Best Craft Fairs in New Jersey 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers
New Jersey packs a lot of craft fair action into a small state. With nearly 9 million people, wealthy suburbs, a 130-mile coastline, and proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia, NJ vendors have access to some of the most affluent shoppers on the East Coast. Whether you sell candles, jewelry, pottery, or soap, there is a show here that fits your brand.
Why New Jersey Is Great for Craft Vendors
The Garden State punches way above its weight for craft fairs. Here is why:
- Dense population: NJ is the most densely populated state in the country. More people per square mile means more potential customers within driving distance of any event.
- High household income: Multiple NJ counties rank among the wealthiest in the nation. Bergen, Morris, Hunterdon, and Somerset counties have median household incomes well above the national average. Shoppers in these areas are comfortable spending on quality handmade goods.
- Jersey Shore tourism: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Shore towns swell with visitors looking for unique finds. Coastal craft fairs tap into this tourist spending.
- School and community shows: NJ has a strong tradition of school-sponsored craft shows. These are often low-cost entry points for newer vendors, with built-in community support.
- Year-round indoor options: Cold winters push events indoors from November through March, but that actually works in your favor. Indoor shows at armories, convention halls, and school gyms mean no weather cancellations.
Winter & Early Spring Shows
NJ's craft season starts earlier than you might think. Indoor shows keep the momentum going through the colder months, and the Shore towns host off-season events to bring in crowds.
Held at the Cape May Convention Hall, this winter market brings craft vendors and collectors together in one of NJ's most charming coastal towns. Cape May's Victorian architecture and loyal tourist base mean foot traffic even in the off-season. A solid early-year show to kick off your vendor calendar.
A family-friendly indoor event in Monmouth County with arts and crafts, open play, and kids activities. Holmdel is one of the wealthiest communities in NJ, so buyers here have spending power. If you sell kids items, jewelry, candles, or anything gift-worthy, this crowd is primed to shop.
A three-day juried craft show at the Morristown National Guard Armory. This is one of the most well-known craft shows in northern New Jersey, running for decades with a loyal following. The indoor venue means no weather worries, and Morristown's downtown shoppers are used to paying for quality handmade goods.
A juried craft show featuring 120 carefully selected artists and craftsmen from across the Northeast. All proceeds benefit the Cranbury Education Foundation. Running for 25+ years, this show draws serious buyers from central New Jersey who appreciate handcrafted work. The jury process keeps quality high.
Over 125 vendors set up in the Show Field at Historic Village at Allaire in Allaire State Park. A mix of old, new, and handmade items. The historic setting in Farmingdale gives this market a unique atmosphere that draws families and treasure hunters from across Monmouth County.
🛒 Recommended Vendor Gear
Everything you need to set up a professional craft fair booth:
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Spring Craft Shows
As the weather warms up, NJ's craft fair scene explodes. March and April bring dozens of shows across the state, from Bergen County school gyms to South Jersey community centers. Spring is when vendors build their reputation for the busy summer season.
A long-running show at Wayne Valley High School featuring over 100 quality exhibitors in one large gym. Located in an affluent area close to Bergen County and major highways, this show has a strong customer following. Admission is $3, which helps filter for serious buyers. One of the better school-hosted craft shows in the state.
A PTO-organized spring craft fair at Washington Township High School in South Jersey. School craft shows like this one often have lower booth fees than major juried events, making them a good option for newer vendors building their show resume. The Sewell area has a strong community of shoppers who support local makers.
A curated outdoor market at the Fanwood Train Station featuring hand-picked exhibitors, gourmet food trucks, and live music. All vendors are selected for their unique items and hand-made creations, which keeps quality high. Held 10am to 4pm, rain or shine. The train station location gives you foot traffic from commuters and locals alike.
Vendor Tips for New Jersey
Know Your Sales Tax
New Jersey has a 6.625% sales tax. If you are vending at craft fairs, you need a Certificate of Authority from the NJ Division of Taxation. You can apply online at the NJ Treasury website. Some fair organizers will ask for your certificate number on the application, so get this sorted before your first show.
Plan Around North vs. South
NJ is really two markets. North Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic counties) skews toward NYC commuter suburbs with high incomes and fast-paced shoppers. South Jersey (Camden, Burlington, Gloucester counties) is more relaxed, family-oriented, and influenced by the Philadelphia market. Your pricing, display style, and product mix might need to flex depending on which part of the state you are vending in.
Don't Sleep on the Shore
Shore town fairs from Cape May to Asbury Park draw massive summer crowds. If you make anything coastal-themed, beach-inspired, or gift-worthy for tourists, these events can be your highest-grossing shows of the year. Apply early because spots fill fast. If you are a candle or soap maker, Shore shoppers love scents that remind them of the beach.
School Shows Are Underrated
NJ has more school-hosted craft fairs than almost any other state. They typically have lower booth fees ($50-$150 range), built-in parking, and loyal community attendees. The crowds may be smaller than major street fairs, but conversion rates are often higher because shoppers came specifically to buy. Look into shows at high schools in Wayne, Paramus, Sewell, and Medford.
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Late Spring & Summer Fairs
Once April hits, NJ shifts to outdoor mode. Street fairs take over downtown areas, and Shore communities start hosting weekend markets that run through September. These are the big-crowd, high-energy events that can make your season.
A street fair in downtown Red Bank featuring artists, crafters, and vendors. Red Bank is one of the most walkable downtowns on the Jersey Shore with a high-income demographic. Huge crowds and a reputation for quality shopping make this one of the better street fair opportunities in the state.
A free-admission festival attended by over 1,000 people featuring fine arts and crafts vendors, gourmet food trucks, entertainment, and activities for kids. Margate is right next to Atlantic City on the Shore, so you get both local families and early-season tourists. A two-day event gives you solid exposure.
A juried street fair with quality exhibitors, a dedicated arts and crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides, and food trucks galore. The Stirling area in Morris County is well-off, and this fair draws families looking to spend a day outdoors. The food truck element keeps people around longer, which means more browsing time at your booth.
A two-day craft and vendor market in Cherry Hill, one of South Jersey's busiest shopping destinations. Cherry Hill Township sits right outside Philadelphia, giving you access to both NJ and PA shoppers. The two-day format lets you build word-of-mouth on day one and capitalize on it day two.
🎪 Level Up Your Display
Stand out at NJ craft fairs with the right display setup:
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Finding More NJ Fairs
This list covers some of the top shows, but New Jersey has dozens more craft fairs throughout the year. We are constantly adding new events to our database as organizers post their 2026 schedules.
Browse all New Jersey craft fairs on TheCraftMap to see the full list, filter by date and location, and save your favorites. You can also check the deadlines page to make sure you do not miss any application windows.
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