Michigan punches above its weight when it comes to craft fairs. The state has a deep tradition of supporting local artisans, from the world-famous Ann Arbor Art Fair (one of the largest in the country) to small-town festivals that pack hundreds of vendors into lakeside parks. With four distinct seasons, a loyal "buy local" culture, and tourist traffic from the Great Lakes, Michigan offers something for every type of craft vendor.
Want to see every Michigan fair? Browse the full list on our Michigan craft fairs page.
Spring Shows (March - May)
Michigan's craft fair season starts indoors. March and April shows tend to be in convention centers, historic venues, and community halls. As the snow melts by late May, outdoor festivals start popping up. Spring is a good time to get in front of shoppers who are emerging from winter hibernation and ready to spend.
A juried fine art fair at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms. Held in the newly built Ballroom and Community Center with views of Lake St. Clair. The Grosse Pointe communities have an average household income over $192k, so bring your best work. A premium venue for fine art and high-end craft vendors.
150 exhibitors of home, garden, and lifestyle improvement products and services at the Historic NC State Fairgrounds. A two-day show presented by the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor. Good fit for vendors selling home decor, candles, artisan soaps, and anything that fits the home lifestyle niche.
A juried fine art fair at the historic Castle Farms in Charlevoix, constructed in 1918 by Albert Loeb, VP of Sears Roebuck. Features award-winning artists from across the Midwest working in ceramic, painting, digital, photography, jewelry, and more. Charlevoix is known as a destination for the finer things in Michigan.
Vendor Tip: The Grosse Pointe Market
The Detroit suburbs, particularly Grosse Pointe, have serious buying power. Average household incomes in the area top $190k, and residents actively support the arts. If you make fine art, high-end jewelry, or premium handmade goods, this is your audience. Don't underprice your work for this market. Quality and presentation matter more than having the lowest price point.
Summer Events (June - August)
Summer is peak season for Michigan craft fairs. The weather is warm, tourists flood into lake towns and beach communities, and outdoor festivals run nearly every weekend. Ann Arbor alone hosts multiple art events that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. Northern Michigan (Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Gaylord) becomes a crafts destination as summer vacationers look for unique finds.
A three-day art and music festival featuring artists, crafters, live music, a craft beer tent, and children's activities. Port Huron sits on the St. Clair River with views of Canada, making it a scenic backdrop for an outdoor show. Three days gives you time to build momentum with repeat visitors.
Ann Arbor's quirkiest art fair. A cross between an art walk and an art fair where homeowners volunteer to host about 90 artists on their porch, yard, or garage. No tent? You can still apply. Happy crowds browse through a charming tree-lined neighborhood. A truly unique selling experience you won't find anywhere else.
Now in its 47th year, this well-known fair takes place in a lovely park-like setting with both indoor and outdoor booth sites. The co-chairs and volunteer assistants make it their mission to ensure exhibitors and customers return year after year. One of northern Michigan's premier art fairs with an exciting variety of artists and crafters.
Vendor Tip: Ann Arbor Is Art Fair Central
Ann Arbor is home to one of the largest juried art fairs in the country, drawing over 500,000 visitors each July. But that flagship event is just one piece of the picture. The city runs quirky, community-focused fairs like the Westside Art Hop throughout the summer. If you're a Michigan vendor and haven't sold in Ann Arbor yet, make it a priority. The city's educated, art-loving population creates an ideal buying environment.
Vendor Tip: Northern Michigan Tourism
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, northern Michigan towns like Charlevoix, Petoskey, Traverse City, and Mackinaw City fill with vacationers. These tourists are actively looking to bring something special home. Candle vendors, jewelry makers, and anyone selling Michigan-themed products will find a receptive audience. The drive from Detroit or Grand Rapids is 3-4 hours, so plan to stay the whole weekend. Pair a craft fair with a farmers market appearance to make the trip worthwhile. If you're a candle or soap maker, check out Soaply for recipe costing to make sure your pricing works for these higher-overhead trips.
Fall Shows (September - October)
Fall in Michigan is gorgeous, and craft fairs take full advantage of the foliage. The Harmony Weekend in Harrisville is one of the largest shows in northern Michigan with over 360 booths. Apple festivals, harvest celebrations, and the start of holiday shopping season keep the momentum going through October.
The Harrisville Arts Council's annual juried arts and crafts festival with over 362 booths of unique items from every genre and medium. Named for the long-standing musical acts of Barber Shoppers, Sweet Adelines, and talented local musicians. One of the largest craft fairs in northern Michigan.
Over 1,000 dealers offering antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds across 80 acres. Live entertainment, classic car shows, and food vendors round out the weekend. While this leans antique and vintage, handmade vendors with a rustic or heritage aesthetic do well here.
Hundreds of antique and vintage dealers spread across 5 barns and countless tents. The Historic Ellis Barn hosts a huge barn sale. Rain or shine, helpers assist shoppers with moving heavy items. Admission is $10 per person, children 11 and under free. A well-attended fall tradition in Oakland County.
The spring edition of the massive Michigan Antique Festival in Midland. Over 1,000 dealers, live entertainment, classic car shows, and 80 acres of treasure hunting. A Memorial Day weekend tradition that draws collectors and shoppers from across the Midwest.
The famous Shipshewana Flea Market hits the road and comes to Kalamazoo County Expo Center and Fairgrounds. A traveling market with strong brand recognition that draws shoppers who know what to expect: handmade goods, vintage finds, and artisan products at fair prices.
Tips for Selling at Michigan Craft Fairs
Michigan's Regional Markets
Think of Michigan in three zones. Southeast Michigan (Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grosse Pointe) has the biggest population and the most frequent shows. West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Holland) has a strong artisan culture with craft breweries and maker spaces fueling the scene. Northern Michigan (Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey) is seasonal but lucrative during tourist months from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Weather Prep Is Non-Negotiable
Michigan weather can change fast. A sunny morning can turn into a thunderstorm by afternoon, especially in summer. Always bring sidewalls for your tent, tarps for your product, and enough weight to keep your canopy grounded. Fall shows can be chilly by late September, so layer up and consider how cold affects your products (candles hold up fine, but anything liquid might need insulation).
Michigan Sales Tax
Michigan's sales tax rate is 6% statewide with no local add-ons, which keeps things simple. You'll need a Michigan Sales Tax License (free to obtain from the Michigan Department of Treasury). Some show organizers require proof of your license before accepting your application. Build tax into your pricing strategy from the start. Tools like WickSuite can help candle vendors calculate margins with tax factored in.
The "Made in Michigan" Advantage
Michigan residents are fiercely loyal to local products. Labeling your goods as "Made in Michigan" or "Handmade in [Your City]" gives you an edge that out-of-state vendors don't have. The state even has a "Michigan Made" program and marketplace. Lean into your Michigan story when selling. Use Michigan-sourced ingredients or materials when you can and talk about it. Shoppers here genuinely care about keeping dollars local.
Plan Your Michigan Craft Fair Season
Ready to build your 2026 Michigan show schedule? Here's how to get started:
- Browse all Michigan craft fairs on TheCraftMap
- Check application deadlines for juried shows
- Pick 4-6 shows across different regions and seasons
- Apply to juried shows like Grosse Pointe and Art in the Castle early
- Plan northern Michigan shows as weekend trips paired with farmers market appearances
Michigan's craft fair scene has a warmth to it that reflects the state itself. From 47-year-old traditions like the Michaywe' fair to the vibrant, walkable art hops of Ann Arbor, there are real opportunities for vendors at every level. The "Made in Michigan" brand carries weight here, so lean into it. Get your applications in early and make 2026 your best show season yet. 🌲
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