Craft fairs are a great way to support local artisans and find unique, handmade items that you won't find anywhere else OR a great way to sell your own product.
However, finding local craft fairs can be a challenge, especially if you're new to an area or don't know where to look. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best ways to find local craft fairs in your area!
1. Check Local Event Calendars
One of the easiest ways to find local craft fairs is to check your city's event calendar. Most cities and towns have a website or social media account that lists upcoming events, including craft fairs. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on what's happening in your area and plan your weekends accordingly.
When searching for local craft fairs, use specific keywords like "craft fair," "artisan market," or "handmade goods" or "maker's market" to help narrow down your search results. This will help you find events that are specifically geared towards the type of items you're interested in.
2. Follow Local Maker Groups on Social Media
Another great way to find local craft fairs is to follow local makers groups on social media (like Girl Gang Craft!) There are also most like local facebook groups that cater to small business owners, makers, artists, vendors and more. In addition, many towns and cities have groups dedicated to promoting local artisans and their work, and these groups often post about upcoming craft fairs and markets.
To find these groups or accounts, try searching for keywords like "local artisans," "craft community," or your city and "makers" Once you've found a group that interests you, be sure to follow them on all platforms (or sign up for their newsletter!) so you don't miss any upcoming events.
3. Ask at Local Shops and Boutiques
If you're not having any luck finding local craft fairs online, try asking at local shops and boutiques. Many of these businesses carry items made by local artisans, and the owners may know about upcoming craft fairs in the area.
When asking about local craft fairs, be sure to mention the type of items you sell. This will help the shop owner recommend events that are most relevant to your brand (AND maybe they might even want to sell your work in their store!)
4. Follow local creatives, makers, crafters, artisans
Makers in your area are most likely selling at in-person events. Make sure to follow makers from your niche or other niches, to see what markets they are selling at. You can also send an email or a dm to a maker and ask them if they have favorite markets in the area.
5. Hello Fliers
Keep an eye out for fliers in bathrooms, restaurants, on telephone poles that may advertise markets near you.
In conclusion, finding local craft fairs is easier than you might think. By using a combination of online and offline resources, you can find local craft fairs in your area to sell your product at!
And if you can't find a local craft fair, or it's not in alignment with your business, maybe you'd want to start your own!