Best Craft Fairs in Virginia 2026: Top Shows for Vendors & Shoppers
Virginia has always punched above its weight in the craft fair world. The state sits at a crossroads between the South and the Mid-Atlantic, which means you get shoppers with both Southern hospitality and DC-area spending power. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Tidewater coast, Virginia hosts craft shows in settings that range from Revolutionary War battlefields to converted tobacco warehouses.
For vendors, the appeal is real: Virginia's craft fair scene spans the full calendar year, with winter markets keeping sales alive through the cold months and outdoor festivals stretching from spring into late fall. Richmond alone has become a hub for makers markets, and Northern Virginia puts you within reach of one of the wealthiest metro areas in the country.
We pulled together the best craft fairs happening across Virginia in 2026 using data from our Virginia craft fair listings. Whether you're a first-time vendor or a seasoned road warrior, this guide covers what's worth your time and booth fee.
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Winter & Spring Fairs
Virginia's winter market season is more active than you might expect. College towns and historic downtowns keep foot traffic moving even in February, and spring brings a wave of shows across the state. Here are the highlights for early 2026.
Held at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center in Fairfax, this festival draws chocolate enthusiasts from across Northern Virginia. The crowd is there to buy, and vendors selling candles, soaps, jewelry, and gift items do well alongside the chocolate-focused booths. Being in Fairfax County puts you in front of serious spending power.
A Saturday market series at Riverwalk Landing running through February. Vendors sell locally grown, produced, and crafted products including baked goods, homemade candles, local art, and more. Yorktown's historic waterfront setting draws tourists and locals alike. If weather gets rough, the market moves to the Water Street Parking Terrace.
Vendor tip: Virginia's winter markets tend to be smaller and more community-driven. Use them to test new products and build a local following before the big spring and fall shows. If you sell handmade candles or soaps, tools like Soaply can help you nail your recipes before committing to a full inventory run.
Held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, this is one of the premier quilt and fiber arts events on the East Coast. Runs for four days with vendors, workshops, and exhibitions. If you work in textiles, fiber, or sewing supplies, this is a can't-miss show with a dedicated, passionate audience ready to spend.
A curated showcase of local talent and unique handmade goods in Richmond. RVA's craft scene has exploded in recent years, and shows like this one give newer vendors a chance to break in. The city's creative community supports its own, and word-of-mouth from a good showing here can carry you through the season.
Hosted at Ida Lee Park Recreation Center in Leesburg, this juried show brings quality crafts to Loudoun County. Leesburg sits in one of the wealthiest counties in the United States, and shoppers here expect polished presentation. A strong display and premium pricing strategy will serve you well at this one.
Held at the Augusta Expo Event Center in the Shenandoah Valley. This show serves the western Virginia market, where craft fairs have deep roots in the community. It's a change of pace from the NoVA and Richmond circuit, and vendors who do well here tend to find loyal repeat customers.
A community craft show supporting the Spotsylvania High School Marching Knights. School fundraiser shows like this one draw families and local supporters who come ready to shop. The Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania area sits between Richmond and DC, giving you access to a solid mid-Virginia customer base.
Vendor tip: March is prime application season in Virginia. Many of the big summer and fall festivals open their vendor applications in early spring, so keep your portfolio updated and your application materials ready. Check TheCraftMap's Virginia listings regularly for new shows and deadlines.
Now in its 20th year, this free street festival in Scott's Addition draws over 40,000 attendees. That's not a typo. It's the first major outdoor festival of the season in Richmond, and the sheer volume of foot traffic makes it one of the highest-potential single-day events in the state. Get your application in early because this one fills up fast.
Hosted by The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, this makers market highlights local Richmond-area creatives. Glen Allen is a growing suburb with young families and professionals who actively support the handmade economy. A well-curated event that values quality over quantity.
A combined home, garden, and craft show serving the Petersburg/Colonial Heights/Hopewell tri-city area south of Richmond. These combo shows work well for vendors because shoppers come planning to spend. If you sell home decor, candles, bath products, or garden art, this crowd is already in buying mode.
Summer Festivals
Virginia summers are hot, but the festival calendar runs even hotter. Coastal events pick up along the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads, while Richmond keeps its makers market momentum going. Plan for heat management in your booth setup and bring plenty of water.
Willow Lawn shopping center hosts this annual makers market that draws from the broader Richmond metro. Shopping center venues work in your favor since customers are already in a spending mindset. This show is actively accepting vendors and sponsors, so reach out early to lock in your spot.
The largest fine arts and crafts event on Virginia's Eastern Shore. This three-day festival on Chincoteague Island kicks off the famous Pony Penning Week, which means the island is packed with visitors. The combination of fine food, arts, crafts, and the blueberry theme creates a unique atmosphere. Exhibitors should apply early because this one fills up quickly every year.
Vendor tip: Virginia's coastal shows (Chincoteague, Yorktown, Virginia Beach area) draw heavy tourist traffic during summer. Price accordingly and stock up on impulse-buy items in the $10-25 range. Tourists love taking home something local and handmade as a souvenir.
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Fall Favorites
Fall is the crown jewel of Virginia's craft fair season. The weather cooperates, the foliage draws visitors to the countryside, and holiday shopping mindset starts kicking in by October. These are the shows that can make your whole year.
Now in its 43rd year, this well-juried art and craft show in Richmond's Forest Hill neighborhood has earned a loyal following. It's small by design, which means the jury process keeps quality high and the crowd knows they're getting real handmade work. Live music and food round out the atmosphere. If you can get in, it's one of the best single-day shows in Richmond.
This is the one. Held in the National Historic Landmark village of Waterford (Loudoun County), this three-day fair has been running for 82 years. It features a juried artisan exhibition with period attire demonstrations, a fine art show, and retail sales. The setting in a preserved 18th-century village is unlike anything else in Virginia. Artisans accepted into this show get a beautiful backdrop and access to loyal buyers who return year after year.
The Waterford Fair deserves special mention. It's one of those shows where the venue itself is part of the draw. Walking through a colonial-era village surrounded by working artisans creates an experience that shoppers remember and come back for. If you do traditional crafts or anything with a heritage feel, put this at the top of your list.
Tips for Virginia Vendors
Virginia's craft fair landscape has a few quirks worth knowing about before you commit to a full season on the road.
Know Your Regions
Virginia is really three different markets. Northern Virginia (NoVA) has the highest income levels and the most competitive show applications. Richmond and the I-64 corridor have a thriving makers culture with plenty of mid-size shows. The Shenandoah Valley and Southwest Virginia tend toward more traditional craft fairs with lower booth fees and loyal local crowds. Plan your season across all three for the best mix of revenue and variety.
Weather Planning
Virginia weather swings hard. February shows can see snow, July festivals regularly hit 95+ degrees with humidity, and fall brings the occasional hurricane remnant through coastal areas. Always have a weather contingency plan, especially for outdoor shows. Many Virginia venues (like Yorktown Market Days) have rain backup locations, but some don't.
Sales Tax
Virginia's general sales tax is 5.3% (4.3% state + 1% local), with some areas charging additional local taxes. If you're vending at craft fairs, you'll need a Virginia sales tax certificate. The Department of Taxation offers temporary event permits for out-of-state vendors. Get this sorted before your first show.
The Richmond Advantage
Richmond has quietly become one of the best craft fair cities on the East Coast. The city's "buy local" culture is strong, the creative community supports each other, and shows like Shamrock the Block pull crowds that rival much larger cities. If you're building a Virginia-focused vendor season, start with Richmond.
Find More Virginia Shows
This guide covers the highlights, but Virginia has dozens more craft fairs, farmers markets, and artisan events throughout the year. Browse our full Virginia craft fair listings to find shows near you, track application deadlines, and plan your 2026 season.
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