good foot traffic, this is a solid entry point. The wedding hall venue gives it a polished feel that shoppers love.

The Sheep, Wool and Fiber Festival is a niche event, but if you work with fiber, yarn, textiles, or anything wool-adjacent, this is your crowd. Always the last Saturday in April, it draws serious fiber enthusiasts from across New England.

May: Mother's Day Weekend and Beyond

May is prime time for Connecticut craft fairs. Mother's Day weekend alone brings several major events, and shoppers are actively looking for unique gifts. If you can only do a few shows a year, stack your May calendar.

This is the big one. Mohegan Sun's convention center hosts 275+ artisans over Mother's Day weekend, and the foot traffic is enormous. The casino resort setting means shoppers are already in a spending mood. It's competitive to get into, but the exposure is worth the effort.

Milford Green is one of those classic New England town greens that makes for a perfect outdoor market. With 150 artisans and a full day of entertainment, this two-day show draws families from across the shoreline region. Great for handmade goods of all types.

Fifty-four years running. That kind of longevity tells you everything about community support. This is strictly non-commercial and handmade only, so the quality bar is high. If you make jewelry, apply early because they cap that category.

Tips for Selling at Connecticut Craft Fairs

Connecticut is a small state with a dense, affluent population. That creates some unique dynamics for craft vendors:

• Price accordingly. Connecticut has one of the highest median household incomes in the country. Shoppers here expect quality and are willing to pay for it. Don't undervalue your work.
• Drive times are short. Most of the state is within a two-hour drive of any given point. That means you can realistically do shows in Hartford, New Haven, and the shoreline without needing hotel stays.
• Weather matters for spring shows. Connecticut springs can be unpredictable. For outdoor events in April and May, always have a plan for rain and wind. A solid tent and weights are non-negotiable.
• New England taste leans classic. While trendy items sell, Connecticut shoppers tend to gravitate toward timeless, well-crafted goods. Think quality materials and clean design.

If you make candles or soap, tools like WickSuite and Soaply can help you manage recipes and inventory as you scale up for the show season.

Summer and Fall Highlights

Connecticut's craft fair season runs strong from June through November. While we have fewer confirmed dates for summer and fall shows in our database right now, these are worth watching:

The Women's Spring Craft Celebration in West Hartford is intimate by design. Only 20 artisans, all women, all handmade. That exclusivity creates a curated shopping experience that buyers love.

Holiday Season

Frosty's sells out every year for a reason. Over 3,000 shoppers, heavy advertising across multiple channels, and prime pre-holiday timing. If you want a spot, get on that waitlist early. Southington takes its Christmas seriously.

Find More Connecticut Craft Fairs

This guide covers our top picks, but there are dozens more shows across the state. Browse all Connecticut craft fairs on TheCraftMap to find shows near you, filter by date and type, and save your favorites.

New fairs are added regularly as we scrape and verify events from across the web. Bookmark your search and check back often as summer and fall dates get posted.