Best Craft Fairs in Vermont 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers
Vermont punches way above its weight when it comes to craft fairs. For a state with fewer than 650,000 people, it has one of the most vibrant handmade scenes in the country. That's partly because Vermont has always attracted makers, artists, and people who value local goods over mass-produced stuff. Tourists flood the state for foliage season, ski trips, and summer getaways, and they spend freely on handmade products. If you're a vendor selling candles, pottery, soaps, jewelry, or food products, Vermont should absolutely be on your radar. Here are the best craft fairs in Vermont for 2026.
Spring Shows: Getting the Season Started
Vermont winters are long, and when spring finally arrives, people are eager to get out and shop local. The spring craft fair season here starts in April with a handful of solid indoor shows that draw dedicated crowds. These earlier events tend to be smaller, but the foot traffic is enthusiastic because everyone is starved for community gatherings after months of cold.
Held at U-32 Middle/High School in the state capital, this juried show is organized by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. It draws a solid crowd of Montpelier locals who are serious about supporting handmade and locally sourced products.
A charming two-day event at The Apple Barn and Bakeshop in Bennington. The maple theme ties perfectly into Vermont's identity, and shoppers come ready to buy artisan goods alongside fresh maple products. Indoor and outdoor vendor spaces available.
Vendor tip for spring shows: Vermont shoppers in spring are hungry for locally made goods after a long winter. Lean into the "made in Vermont" angle hard, even if you're from a neighboring state. Products with natural ingredients or farm-to-table vibes sell extremely well here. If you make candles with beeswax or soaps with goat milk, lead with those stories. Tools like Soaply can help soap makers manage their product lines and pricing before the season kicks off.
Late Spring: Open Studios and Community Events
Artists across Vermont open their workspaces to the public, sharing their tools, processes, and inspirations. Whether in small towns or at the ends of back roads, studios showcase the creative process behind finished artwork. Galleries and art centers host special exhibits and events throughout the weekend.
Open Studio Weekend is a statewide event, so it functions differently from a traditional craft fair. If you have a studio or workshop space in Vermont, participating is a no-brainer for visibility. It's organized by the Vermont Crafts Council and draws thousands of visitors across the state.
A family-focused festival at Roosevelt and Waterfront Parks in Burlington. Craft vendors do well here because families are in a spending mood, and the Lake Champlain waterfront setting attracts strong foot traffic from both locals and visitors.
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Summer: Peak Season in the Green Mountains
Summer is when Vermont's craft fair calendar gets packed. Tourism is at its peak, the weather cooperates (mostly), and outdoor events can draw impressive crowds. This is the time to hit the road if you're a traveling vendor.
The longest-running hot air balloon festival in New England, featuring up to 15 hot air balloons, continuous live music, and over 60 craft artisans. The balloon flights draw huge crowds, and vendors benefit from three full days of foot traffic in the scenic Upper Valley.
Quechee is one of those events where the main attraction (balloons) pulls in people who then discover the craft vendors. It's a smart show to do because you're getting exposure to shoppers who might not have planned to buy handmade goods but get swept up in the festival atmosphere.
Now in its 56th year, the Burklyn Summer Fair features high-quality handmade crafts from Vermont and New Hampshire artisans. Fresh Vermont strawberry shortcake is one of the fair's trademarks. A one-day event from 10 to 5, rain or shine.
A three-day community celebration with vendors, food booths, live music, midway rides, a Saturday parade, and fireworks. The festival draws big crowds from across Franklin County and is a solid opportunity for vendors who want a classic fair atmosphere.
Vendor tip for summer festivals: Vermont's summer events often overlap with each other, so plan your calendar carefully. Check all Vermont craft fairs on TheCraftMap to map out your route. Many vendors do a loop through the state hitting shows on consecutive weekends. Also, Vermont summers can be unpredictable weather-wise, so always bring a tent with weights even for events listed as "outdoor."
Set on the picturesque Craftsbury Common, this one-day show mixes antiques with handmade goods. The Northeast Kingdom setting is gorgeous, and the event attracts both locals and tourists exploring Vermont's quieter corners.
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Late Summer: County Fairs and Art Shows
Late July and August bring Vermont's county fair season, plus some of the state's most established art shows. This is when the craft vendor circuit really hits its stride.
The Chaffee Art Center's 64th annual festival at Main Street Park features juried fine artists, craftspeople, and specialty food producers. Two days of live music, kids' activities, community art projects, and live demonstrations. A well-established show with loyal attendees.
Five days of traditional county fair fun with carnival rides, 4-H animal shows, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, live bands, and vendor spaces. One of Vermont's biggest county fairs with excellent foot traffic spread across the full week.
A tradition that dates back to the early 1900s, this community celebration in Bellows Falls features craft vendors, food, entertainment, and a fantastic fireworks display. Small-town charm at its best.
Vendor tip for county fairs: County fairs in Vermont attract a different crowd than juried art shows. Pricing should reflect that. Products in the $10-$40 range tend to move fastest. Bundled deals ("three for $25") work especially well at these events. If you're a candle or soap vendor, having sampler sets at a lower price point can turn browsers into buyers.
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Unique Vermont Events Worth Knowing About
Vermont has some events that don't fit neatly into the "craft fair" category but still offer great vending opportunities for the right maker.
A five-day wellness gathering on 150+ mountainside acres in southern Vermont overlooking the Battenkill River. Over 120 classes in yoga, meditation, dance, and flow arts. Vendor opportunities for makers whose products align with the wellness and mindfulness community.
The OM Festival is a niche play, but if you sell wellness-oriented products like handmade soaps, essential oil candles, crystals, or natural skincare, this crowd is your people. The $300 booth fee for five days of access to a captive audience is reasonable.
Planning Your Vermont Craft Fair Season
Vermont's compact size is a major advantage for vendors. You can drive from one end of the state to the other in about three hours, which makes it realistic to hit multiple shows in a single weekend if they don't conflict. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Tourism timing matters. Summer and fall foliage season bring the most visitors, which means higher sales potential at events running June through October.
- The "Vermont brand" sells. Products that feel artisanal, farm-connected, or handcrafted have a built-in advantage here. Shoppers come to Vermont expecting to find unique, locally made goods.
- Smaller shows can surprise you. Don't write off events in tiny towns like Craftsbury Common or Jay. Vermont's small-town events draw loyal attendees who come ready to spend.
- Weather prep is essential. Even in summer, Vermont can throw rain, wind, or unexpected cold at you. Invest in a quality pop-up tent and always bring layers.
- Apply early. Many of Vermont's best shows are juried and competitive. Start your applications in January and February for summer events.
Browse all Vermont craft fairs on TheCraftMap to find more events and plan your season. We're constantly adding new fairs as they're announced.
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