Best Craft Fairs in Massachusetts 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers
Massachusetts punches way above its weight when it comes to craft fairs. You've got a dense population that values handmade goods, a strong arts tradition rooted in places like the Berkshires and Cape Cod, and a year-round calendar of events that runs from winter indoor markets through peak summer and fall festival season. Whether you're a vendor looking to book your 2026 schedule or a shopper hunting for one-of-a-kind finds, the Bay State delivers.
The craft fair scene here splits into a few distinct zones. Greater Boston and the metro suburbs host frequent pop-up markets and indoor fairs throughout the colder months. Cape Cod lights up in summer with weekly shows that draw vacationers with open wallets. Western Mass, centered around Springfield and the Pioneer Valley, has a growing circuit of well-attended shows. And smaller towns across the state run community fairs that are surprisingly lucrative for vendors who know where to look.
Every fair listed below comes directly from our database of verified events. Browse all available Massachusetts shows on TheCraftMap's Massachusetts search to filter by date, type, and location.
Boston and the Metro Area
Boston's craft fair scene stays busy year-round. The city's neighborhoods each have their own character, from the artsy vibe of Somerville to the historic charm of the North End. Winter markets keep vendors earning through the cold months, and the Medford/Somerville corridor has become a real hotspot for pop-up craft events. Foot traffic is strong because people actually walk here, which is rare for most of the country.
Local goodies, handmade crafts, and good vibes. A multi-day market bringing together Boston's maker community with farmers and artisans under one roof.
A curated makers market in Medford timed for Valentine's Day. Great opportunity for jewelry, candle, and gift-oriented vendors to capitalize on the holiday shopping rush.
One of Medford's regular craft fairs bringing local artisans together. Medford has become a go-to spot for vendor events in the Boston metro area.
A fiber arts celebration at the Boston Public Market. If you work with yarn, textiles, woven goods, or anything fiber-related, this is your crowd. Knitters and crocheters come ready to buy.
Tips for Selling in the Boston Metro
Parking is a nightmare for vendors with large setups. Scout your venue ahead of time and figure out load-in logistics before show day. Many Boston-area venues are in older buildings with narrow doors and no freight elevators. Keep your setup modular and portable. Also, Boston shoppers tend to be well-educated and will ask questions about your process, materials, and sourcing. Have your story ready. Soap makers should highlight ingredients and process details. Tools like Soaply can help you dial in formulations that you can confidently talk about at your booth.
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Somerville and Cambridge
Somerville and Cambridge deserve their own section because the maker scene here is genuinely different from the rest of Boston. These are creative, progressive communities where handmade and locally-sourced products are practically a religion. Events here tend to be well-organized and attract shoppers who are specifically looking for unique, artisan goods rather than mass-produced stuff.
A specialty market celebrating Asian-made goods and foods. Niche markets like this attract dedicated shoppers who come specifically to buy, making them high-conversion events for the right vendors.
Somerville's art and craft bazaar brings together local makers in one of the most craft-friendly communities in New England. Expect an engaged, supportive crowd.
A spring-themed vendor and craft fair in Somerville. Spring flings are great for seasonal products like garden decor, spring candles, and fresh-scented soaps.
Western Massachusetts and Springfield
Western Mass is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be. The Springfield area hosts some of the state's most established craft events, and the Pioneer Valley has a strong buy-local culture. The Eastern States Exposition grounds (the Big E) in West Springfield are a major venue that draws crowds from across New England. Booth fees tend to be lower out here than in Boston, and competition for spots is less intense.
An arts, crafts, and vendor expo in Springfield. Western Mass events like this draw from a wide radius since there are fewer competing shows in the region.
Held at the Eastern States Exposition grounds, the Old Deerfield fairs are a New England institution. The Spring Sampler kicks off the season and pulls dedicated craft shoppers from across the region.
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Cape Cod and the Islands
Cape Cod is where Massachusetts craft fairs really shine, especially from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Millions of vacationers pour onto the Cape every summer, and they're in spending mode. The Brewster area in particular has built a reputation as a craft fair destination, with the Different Drummer series running multiple shows throughout the season. If you can only do one region of Massachusetts, Cape Cod in summer is your best bet for revenue.
The season opener for the beloved Different Drummer series at Lemon Tree Village in Brewster. A Cape Cod summer tradition that brings out vacationers and locals alike.
The June edition of this popular Brewster craft fair series. Booth fees of $150-$200 are reasonable for the amount of foot traffic Cape Cod delivers in peak season.
Peak summer edition. August on Cape Cod means maximum tourist traffic. This is when vacation spending is at its highest and impulse buys are the norm.
Tips for Cape Cod Shows
Book your accommodations early if you're traveling to the Cape for a show. Summer rentals fill up fast and prices spike. Some vendors camp or stay in their vans to keep costs down. Also, Cape Cod shoppers love locally themed products. Anything with a nautical, beach, or New England angle sells well here. Candle vendors do particularly well with ocean-inspired scents and Cape Cod-themed packaging.
North Shore and Suburban Shows
The communities north and west of Boston host a steady stream of community craft fairs, especially school and VFW fundraiser events. These are lower-key than the big city markets, but they come with loyal repeat customers and minimal competition. Towns like Wilmington, Danvers, Salem, and Wakefield each have their own circuit of seasonal shows.
VFW Auxiliary-hosted vendor craft fair. One table and two chairs provided for $45. Vendors also supply a gift for the raffle table. A low-cost entry point for new vendors.
Castleberry craft festivals are a well-known name in New England craft circles. Expect a curated selection of handmade goods and a shopper base that comes specifically to buy crafts.
Fall Festivals
Fall in Massachusetts is spectacular, and so are the craft fairs. The foliage draws tourists, apple festivals draw families, and the whole state shifts into holiday shopping mode by October. Some of the year's best vendor revenue comes from the September-November window.
A beloved community apple festival in Boxford. Family-friendly events like this draw huge crowds and create a festive buying atmosphere. Booth fees of $75 make it accessible for vendors at any level.
Held at the Fruitlands Museum grounds in Harvard, this craft festival pairs handmade goods with one of the most scenic venues in the state. Fall foliage season makes this one unforgettable.
The holiday edition of the Different Drummer series moves to Harwich for a pre-Thanksgiving shopping event. Holiday craft fairs are the biggest revenue opportunity of the year for most vendors.
Vendor Tips for Massachusetts
A few things to keep in mind when vending in the Bay State:
- Register for a Massachusetts sales tax certificate. You need a Sales and Use Tax Registration Certificate from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue before selling at any event. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%, but clothing under $175 is exempt, which is unusual and good to know if you sell wearable items.
- Weather is unpredictable. Massachusetts can give you all four seasons in a single weekend, especially in spring and fall. Always bring rain gear and weights for your canopy. Indoor shows are more reliable for weather, but outdoor events generally draw larger crowds when the weather cooperates.
- The holiday season starts early. New Englanders start holiday shopping in October. If you make gifts, ornaments, candles, or anything seasonal, have your inventory ready by late September. The window from mid-October through mid-December is when most craft vendors make the bulk of their annual income.
- Cape Cod is seasonal but lucrative. The Different Drummer series alone runs six shows from May through November. If you can commit to the full season, you'll build a repeat customer base that comes back show after show. First-timers should try one summer show to test the waters.
- Community fairs are underrated. School PTO fairs, VFW fundraisers, and church bazaars might not sound glamorous, but booth fees are often under $50 and the shoppers come ready to support. These are great for newer vendors building confidence and testing pricing.
Find More Massachusetts Craft Fairs
Massachusetts has over 80 craft fairs and markets in our database, with more being added as organizers publish their 2026 schedules. Browse our full Massachusetts craft fair listings to find events near you, filter by date and type, and track application deadlines. Whether you're vending in downtown Boston or on the outer Cape, TheCraftMap has you covered.
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