Spring craft fair season is right around the corner, and for vendors, this is the most exciting — and busiest — time of year. After months of winter prep, it's time to book your booth, refresh your inventory, and get ready to meet customers face-to-face.
Whether you're a seasoned craft fair pro or gearing up for your first spring season, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of spring 2026.
Why Spring Is the Best Season for Craft Fairs
Spring craft fairs tend to draw larger crowds than any other season except the holiday rush. Here's why:
- Perfect weather: Mild temperatures mean comfortable outdoor events for both vendors and shoppers
- Mother's Day shopping: Shoppers are actively looking for unique, handmade gifts
- Easter and spring celebrations: Seasonal themes drive buying behavior
- Tax refund season: Consumers have extra spending money in March and April
- Pent-up demand: After a long winter, people are eager to get out and shop local
According to craft vendor surveys, spring fairs typically see 20-30% higher foot traffic compared to summer events, when heat can keep shoppers away.
When to Start Planning Your Spring Fair Season
If you're reading this in February, you're right on time — but don't wait much longer. Here's a month-by-month planning timeline:
January–February: Research & Apply
- Browse upcoming spring fairs on TheCraftMap to find events in your area
- Submit applications early — popular fairs fill up fast
- Check application deadlines so you don't miss cutoff dates
- Budget for booth fees (typically $50–$300 for spring fairs)
March: Prep Your Inventory
- Stock up on your best-selling items
- Create spring-themed variations of popular products
- Order packaging supplies and business cards
- Test your booth setup in your garage or driveway
April–May: Show Time
- Confirm your booth assignments and load-in times
- Pack your vehicle the night before
- Bring weather contingency supplies (tarps, weights, sun protection)
- Have your payment system ready (Square, cash box, Venmo)
How to Find the Best Spring Craft Fairs Near You
Not all craft fairs are created equal. Here's what to look for when choosing spring events:
1. Check the Fair's Track Record
Fairs that have been running for multiple years tend to have better marketing, more foot traffic, and more organized logistics. Look for fairs with established reputations in your community.
2. Look at Booth Fees vs. Expected Revenue
A $200 booth fee at a well-attended fair is a better investment than a $50 fee at an event with poor turnout. Use TheCraftMap's fair listings to compare booth fees and read vendor reviews.
3. Consider Location and Drive Time
Spring weekends go fast. Focus on fairs within a reasonable drive so you're not spending all your profit on gas and hotel rooms. Use our map view to visualize fairs geographically.
4. Know Your Audience
Art walks attract different buyers than church bazaars. Match your products to the event's audience:
- Juried art fairs: Higher-end, original artwork and crafts
- Community festivals: Family-friendly, affordable items
- Farmers markets: Food-adjacent crafts, natural products
- Boutique markets: Trendy, Instagram-worthy products
Browse juried fairs, indoor events, and outdoor fairs on TheCraftMap.
Spring Booth Setup Tips
Your booth is your storefront. In spring, you have unique opportunities (and challenges) to consider:
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Spring's soft, natural lighting makes products look their best. Position your booth to maximize natural light without creating harsh shadows:
- Face your display away from direct afternoon sun
- Use light-colored tablecloths to reflect light upward
- Skip harsh overhead lighting unless you're under a dark tent
Plan for Spring Weather
Spring weather is unpredictable. Pack for every scenario:
Rain prep:
- Waterproof tent with sidewalls
- Plastic bins (not cardboard boxes) for inventory
- Quick-dry towels
- Covered display for paper products or anything water-sensitive
Wind prep:
- Tent weights (at least 25 lbs per leg)
- Clip-on attachment for lightweight items
- Low center of gravity on displays
- Bungee cords for tablecloths
Sun prep:
- Sunscreen and hat for yourself
- A fan for hot afternoons
- Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
Create a Spring-Themed Display
Lean into the season. Small touches make a big difference:
- Add fresh flowers or greenery to your booth
- Use pastel colors in your signage and tablecloths
- Feature Mother's Day gift sets prominently
- Display spring scents or seasonal items front and center
What Sells Best at Spring Craft Fairs
Based on vendor reports and market trends, these categories consistently perform well at spring events:
Top Sellers
- Candles and wax melts — Spring scents like lavender, citrus, and fresh linen are huge
- Jewelry — Lightweight, colorful pieces for the season
- Soaps and bath products — Natural, artisan soaps are always popular
- Home decor — Wreaths, signs, and seasonal decorations
- Garden-related items — Planters, garden markers, herb kits
Trending for Spring 2026
- Sustainable/eco-friendly products — Reusable items, beeswax wraps, natural cleaners
- Pet accessories — Bandanas, treats, and toys
- Personalized items — Custom engravings, monogrammed gifts
- Self-care bundles — Curated gift boxes for Mother's Day
Pricing Strategy for Spring
Spring shoppers are in "gift-buying mode," which means they're often willing to spend more than at a summer market. Consider:
- Creating gift bundles at premium price points ($30–$60)
- Offering a "Mother's Day Special" bundle
- Having impulse-buy items under $15 near your payment area
- Displaying prices clearly — don't make shoppers ask
Marketing Your Spring Fair Appearances
Don't just show up — build anticipation before each fair:
Before the Fair
- Post on social media 1-2 weeks before the event
- Share behind-the-scenes prep content (packing, making inventory)
- Create an event-specific Instagram story or Reel
- Email your customer list with the date, location, and what you'll be bringing
During the Fair
- Go live on Instagram or Facebook from your booth
- Encourage customers to follow you on social media
- Collect email addresses with a sign-up sheet or QR code
- Take photos of your booth and happy customers (with permission)
After the Fair
- Post a recap on social media thanking attendees
- Follow up with any custom order requests within 48 hours
- Update your inventory on your online store
- Write notes about what sold well for future reference
Track Your Spring Fair Season
Successful vendors treat each fair as a learning opportunity. Track these metrics:
- Total sales per event
- Booth fee vs. revenue ratio
- Best-selling items and quantities
- Weather conditions and their impact
- Customer feedback and common questions
- Drive time and travel costs
Use TheCraftMap's vendor dashboard to organize your fair schedule and track your expenses throughout the season.
Spring 2026 Craft Fair Calendar
Ready to start booking? Here are the key timeframes for spring fairs:
- March: Early spring festivals, St. Patrick's Day events, cherry blossom festivals
- April: Easter markets, Earth Day fairs, garden shows
- May: Mother's Day markets, Memorial Day festivals, community fairs
Browse all spring 2026 craft fairs on TheCraftMap, or check this weekend's events to find something happening right now.
Final Tips for a Profitable Spring Season
- Apply early — The best fairs fill up months in advance
- Diversify your events — Don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Invest in your booth — A professional setup pays for itself
- Network with other vendors — They're your best source for fair recommendations
- Track everything — Data-driven decisions lead to better seasons
- Have fun — Your energy is contagious. Happy vendors attract happy customers
Spring is the season of new beginnings, and it's the perfect time to grow your craft business. Start planning today, and make 2026 your best year yet.
Ready to find spring craft fairs near you? Browse spring 2026 fairs on TheCraftMap →
Want to stay on top of application deadlines? Check upcoming deadlines →
New to craft fairs? Read our guide on what to expect your first year as a vendor.