Best Craft Fairs in Tennessee 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers

Tennessee has a craft fair scene that runs deep. From the massive Nashville Flea Market to small-town heritage festivals tucked into the foothills of the Smokies, this state rewards vendors who do their homework. The mix of urban markets in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga alongside rural Appalachian craft traditions means there's room for just about every type of maker. Whether you pour candles, throw pottery, or sew quilts, Tennessee buyers tend to value handmade goods and they're willing to pay for quality.

We pulled together the best craft fairs happening across Tennessee in 2026, all sourced from real event data in our database. Use this guide to plan your vendor calendar, compare events, and figure out which shows are worth the booth fee and the drive.

Nashville and Middle Tennessee

Nashville is the hub. The city's growth over the past decade brought a wave of new residents who love shopping local, and the craft fair scene has kept pace. The surrounding suburbs like Hendersonville and Franklin are strong markets too, with engaged communities that show up to support small vendors.

The Nashville Flea Market runs monthly at the Fairgrounds and it's a must-try for vendors who want high foot traffic without a huge financial commitment. Free admission for shoppers means crowds, and the recurring schedule lets you build a following. If you sell candles, soaps, or jewelry, this is where you test new products. Tools like Soaply can help soap makers dial in their recipes before bringing inventory to a big show.

Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee

The Chattanooga area has become a hotspot for craft vendors, with a growing roster of festivals throughout the year. Touch the Sky Events runs several large-scale markets in the Cleveland and East Ridge area that regularly pull 100+ vendors and solid crowds. If you're based in the southeastern corner of the state, these shows should be on your radar.

Pro tip for vendors doing Chattanooga-area shows: the crowds skew family-heavy, so kid-friendly products and lower price points ($10-30 range) tend to move well. That said, higher-end handmade goods still sell if you have a strong display. Candle vendors in particular do well at these festivals since the outdoor settings let shoppers actually smell the product.

Knoxville and East Tennessee

Knoxville sits at the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, and the craft tradition here runs deep. From monthly flea markets to seasonal festivals, East Tennessee buyers appreciate handcrafted goods with a story behind them. The tourist traffic from Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesn't hurt either.

Small Town Gems

Some of the best craft fairs in Tennessee happen in places you've never heard of. These small-town shows often have lower booth fees, loyal local crowds, and a genuine appreciation for handmade goods that's hard to find at larger urban events. They're worth the drive.

The Centerville arts and crafts fairs deserve special attention. They run three events per year (spring, fall, and Christmas) and they're strict about handmade-only. No direct sales, no mass-produced goods. If you make your own products, this is the kind of show where your work gets the respect it deserves. Booth fees tend to be low and the community turns out in force.

Holiday Season Markets

Tennessee's holiday market season kicks off in early November and runs through mid-December. These are your highest-revenue opportunities of the year if you plan your inventory right. Stock up on gift sets, holiday scents, and ready-to-wrap items.

Tips for Selling at Tennessee Craft Fairs

Weather prep is not optional. Tennessee weather is unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. You can get 80 degrees one day and a cold front the next. For outdoor shows, invest in a quality tent with weights (not stakes, since many venues are on pavement). Bring sides for wind and a tarp for sudden rain.

Play up the local angle. Tennessee shoppers love supporting local makers. If you're based in-state, put it on your signage. "Handmade in Nashville"or "Crafted in the Smokies" carries weight. If you're traveling from out of state, focus on what makes your products special rather than where you're from.

Price for the venue. Urban Nashville shows support higher price points than small-town festivals. At the Nashville Flea Market or Hendersonville Handmade Market, you can comfortably price artisan goods in the $25-75 range. At rural heritage festivals, have a selection of items under $15 to keep traffic moving through your booth.

Apply early for juried shows. Tennessee's best craft fairs fill up months in advance, especially the handmade-only shows. The Centerville fairs and Blooming Arts Festival are popular with vendors precisely because they curate their lineup. Don't wait until the last minute. Use our deadline tracker to stay on top of application windows.

Plan your route. Tennessee stretches 440 miles east to west. Doing a Nashville show on Saturday and a Knoxville show on Sunday means a 3-hour drive between them. Group your events by region when building your calendar. The Chattanooga/Cleveland cluster is especially efficient since several shows happen in the same area.

Find More Tennessee Craft Fairs

This guide covers highlights, but there are dozens more events across the state. Browse all Tennessee craft fairs on TheCraftMap to find shows near you, compare dates, and track application deadlines.

Browse all Tennessee craft fairs on TheCraftMap →

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