Whether you're a seasoned vendor or just getting started, the craft fair calendar waits for no one. Application deadlines close months before events, inventory takes weeks to build, and the best shows fill up fast. Without a plan, you'll miss out on the most profitable events of the year.
This month-by-month guide will help you stay ahead of every deadline, prepare your inventory strategically, and make the most of each craft fair season.
Why You Need a Seasonal Plan
Most craft fair vendors operate reactively — scrambling to apply when they hear about an event, rushing to build inventory the week before a show, and missing high-value fairs because the deadline passed months ago.
Top-earning vendors do it differently. They plan their entire year in advance, treating their craft business like... well, a business. Here's what a seasonal approach gives you:
- Better show selection — Apply to the most profitable events, not just whatever's available
- Lower stress — Spread inventory production across months instead of last-minute binges
- Higher revenue — Peak seasons get peak inventory; slow seasons get strategic prep
- Fewer missed deadlines — The best juried shows close applications 3-6 months early
January–February: Foundation Season
What to Focus On
The year starts slow for shows, but this is your most important planning window.
Applications & Research
- Research spring and summer fairs in your region — use TheCraftMap's calendar to browse by month and state
- Apply to juried spring shows (March–May deadlines are often in January–February)
- Review last year's performance: Which shows were profitable? Which weren't worth the booth fee?
- Set your annual revenue goal and work backward to determine how many shows you need
Inventory & Prep
- Audit your existing inventory — what sold well last year? What sat on the table?
- Start building spring inventory (pastels, florals, lighter items if applicable)
- Order supplies in bulk while demand is low (better prices, faster shipping)
- Use tools like WickSuite (for candle makers) or Soaply (for soap makers) to plan recipes and track production costs
- Refresh your product photography for applications and social media
Business Admin
- Update your vendor profile, bio, and social media links
- Renew your craft fair insurance if it's annual
- Review and update your pricing strategy for the new year
- File previous year's taxes — track all craft fair income and expenses
Pro Tip
January is the best month to apply to prestigious juried shows happening in spring. These shows (like Yellow Daisy Festival, Spring Green Art Fair) often have 60–90 day lead times on applications.
March–April: Spring Launch
What to Focus On
Craft fair season officially begins. This is when you'll do your first shows and learn what works.
Events
- Attend your first spring shows — farmer's markets, community festivals, St. Patrick's Day events
- Test new products at smaller, lower-fee events before committing to big shows
- Network with other vendors — they're your best source for show recommendations
Applications
- Apply for summer shows (June–August events typically close applications in March–April)
- Look for holiday market early-bird applications — yes, some Christmas markets open in spring
- Check TheCraftMap's deadline tracker to stay on top of closing dates
Inventory
- Ramp up production based on what sold at early shows
- Introduce summer-themed products if applicable
- Build a "show kit" if you haven't already — see our packing checklist
Marketing
- Post behind-the-scenes content from your first shows
- Start collecting email addresses at your booth
- Share your upcoming show schedule on social media
Pro Tip
Spring shows are your testing ground. Bring a notebook and track everything: what products get the most attention, what price points move fastest, what booth layout draws people in. This data shapes your entire year.
May–June: Peak Application Season
What to Focus On
Summer shows are in full swing and fall applications are opening. This is your busiest period for both selling and planning.
Events
- Work your summer show schedule — outdoor festivals, art walks, community events
- Prioritize weekend shows with high foot traffic
- Consider multi-day festivals for higher revenue potential
Applications
- Apply for fall harvest festivals and Halloween events (September–October shows)
- Apply for holiday markets — this is critical! The best Christmas markets close applications by June–July
- Research new shows in neighboring states to expand your territory using state-by-state listings
Inventory
- Maintain steady production to keep up with summer demand
- Start planning fall and holiday inventory themes
- Order specialty supplies for holiday products (they sell out by late summer)
Business
- Track your per-show revenue and expenses meticulously
- Calculate your actual hourly rate — are the shows worth it?
- Identify your top 5 most profitable shows for repeat booking next year
Pro Tip
June is the last realistic month to apply for November–December holiday markets. If you want to sell at the most profitable shows of the year, don't wait until fall to apply.
July–August: Summer Grind & Holiday Prep
What to Focus On
The paradox of summer: you're doing shows every weekend while needing to prepare for the holiday rush.
Events
- Continue working summer shows, but be selective — avoid burnout
- Skip shows that didn't perform well; redirect that energy to inventory
- Try one show outside your usual area to test new markets
Inventory — Holiday Mode
- Begin holiday inventory production NOW — this is not early, it's on time
- Create gift sets, bundles, and holiday-specific packaging
- Build up stock of your top 10 best sellers — you'll need 3-5x your normal quantity for holiday markets
Applications
- Submit any remaining holiday market applications
- Start researching January–February indoor winter markets
- Apply for Small Business Saturday events
Planning
- Map out your fall/holiday show schedule
- Calculate how much inventory you need per show
- Plan your booth layout for holiday events (gift-focused displays, price point variety)
Pro Tip
The #1 mistake vendors make is starting holiday inventory in October. By then, you're already doing fall shows every weekend. Start in July or August, and you'll enter the holiday season with confidence instead of panic.
September–October: Fall Festival Season
What to Focus On
Fall is the second-busiest craft fair season, and it feeds directly into the holiday rush.
Events
- Work fall harvest festivals, Oktoberfest events, Halloween markets
- These shows have great attendance — families are out, weather is perfect
- Do back-to-back weekend shows if your inventory supports it
Inventory
- Continue holiday production between shows
- Replenish fall items that are selling well
- Create "early holiday shopping" displays at fall shows — many shoppers start buying gifts in October
Marketing
- Promote your holiday market schedule on social media
- Send email newsletters announcing where you'll be for the holidays
- Offer a "pre-order" option for custom holiday items
Business
- Review your year-to-date numbers
- Confirm all holiday show details (setup times, booth assignments)
- Arrange help for busy holiday shows if needed
Pro Tip
Fall shows are often your best predictor of holiday demand. If something flies off the table in October, double your inventory of it for November–December markets.
November–December: Holiday Rush
What to Focus On
This is where craft fair vendors make 40-60% of their annual revenue. Be prepared and execute.
Events
- Work every profitable holiday market you booked
- Small Business Saturday (last Saturday of November) is huge — participate even if informal
- Indoor markets dominate this season — check indoor craft fairs for options
Booth Strategy
- Optimize for gift buying: clear pricing, gift wrapping available, bundles at various price points
- Accept every payment method — cash, cards, and digital payments via our payment guide
- Bring business cards or a QR code to your online shop for items that sell out
Inventory
- Bring 2-3x your normal inventory to each show
- Have your top sellers front and center
- Create a "last-minute gift" display for the final markets before Christmas
Post-Season
- Track every show's revenue while it's fresh
- Note which shows to repeat and which to skip next year
- Send thank-you emails or social media posts to loyal customers
Pro Tip
Don't underestimate the first two weekends of December. Procrastinator shoppers are desperate and willing to pay full price. Keep doing shows right up until the week before Christmas if you have inventory.
Building Your Annual Calendar
Here's a framework for mapping your year. Adjust based on your region and product type:
Months 1-2 (Jan-Feb): Plan, apply, build foundation inventory Months 3-4 (Mar-Apr): First shows, test products, apply for summer Months 5-6 (May-Jun): Peak selling begins, apply for holiday markets Months 7-8 (Jul-Aug): Summer shows + start holiday inventory Months 9-10 (Sep-Oct): Fall festivals + continue holiday prep Months 11-12 (Nov-Dec): Holiday rush, maximize revenue, review year
Tools to Keep You Organized
Managing a full year of craft fairs means tracking dozens of applications, deadlines, and events. Here's what helps:
- TheCraftMap Calendar — Browse fairs by month and filter by state, type, and date range
- Deadline Tracker — Never miss an application deadline with our automated tracking
- Fair Comparison Tool — Compare booth fees, dates, and details side by side
- State Browse — Find shows in your state or explore new territory
- Spreadsheet — Track revenue per show, inventory costs, and your running profit margin
Key Takeaways
- Plan 3-6 months ahead — The best shows require early applications
- Start holiday prep in summer — October is already too late
- Track everything — Revenue, expenses, and performance per show guide next year's decisions
- Be selective — Not every show is worth your time. Calculate your hourly rate and cut underperformers
- Use slow months for planning — January-February sets the tone for your entire year
The vendors who earn the most aren't necessarily the ones with the best products — they're the ones with the best plan. Build yours now, and you'll be ahead of 90% of vendors at every show.
Ready to find your next craft fair? Browse upcoming events on TheCraftMap and start building your 2026 schedule today.