Why Weather Preparation Makes or Breaks Outdoor Shows
Every experienced craft fair vendor has a weather horror story. The sudden downpour that soaked their inventory. The wind gust that knocked over their tent. The scorching heat that melted their candles or warped their artwork. (Candle vendors: WickSuite has tips for managing your candle business through every season.)
Weather is the single biggest uncontrollable variable at outdoor craft fairs — and yet, most vendors don't prepare for it adequately. The difference between a vendor who loses hundreds of dollars in damaged inventory and one who shrugs off a storm comes down to preparation.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about weatherproofing your craft fair setup, protecting your products, and making smart decisions when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.
Rain Preparation: Your #1 Enemy
Rain is the most common weather threat at outdoor craft fairs, and it can strike even when the forecast looks clear. Here's how to prepare:
Tent and Canopy Setup
Your 10x10 pop-up canopy is your first line of defense, but it's not waterproof by default.
Essential rain gear:
- Waterproof canopy top — Not all canopy covers are waterproof. Look for ones rated at 1000mm+ hydrostatic head. Replace your canopy cover every 2-3 seasons as the waterproof coating degrades.
- Sidewalls — At least two sidewalls (one for the back, one for the windward side) keep driving rain off your products. Clear sidewalls let in light while blocking rain.
- Gutter connectors — If you're next to another vendor, gutter strips between canopies prevent water from cascading between tents onto your tables.
- Rain channels — Attach a tarp or gutter along the lower edge of your canopy to direct water away from your booth entrance.
Critical tip: Always angle your canopy slightly so water runs off one side rather than pooling in the center. A collapsed canopy from water weight is a common — and preventable — disaster.
Protecting Your Products
- Plastic bins with lids — Store backup inventory in sealed bins under your tables. If rain intensifies, you can quickly sweep displayed products into bins.
- Tablecloth clips — Prevent your tablecloths from blowing into puddles or pulling products off tables.
- Ziplock bags — For paper goods, cards, prints, or anything that water would ruin instantly. Display one sample and keep the rest sealed.
- Elevated displays — Keep products at least 6 inches off the ground. Water can pool and wick up table legs surprisingly quickly.
- Plastic sheeting — A $5 roll of plastic sheeting from the hardware store can save thousands in inventory. Drape it over your display tables at the first sign of rain.
The Rain Decision Framework
When rain hits during a show, you need to make quick decisions:
- Light drizzle — Stay open. Shoppers with umbrellas still buy. This is when prepared vendors clean up because unprepared ones pack up early.
- Steady rain — Cover vulnerable products, keep your best-sellers visible. Move to the center of your booth.
- Heavy downpour — Protect everything. Focus on preventing damage rather than making sales. The storm will likely pass.
- Lightning — Pack up immediately. Metal tent poles are lightning risks. No sale is worth your safety.
Wind: The Silent Destroyer
Wind causes more damage at craft fairs than most vendors expect. A gust can turn your tent into a sail, sending it airborne and potentially injuring someone.
Anchoring Your Tent
This is non-negotiable. Every leg of your canopy must be anchored.
- On grass: Use 12-inch spiral stakes (not the flimsy ones that come with your tent). Drive them at a 45-degree angle away from the tent.
- On asphalt/concrete: Use canopy weights — at least 25 lbs per leg, ideally 40 lbs. PVC pipe filled with sand or concrete makes affordable weights. Commercial options like EZ-Up weight bags work great.
- In extreme wind: Use ratchet straps or cam buckle straps connected to stakes or weights for extra hold.
Never leave your tent unanchored, even "just for a minute." Wind gusts are unpredictable.
Wind-Proofing Your Display
- Low center of gravity — Keep heavy items on lower shelves. Top-heavy displays are the first to fall.
- Secure lightweight items — Use museum putty, Velcro strips, or small sandbags to keep lightweight products from blowing away.
- Remove sidewalls in high wind — Counterintuitively, removing sidewalls can save your tent. Sidewalls act like sails and dramatically increase wind load on your frame.
- Grid walls over shelving units — Grid wall panels let wind pass through while still displaying products. Tall shelving units catch wind and topple.
Wind Speed Guidelines
- Under 15 mph — Normal conditions. Standard setup is fine.
- 15-25 mph — Windy. Extra weights, secure all products, consider removing sidewalls.
- 25-35 mph — Very windy. Remove sidewalls, bring in lightweight displays, be ready to collapse your tent.
- Over 35 mph — Most events should be canceled. If not, pack up. Your tent cannot safely withstand this.
Heat and Sun Protection
Summer craft fairs bring different challenges. Extreme heat can damage products, drain your energy, and discourage shoppers.
Protecting Heat-Sensitive Products
Some products are especially vulnerable:
- Candles and wax products — Can soften, warp, or melt above 90°F. Keep them shaded and consider bringing a small battery-powered fan. Avoid dark-colored tablecloths that absorb heat.
- Chocolate and baked goods — Bring a cooler with ice packs. Display samples and keep inventory cool.
- Soap — Can sweat or soften in extreme heat. Fragrance can change.
- Artwork and photography — Direct sun fades colors and warps paper. Use UV-protective sleeves for displayed prints.
Keeping Yourself Cool
You can't sell effectively if you're suffering from heat exhaustion.
- Freeze water bottles the night before — they'll thaw into ice-cold water throughout the day.
- Battery-powered fans — A clip-on fan or small desk fan with a portable battery can make a huge difference.
- Shade — Position yourself on the shaded side of your tent. If your tent has no sidewalls, bring a beach umbrella for personal shade.
- Cooling towels — Soak in cold water and drape around your neck.
- Dress appropriately — Light colors, breathable fabrics, hat, sunscreen.
- Eat light — Heavy meals in extreme heat increase your risk of feeling sick.
Sun and UV Damage
Even without extreme heat, UV exposure damages products over a full day:
- Rotate displayed items — Don't leave the same items in direct sun all day.
- UV-blocking canopy — Look for canopy covers with 50+ UPF rating.
- Position your tent thoughtfully — If you get a choice, face your open side north or northeast to minimize direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
Cold Weather Craft Fairs
Holiday markets and fall festivals mean cold weather selling. Here's how to stay comfortable and keep your booth functional:
Staying Warm
- Layer up — Base layer (moisture-wicking), mid layer (insulating fleece), outer layer (windproof).
- Hand warmers — Keep pockets full. Cold hands can't make change or wrap products efficiently.
- Insulated mat — Standing on cold concrete or frozen ground all day drains body heat. An anti-fatigue mat or even cardboard provides insulation.
- Warm beverages — Bring a thermos of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It's a morale booster.
- Portable heater — Small propane heaters are allowed at some events. Check with the organizer first. Electric heaters require a power source.
Cold Weather Product Considerations
- Electronics — Phone batteries drain faster in cold weather. Bring a portable charger and keep your phone in an inside pocket.
- Card readers — Test your Square/Clover in cold weather. Touchscreens can be less responsive with gloves.
- Packaging materials — Tape and stickers may not adhere well in extreme cold.
- Ceramics and glass — Rapid temperature changes can cause cracking. Let items adjust gradually.
Building Your Weather Emergency Kit
Every vendor should have a weather kit in their vehicle, ready to deploy:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Plastic sheeting (10x12 ft) | Emergency product cover |
| Bungee cords (assorted sizes) | Secure tarps, stabilize displays |
| Duct tape | Universal emergency repair |
| Extra tent stakes and weights | Replace lost/broken anchors |
| Ziplock bags (gallon and quart) | Quick product protection |
| Towels (3-4 old towels) | Dry products, mop up water |
| Change of clothes | In case you get soaked |
| Emergency blanket | Cold weather backup |
| Battery-powered fan | Heat relief |
| Flashlight | If weather causes power outage at evening events |
Total cost: Under $50 for everything. Compare that to the cost of damaged inventory.
Weather Forecasting for Craft Fair Vendors
Don't just check the weather the morning of your show. Here's a better approach:
One Week Before
- Check the 7-day forecast. If severe weather is predicted, reach out to the organizer about their cancellation/postponement policy.
- Review the event's refund policy for weather cancellations.
Three Days Before
- Check hourly forecasts. Note wind speed, precipitation probability, and temperature highs/lows.
- Decide which weather gear to pack based on the forecast.
Morning Of
- Check radar, not just the forecast. A "30% chance of rain" could mean a guaranteed storm that covers 30% of the area.
- Check wind speed and gusts specifically. Sustained wind speeds and gust speeds are very different things.
Recommended Weather Apps
- Weather Underground — Best for hyperlocal forecasts and hourly breakdowns.
- NOAA Weather — Most accurate for severe weather alerts.
- Windy — Excellent for wind speed visualization and radar.
- Dark Sky (now part of Apple Weather) — Best for minute-by-minute precipitation predictions.
When to Cancel: Making the Tough Call
Sometimes the best business decision is staying home. Here's when to seriously consider not attending:
- Severe weather warnings (not watches — warnings) for the event area
- Sustained winds over 30 mph predicted during event hours
- Heavy rain (over 0.5 inches/hour) expected for more than half the event
- Extreme heat (heat index over 105°F) or extreme cold (wind chill below 10°F)
- Event organizer hasn't communicated their weather plan
The Financial Calculation
Before deciding to tough it out in bad weather, calculate:
- Booth fee already paid: Sunk cost — don't factor this in.
- Gas and travel costs: If the event is far away, this adds to your loss.
- Potential product damage: What's the replacement cost of inventory that could be damaged?
- Your time and energy: A miserable 8-hour day in the rain that nets $50 in sales isn't worth it.
- Health risk: Heatstroke and hypothermia are real dangers.
If the expected revenue in bad weather doesn't exceed your variable costs (gas, food, potential damage), stay home and save your energy for the next show.
How TheCraftMap Helps You Plan for Weather
When browsing craft fairs on TheCraftMap, you can:
- Check fair dates on our calendar and cross-reference with seasonal weather patterns
- Browse by type — Indoor fairs eliminate weather concerns entirely
- Search by location — Find fairs in your area so travel distance is short if weather forces an early pack-up
- Filter by season — Spring and fall fairs typically have the most favorable weather for outdoor selling
Start planning your weather-ready craft fair season on TheCraftMap today.
Key Takeaways
- Invest in waterproof canopy covers and proper tent weights — they're cheaper than damaged inventory.
- Build a weather emergency kit ($50 investment) and keep it in your vehicle.
- Check weather obsessively in the week before each show — hourly forecasts, wind speeds, radar.
- Know your cancellation threshold — don't let sunk cost bias keep you in dangerous conditions.
- Indoor fairs exist — if weather anxiety is killing your enjoyment, prioritize indoor events.
Weather will always be part of outdoor craft fair life. But with the right preparation, it goes from a potential disaster to a manageable inconvenience — and sometimes, the vendors who stay through the rain are the ones who make the best sales.
Looking for your next craft fair? Browse thousands of fairs on TheCraftMap →