Illinois punches above its weight when it comes to craft fairs. Between Chicago's thriving makers market scene, nationally ranked suburban shows, and solid downstate festivals, vendors in the Prairie State have options year-round. Here are the best craft fairs in Illinois for 2026, organized by season so you can plan your calendar.
Want to see every Illinois fair? Browse the full list on our Illinois craft fairs page.
Winter and Early Spring Markets (February - March)
While outdoor craft fair season in Illinois doesn't really kick off until May, the indoor market scene stays busy all winter. Chicago especially has a packed calendar of makers markets, pop-ups, and curated shopping events from January through March. These smaller shows are great for building a local following and testing new products before the big summer fairs.
Celebrating two decades of creativity, community, and craft. Handmade Market Chicago is one of the city's longest-running indie markets, bringing together local makers and shoppers who care about buying handmade.
Community, art, and a good time. Shop local with your local arts, crafts, and baker community at KOVAL Distillery. A neighborhood favorite that draws a loyal crowd of handmade enthusiasts.
A handmade self-care vibe fest at Pullman Blockhouse Gallery. Perfect for candle makers, soap crafters, and anyone in the personal care space. If you make bath bombs, lotions, or anything that smells amazing, this is your crowd.
A free-to-attend makers market at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield, running from 12pm to 5pm. Brewery markets are growing in popularity across Illinois and this one pairs craft beer with craft goods in a relaxed setting.
A local art and craft show that benefits the music program at VJA High School. Community-focused shows like this are great for vendors just starting out or testing new products with a friendly, local crowd.
Vendor Tip: Brewery and Distillery Markets
Illinois has seen an explosion of brewery-hosted makers markets in recent years. These events pair well with handmade goods because the crowd is already in a relaxed, browsing mood. If you make candles, soaps, or anything gift-worthy, brewery markets can be surprisingly profitable. Check out Soaply if you're a soap maker looking to nail your pricing for these events.
Spring Craft Fairs (March - April)
Spring brings bigger shows as the weather warms up. Community festivals, themed markets, and some of Illinois's most established craft shows open their doors. This is when serious vendors start building momentum for the summer season.
One of the greatest Irish heritage festivals in the Chicagoland area. Support the Manhattan community while selling to festivalgoers who come for the culture and stay for the shopping.
Over 45 vendors at the Mt. Zion Convention Center with free admission and food for purchase. A solid mid-state show that draws dedicated craft shoppers from the Decatur area.
Named one of the 50 best craft shows in the US by Sunshine Artist Magazine. An annual spring tradition at College of DuPage Athletic Arena, this show has a loyal following among craft shoppers in the Chicago western suburbs. Started in 1990 and still going strong.
A curated shopping experience celebrating women makers, entrepreneurs, and artists. Shop small and support local businesses at this vibrant market focused on handmade goods across styles and budgets.
Vendor Tip: The Sunshine Artist Rankings
Two Illinois shows regularly land on Sunshine Artist Magazine's national rankings: the Shower of Crafts in Glen Ellyn and the La Grange Art and Craft Fair. Getting into ranked shows can boost your vendor resume and attract more applications to juried events. Apply early because these fill up fast.
Summer and Fall Fairs (May - September)
This is the main event. Illinois summers mean outdoor festivals almost every weekend, from massive suburban shows with thousands of attendees to intimate downtown art fairs. If you're going to pick your battles for the year, focus your energy here.
A juried fair dedicated to top quality and media variety, with $15,000 in artist awards, a catered Artist and Patron party, a Children's Tent, food court, and live music. One of downstate Illinois's most prestigious art events.
Named one of the Top 20 craft shows in the US by Sunshine Artist Magazine. This long-running summer tradition draws thousands of loyal customers to downtown La Grange, just 15 miles SW of Chicago. The Metra stop drops shoppers off steps from the fair.
A two-day fundraiser at Camp Big Timber featuring 150+ craft booths, food trucks, live music, and a beer and wine garden. Paid admission means serious shoppers, and proceeds benefit Lambs Farm and Three Fires Council nonprofits.
A three-day outdoor festival with an arts and crafts show, carnival, entertainment on 3 stages, craft beer garden, Taste of Schaumburg, drone display, and Labor Day parade. Free admission and shuttle service make this a massive draw.
Tips for Selling at Illinois Craft Fairs
Chicago vs. Suburbs vs. Downstate
The craft fair experience varies a lot depending on where you are in Illinois. Chicago city markets tend to be smaller, trendier, and draw a younger crowd willing to pay for unique handmade items. Suburban shows (like La Grange and Glen Ellyn) bring massive foot traffic from families and dedicated craft shoppers. Downstate fairs in Springfield, Decatur, and smaller towns offer lower booth fees and less competition, but smaller crowds.
The sweet spot for many Illinois vendors is a mix: a few Chicago pop-ups for brand building, 2-3 big suburban shows for revenue, and a downstate fair or two for variety.
Weather Planning
Illinois weather is unpredictable. Spring shows can get rained out. Summer shows can hit 95 degrees with humidity. Fall shows are usually the most pleasant. Always have a rain plan for outdoor events, bring extra weights for your canopy (Chicago wind is real), and pack layers for early spring and late fall shows.
Illinois Sales Tax
Illinois has a base state sales tax of 6.25%, but local taxes can push it to 10%+ depending on the municipality. You need an Illinois Business Tax Number (IBT) to collect sales tax at fairs. Set up the correct local rate in your payment app before each show. Some fair organizers will tell you the exact rate for their location. If you sell candles or soap, tools like WickSuite can help you factor tax into your pricing so you're not eating into margins.
The Metra Advantage
Several of the best suburban shows are within walking distance of Metra commuter rail stops. This matters because it means Chicago residents can get to your booth without driving, which expands your customer base significantly. La Grange and Winnetka both have this advantage. When evaluating a suburban fair, check if there's a nearby Metra stop.
Plan Your Illinois Craft Fair Season
Ready to build your 2026 show schedule? Here's what to do:
- Browse all Illinois craft fairs on TheCraftMap
- Check application deadlines for juried shows
- Start with 3-4 shows spread across the season
- Apply to ranked shows (Shower of Crafts, La Grange) early
- Mix indoor winter markets with outdoor summer fairs for year-round income
Illinois has one of the strongest craft fair scenes in the Midwest, and 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year. Whether you're a Chicago maker doing your first pop-up or a veteran vendor hitting the suburban circuit, there's a show for you. See you out there! 🌽
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