Selling your handmade work at craft fairs and art festivals can be one of the best ways to sell your products, connect with customers, and grow your brand — but only if you choose the right events to attend. After selling at local farmers markets and juried festivals across the Pacific Northwest for over 5 years, I've learned that not all events offer the same value. Some are bustling with serious shoppers, while others feel like a ghost town.
Here are five tried-and-true tips to help you find quality events that are worth your time, energy, and booth fee — plus how to prepare so you make the most of them.
1. Visit Events in Person Before You Apply
The best way to evaluate a craft fair, art festival or makers market isn't by a post on social media — it's by showing up.
- Attend as a customer to see foot traffic patterns and vibe.
- Notice what types of shoppers are there (locals? tourists? families?).
- See how many artists are present and what type of work is showcased. Would your items fit with this market?
- If you can, talk to a few vendors to see how long they have been a part of the market. A lot of "first timers" might be a red flag. Lots of vendors who've been doing the market for years? That's a sign the market is good.
- Notice how the event is promoted and whether it's visible on social media and local calendars — that's a good sign of strong marketing efforts.
2. Favor Juried or Curated Events
Events that have a jury process or are curated often attract better quality vendors and more serious buyers.
- Jury processes tend to screen out low-effort or mass-produced goods.
- A waiting list usually means demand is high — and likely good attendance.
- Organizers who invest time in curation often already have a strong audience.
Being accepted into a harder-to-get-into show can also be a signal to customers that you're a maker worth visiting.
3. Use Online Tools and Vendor Groups to Find Events
There are several online resources that help makers discover fairs and manage applications.
- ZAPP (Zapplication) — widely used for juried art fairs nationwide
- Facebook vendor groups — local maker groups often share call-for-artists and reviews. Check out ART FAIR REVIEWS Facebook group and others like it.
- Local arts councils or chambers of commerce — many publish event calendars
When you find an event posted by a vendor group, don't assume it's legitimate — always verify with event websites or by contacting organizers, as scams do exist. And, NEVER send money to an unverified Venmo or PayPal account!
4. Start Early — Plan Your Event Calendar in Advance
Quality craft fairs require preparation — and they fill up fast.
- Begin researching fairs up to a year ahead of time.
- Have product photos and booth shots ready ahead of time!
- Mark deadlines and plan your jury photos and event applications on a schedule.
- Planning ahead lets you avoid settling for last-minute, low-traffic events.
Most application fees run around $25–$50, and getting in early often saves you stress and gives you time to tailor your booth and inventory for audience expectations.
5. Build Connections With Other Vendors
One of the best ways to find great events is to talk to makers who are already doing them. Ask vendors:
- Which fairs they return to every year
- Which give the best attendance or sales — this varies widely, though!
- Which organizers are professional and communicative
Many makers will even refer you to shows that aren't listed — or invite you to apply to fairs they are familiar with. The maker community is often one of the most supportive ways to discover new opportunities. I'm always looking out for good, quality vendors with different products I can refer to Corvallis Makers Market & Yachats Farmers Market.
Finding quality craft and art fairs doesn't have to feel like guesswork. With a little research, planning, and networking, you can choose events that align with your brand and attract customers who value handmade work. Start with these foundational steps and each year you'll build a stronger calendar that supports your goals.
Good luck & happy selling! ✨