Selling at craft fairs and farmers’ markets is a great way to grow your business, connect with customers, and showcase your handmade products. The first step is finding the right events to sell at. Here are some ways to locate craft fairs and farmers' markets in your area.
Check Local and National Craft Fair Directories
There are several online directories that list craft fairs, vendor markets, and farmers’ markets. Some popular resources include:
Fairs and Festivals (fairsandfestivals.net)
FestivalNet (festivalnet.com)
Eventbrite (eventbrite.com)
Craftmaster News (craftmasternews.com)
USDA Farmers Market Directory (ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets)
Local Harvest (localharvest.org)
These sites allow you to search for events by location and category, making it easier to find markets that fit your products.
Join Local Facebook Groups and Online Communities
Many craft fairs and farmers' markets promote their vendor opportunities in Facebook groups or community forums. Search for groups related to craft fairs, markets, or vendor events in your state or city. You can also use hashtags like #YourCityCraftFair or #YourStateMakersMarket on Instagram and TikTok to find events.
Visit Local Markets and Ask Vendors
A great way to find events is by attending them as a shopper. Visit a few farmers’ markets or craft fairs in your area and talk to vendors. Many makers sell at multiple events and can provide recommendations. You can also check event flyers and ask organizers if they have an email list for vendor opportunities.
Check with Local Chambers of Commerce and Tourism Boards
Many cities and towns organize seasonal events, fairs, and markets that need local vendors. Check your local chamber of commerce website or visitor center to find listings for annual craft fairs, holiday markets, and community events.
Contact Event Venues and Craft Show Organizers
Popular venues like fairgrounds, community centers, and convention halls often host multiple craft fairs throughout the year. Contact them to ask about upcoming events or vendor opportunities. Breweries, wineries, and farms also frequently host artisan pop-ups and seasonal markets.
Keep a List of Events and Deadlines
Once you start finding potential markets, keep track of important details such as:
Event name and location
Application deadline
Booth fees and requirements
Estimated foot traffic and type of shoppers
Whether the event is juried (requires product/booth photos)
Staying organized will help you plan your selling schedule and ensure you don’t miss application deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right craft fairs and farmers’ markets takes research, but once you identify good events, you can build a reliable selling schedule each year. Start browsing event directories, join local groups, visit markets, and keep a running list of opportunities.
The next post in this series covers marketing your upcoming shows.
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