Best Craft Fairs in Montana 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers
Montana might be the fourth largest state by area, but its craft fair scene punches well above its population. Tight-knit communities, a strong maker culture, and millions of tourists passing through every summer create real opportunities for vendors willing to set up shop under Big Sky country. From Bozeman's curated maker markets to Missoula's weekly outdoor bazaar, here are the best craft fairs in Montana for 2026.
What makes Montana unique for vendors is the overlap between local loyalty and tourist traffic. Towns like Whitefish and Kalispell sit at the gateway to Glacier National Park, meaning summer events pull crowds from across the country. Meanwhile, cities like Billings and Missoula have year-round arts communities that keep winter markets viable. If you make handmade goods that fit Montana's outdoor, rustic, or artisan aesthetic, you're in the right place.
Winter and Spring Events
Montana's craft fair season doesn't hibernate just because the snow piles up. Several winter events draw solid crowds, and spring is when things really start to pick up across the state.
Now in its 81st year, this celebration of agriculture and western Montana culture in the geographic center of the state draws participants from five states. A great way to start the year with vendor sales.
Vendors set up during Whitefish's beloved Winter Carnival parade weekend. Low booth fees and a festive crowd make this a solid option for winter sales near Glacier National Park.
Held at the Helena Civic Center Ballroom, this Valentine's-themed vendor market is a perfect fit for candle makers, soap crafters, jewelry artists, and anyone selling giftable handmade goods.
Vendor tip for winter events: Montana winters are no joke. If you're vending outdoors in January or February, invest in hand warmers, insulated tablecloths, and a canopy with sidewalls. Indoor events at civic centers and fairgrounds are the safer bet. Budget extra time for travel since mountain passes can close with little warning.
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Annual powwow at Montana State University featuring contest dancing, arts and crafts vendors, and free admission. A culturally rich event with strong community turnout.
The Glendive Chamber's annual arts, crafts, and vendor show kicks off spring in eastern Montana. A welcoming community event that draws regional shoppers.
Summer Season: Peak Craft Fair Time
Summer is when Montana really shines for vendors. Tourist traffic spikes as visitors flood into Glacier and Yellowstone country, and nearly every town hosts some kind of market or festival. This is where you'll find the biggest crowds and the best sales potential.
A curated modern handcrafted market featuring local and regional artists. From affordable functional art to fine heirloom pieces, the MADE Fair is one of Bozeman's top maker events. VIP Friday preview and early bird Saturday passes available.
The Bozeman MADE Fair is one of the best-run maker markets in the state. At just $15 to $25 for a booth, it's also one of the most affordable. If you sell handmade candles, soaps, pottery, or jewelry, this is the crowd that will appreciate your work. Tools like Soaply can help soap makers dial in their recipes before show season starts.
A juried indoor show dedicated to Montana's wood carving community. If you work in wood, this is your show.
Running every Saturday from May through September on Pine Street in downtown Missoula, this weekly market features local and regional artists selling handmade items. One of Montana's longest-running outdoor markets.
Why weekly markets matter: The Missoula People's Market runs every Saturday for five months straight. That kind of consistency lets you build a customer base, test products, and generate steady income instead of betting everything on a single weekend. If you live in western Montana, this should be your anchor event.
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A historic Butte tradition with a huge vendor presence. This outdoor community event draws locals and visitors to interact with small businesses and makers. A can't-miss for vendors in southwest Montana.
Located just south of Glacier National Park, this three-day art and craft show welcomes all handmade goods and draws outstanding attendance from both locals and early-season tourists.
Glacier gateway strategy: Events near Kalispell and Whitefish benefit from proximity to Glacier National Park, which sees over 3 million visitors annually. Tourists are already in a spending mood and looking for unique Montana souvenirs. Price your items accordingly and lean into the "made in Montana" angle.
The largest flea market in Montana, held every Memorial Day Weekend at St. Regis Community Park. With 200+ vendors and three full days of sales, this is a high-volume event for vendors of all types.
A beloved four-day community celebration in Conrad featuring a rodeo, parades, pancake breakfast, Rhubarb Festival, and vendor opportunities throughout the weekend.
Tips for Vending in Montana
Montana has its own rhythm, and successful vendors adapt to it. Here are some things worth knowing before you commit to a season of shows in Big Sky country.
Plan for Distance
Montana is massive. Driving from Missoula to Glendive takes about seven hours. If you're trying to hit events across the state, you need to plan your route carefully and budget for gas, lodging, and meals. Many vendors cluster their events geographically, focusing on either the western side (Missoula, Kalispell, Butte) or the eastern side (Billings, Glendive, Lewistown).
Lean Into the Local Aesthetic
Montana shoppers love handmade goods that feel connected to the land. Think rustic wood items, beeswax candles, wildflower-scented soaps, leather goods, and Montana-themed art. If you can incorporate local materials or themes into your products, you'll stand out. Candle makers can track their costs and pricing with tools like WickSuite to make sure margins stay healthy even after factoring in travel expenses.
Weather Can Change Fast
Even in summer, Montana weather is unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn into a hailstorm by afternoon, especially in the mountains. Bring tarps, weights for your canopy, and waterproof covers for your inventory. Indoor/outdoor events like the Saint Regis Flea Market give you options if weather turns.
Tourist Season Is Your Best Friend
June through September is when out-of-state money flows through Montana. Events near national parks and ski resorts during this window tend to have the highest per-customer spending. If you can only do a handful of shows, concentrate them in these months and in gateway towns.
Find More Montana Craft Fairs
This list covers some of the best shows in Montana for 2026, but new events get added to our database regularly as organizers post their schedules. Browse all Montana craft fairs on TheCraftMap to find events near you, filter by date, and save your favorites.
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