Best Craft Fairs in Minnesota 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers
Minnesota has one of the strongest craft fair cultures in the Midwest. The Twin Cities metro alone hosts dozens of markets every month, and outstate communities from Rochester to Duluth to St. Cloud run beloved shows that draw loyal crowds year after year. Whether you sell handmade candles, jewelry, pottery, or soap, Minnesota shoppers genuinely care about supporting local makers.
What sets Minnesota apart? The "shop local" mentality runs deep here. Long winters create a thriving indoor craft show season from October through April, and summer brings outdoor festivals that pack parks and main streets across the state. Booth fees tend to be reasonable, and many community shows are organized by nonprofits or schools, which means built-in foot traffic from supporters.
Below you'll find our picks for the best craft fairs happening across Minnesota in 2026. We pulled real data from our database, so what you see here are actual events with real dates and fees. For the full, searchable list of Minnesota craft fairs, check out TheCraftMap's Minnesota search.
Twin Cities Metro Markets
Minneapolis and St. Paul are the engine of Minnesota's craft scene. From vintage markets and pop-up shops to massive multi-day shows at shopping centers, there's something happening nearly every weekend. If you want to build a consistent customer base, getting into the Twin Cities circuit is the move.
One of Minnesota's oldest traditions, the Winter Carnival draws massive crowds over 10+ days. A great opportunity for vendors to reach both locals and tourists during peak winter season.
Annual winter show at Oak Glen Golf & Event Center with a tropical theme and cash bar. Fills fast, so apply early. A solid one-day show that gives vendors a break from the winter blues alongside eager shoppers.
A three-day event at the Eagan Community Center featuring over 170 vendors. Free admission draws strong foot traffic. Handcrafted items, jewelry, wellness products, woodworking, and more. One of the bigger spring shows in the south metro.
A twice-yearly juried event at Canterbury Park drawing 15,000+ visitors who shop vintage, antiques, architectural salvage, and artisan goods from 150+ vendors. Features a special artisan batchmakers section. Early Bird tickets sell out fast.
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Spring Craft Shows
Spring is when Minnesota's craft show season really kicks off. After months of cabin fever, shoppers are ready to get out and buy. Community centers, school gymnasiums, and shopping malls across the state host shows from March through May. Many of these events have been running for decades and have built-in audiences.
A well-established show at the local community center with 60 booths and strong foot traffic. Run by the Monticello Women of Today with food concessions. Register early because this one fills up.
Up to 57 vendor spaces featuring handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, bath and body products, home decor, gourmet food, glass and metal art, woodworking, and more. A well-run show that supports local small businesses.
Over 60 vendors at Graham Arena showcasing handcrafted items, unique gifts, jewelry, wellness products, skincare, woodworking, and metal arts. Free admission and two full days of shopping.
Vendor tip: Minnesota's spring shows are where many vendors make their first big sales of the year. Shoppers have been cooped up all winter and they're ready to spend. Stock up on fresh, spring-themed products and consider offering "new for 2026" signage to create excitement. If you make candles or soap, lighter seasonal scents tend to sell well at these events. Tools like Soaply can help soap makers calculate recipes for new spring fragrances.
Now in its 24th year, this juried festival of fine arts and crafts is one of the most respected recurring shows in the Twin Cities area. A great venue for established makers with quality work.
Three full days at Eden Prairie Center mall with free admission and heavy foot traffic. Handcrafted gifts, spring decor, jewelry, skincare, and small businesses. Mall setting means shoppers are already in buying mode.
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Outstate & Community Shows
Some of Minnesota's best craft fair experiences happen outside the metro. Smaller towns like Monticello, St. Cloud, Forest Lake, and Farmington host shows with dedicated local audiences who come back every year. Competition for booth space is often lower, and vendors report strong sales because shoppers at these events are intentional buyers.
A 10-day celebration of winter in the Boundary Waters region featuring snow sculptures, outdoor activities, and vendor opportunities. Ice candles light the park every evening. Draws visitors from across the state to this beloved northern Minnesota town.
Three days at Crossroads Center mall in St. Cloud with free admission. Handmade products, unique gifts, and one-of-a-kind creations from local artisans. Family-friendly with strong weekend foot traffic.
Annual craft and vendor show at Forest Lake Middle School. A community staple where crafters and vendors showcase what's new for the year. Affordable booth fees make this a low-risk option for newer vendors.
Now in its 43rd year, this show is consistently ranked in the Top 100 Shows in the Country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Hundreds of artists and crafters display handcrafted works over three days. Paid admission ($10 adults) means serious shoppers.
Over 70 booths at Schmitz-Maki Arena with handmade crafts, boutique gifts, artisan products, candles, and specialty food goods. Free parking and a family-friendly atmosphere. A great option for southern metro vendors.
Tips for Selling at Minnesota Craft Fairs
Minnesota has its own rhythm when it comes to craft fairs. Here's what experienced vendors say works well in this market:
- Plan around the weather. Minnesota craft fair season has two peaks: the indoor winter/spring shows (January through April) and the outdoor summer festivals (June through September). Plan your inventory and booth setup accordingly.
- Get into the Rose Craft Shows circuit. Several of the bigger multi-day shows in this list are organized by Rose Craft Shows. Once you're in their vendor network, you get access to events across the state.
- Don't skip the small-town shows. Community craft fairs in places like Monticello, Maple Lake, and Forest Lake often have lower booth fees and surprisingly strong sales. The audiences are loyal and come ready to buy.
- Minnesotans love a deal. Bundle pricing works well here. "3 for $25" or "Buy 2 get one half off" type offers tend to move more product than straight pricing alone.
- Winter shows need winter products. For indoor winter shows, cozy scents, warming products, and gift-ready packaging sell well. Think holiday gifts in November/December and "treat yourself" items in January/February.
- Track your deadlines. Popular Minnesota shows fill up months in advance. Use TheCraftMap's deadline tracker to stay on top of application windows.
Find More Minnesota Craft Fairs
This list covers some of the standout shows, but Minnesota has way more happening throughout the year. Summer is packed with outdoor festivals at lakes, parks, and county fairs across the state. Browse the full, searchable list of Minnesota craft fairs on TheCraftMap to find events that fit your schedule, budget, and product type.
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