Spring is just around the corner, and that means craft fair season is kicking off! Whether you’re a seasoned maker or gearing up for your first outdoor market, preparation is key to ensuring a successful and stress-free selling experience. Craft fairs, farmers' markets, and seasonal pop-up shops are fantastic opportunities to showcase your handmade goods, connect with customers, and grow your business.
I recently spent a good amount of time carefully selecting which events to attend, balancing a mix of craft shows and farmers' markets while considering important factors like location, booth fees, and foot traffic. It’s easy to get overly ambitious—especially after a break from selling during the winter months. The excitement of getting back into the market scene is real!
In my planning, I actually signed up for over 20 events from March through October. To avoid burnout, I scheduled them at least every other week so I can stay energized and fully present at each event. If you’re planning your own market season, you’ll also need to consider whether the event is juried—meaning you may need to submit photos of your products, booth setup, and even your creation process as part of the application.
I thought it would be fun to take you along for the ride as I navigate the ups and downs of craft fairs and farmers’ markets. Besides creating YouTube videos for Makers Unify, I also run a bath and body business, Moonlit Spa Creations. It’s been on the back burner for a while, but I’m excited to bring it back to the markets and start meeting customers face-to-face again!
Need some help figuring out where to find events in your area? Here are some tips!
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