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

Indiana punches above its weight when it comes to craft fairs. The state sits at a crossroads (literally, it's on the license plates) and that central location means vendors from the Midwest, South, and Great Lakes region all converge here. Whether you're working the Indianapolis metro circuit or heading up to Amish country in Shipshewana, Indiana offers a solid mix of urban vendor markets, heritage festivals, and community craft shows that keep makers busy year-round.

What makes Indiana especially interesting for vendors is the range of price points. You'll find buyers at an Indianapolis spring market who want trendy home decor, and then a week later you can set up at a rural maple syrup festival where families are looking for handmade gifts and comfort items. That variety means you can test different product lines and pricing strategies without traveling too far.

We pulled together 12 of the best craft fairs happening across Indiana in 2026, using real data from our database. You can browse all Indiana craft fairs on TheCraftMap's Indiana search page. Here's what's worth marking on your calendar.

Winter and Spring Shows

Indiana's craft fair season kicks off early. By late February, vendors are already setting up at spring markets around Indianapolis and southern Indiana. The key is getting your applications in early because the popular spring shows fill fast.

The Parke County Maple Syrup Fair is one of those uniquely Indiana events. It runs for over a week, which gives vendors multiple weekends to sell. The covered bridge tourism angle brings in visitors from all over the state, and the vibe is very much “handmade and homegrown.” Candle makers and soap crafters do especially well here since the audience already values artisan products.

Vendor Tip: Indianapolis Markets

Indianapolis is the big draw for Indiana vendors, and for good reason. The metro area has over 2 million people, solid foot traffic, and buyers who are used to paying fair prices for handmade goods. If you're new to the Indiana circuit, start with an Indy show to get a feel for the market. Parking and load-in logistics vary a lot between venues, so always ask ahead.

The Heritage Quilt Show and Jay County Fiber Arts Festival are niche events, but that's exactly what makes them valuable. If you work with textiles, yarn, fabric, or fiber arts, these shows put you in front of buyers who specifically came looking for what you make. Niche shows often convert better than general craft fairs because the audience is already invested in the category.

The Shipshewana Circuit

If you've never been to Shipshewana, it's worth the trip. This small Amish community in northeastern Indiana hosts one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the country during summer months. But the “Shipshewana on the Road” traveling shows bring that energy to venues across the state during spring and fall.

Vendor Tip: Working the Amish Country Shows

Shipshewana events draw a specific type of buyer: people who drive out to Amish country specifically to shop. They're expecting quality handmade goods and they come with cash. Bring plenty of inventory because these buyers purchase in volume (gifts for family, stocking up on favorites). If you make candles, soaps, or food items, this circuit is gold. Tracking your craft fair expenses and revenue is easier with tools like TheCraftMap to compare shows and plan your schedule.

Mid-Spring Events

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is worth special mention. It's specifically curated for handmade artisan goods, which means your booth won't be competing with mass-produced items or MLM products. That curation makes a real difference in the quality of foot traffic you get.

Vendor Tip: Southern Indiana

Don't sleep on southern Indiana. The region along the Ohio River border (Sellersburg, Salem, Madison) has a strong craft fair tradition and draws buyers from both Indiana and Kentucky. Booth fees tend to be lower than Indianapolis shows, and the competition is less intense. If you're a newer vendor building your confidence and testing your pricing, southern Indiana shows are a great training ground.

Summer and Fall Highlights

Carmel is one of the wealthiest suburbs in Indiana, and Mother's Day timing means buyers are actively looking for gifts. Price your products accordingly. This is not the show to discount. Bring your premium items and gift-ready packaging.

Later in the year, Indiana's fall festival season brings some of the best events. The Bloomfield Apple Festival in October and the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art in September are both established shows with loyal followings. Fall in Indiana means big crowds, cooler weather, and buyers ready to spend on holiday gifts early.

General Tips for Vending in Indiana

Weather prep is non-negotiable. Indiana weather is unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. Pack for rain, wind, and sudden temperature drops even if the forecast looks clear. A good canopy with weights (not stakes, since many venues are on pavement) will save your setup.

Cash is still king in rural areas. While Indianapolis shoppers generally expect card readers, smaller town fairs still have plenty of cash-only buyers. Always have a cash box with change ready. A Square or similar reader is essential, but don't rely on cell signal at fairgrounds.

Network with other Indiana vendors. The Indiana craft fair community is tight-knit. Facebook groups for Indiana vendors are active and full of show recommendations, warnings about poorly organized events, and tips on the best venues. Join a few before your first show.

Track everything. With 60+ craft fairs in our Indiana database alone, picking the right shows matters more than doing the most shows. Use TheCraftMap's Indiana listings to compare dates, locations, and details. Planning your route to minimize driving between back-to-back weekend shows can save you hundreds in gas and hotel costs.

If you're a soap maker looking to get your recipes dialed in before fair season, check out Soaply for lye calculations and recipe management. Getting your formulas locked down before you're cranking out inventory for shows makes a huge difference.

Wrapping Up

Indiana has more going on in the craft fair world than most people realize. Between the Indianapolis metro markets, the Shipshewana Amish country circuit, heritage festivals, and a growing number of curated artisan shows, there's enough variety to keep vendors busy from February through December.

The state's central location also makes it a natural stop for vendors who travel the Midwest circuit. If you're already hitting shows in Ohio, Michigan, or Illinois, adding a few Indiana dates to your calendar just makes sense.

Browse all upcoming Indiana craft fairs on TheCraftMap, and don't forget to save your favorites so you never miss an application deadline.

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