Explore the diverse craft fairs of Maine
Maine’s craft fairs allow the area’s craft lovers the opportunity to discover new artisans creating original pieces in a diverse assortment of mediums throughout the state and Northeast region. From family-friendly seasonal festivals to award-winning fine craft shows, Maine’s craft fairs are the perfect destination for spending the day discovering unique works of art and sampling foods and drinks from local vendors. The best craft fairs in Maine provide a wide selection of high-quality vendors along with stimulating activities.
Freeport Fall Festival, Freeport, ME
Over 175 of the top New England artists and craftspeople gather at the Freeport Fall Festival, a free event held each first week of October. In addition to arts and crafts, this three-day festival offers food vendors, live entertainment, and many free activities including scavenger hunts, make ‘n take crafts, and more in a family-friendly outdoor atmosphere.
Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival, Wells, ME
Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival is the most picturesque event in Maine, showcasing over 135 outstanding artisan exhibitors in a relaxing seaside venue. This two-day festival is held the weekend after Labor Day at the Wells Reserve’s Laudholm campus. Thousands of art enthusiasts gather at this prestigious, yet welcoming festival to roam the grounds exploring thousands of handcrafted wares while enjoying music and local foods.
Portland Fine Craft Show, Portland, ME
Held in the heart of Portland’s arts district, the annual Portland Fine Craft Show is a free event showcasing around 100 juried artists and crafters from the Northeast region. This high-quality fair draws in a large attendance due to the vast selection of artistic mediums including glass, metal, stone, wood, leather, mixed media, baskets, jewelry, and much more! Show awards are also distributed to three exhibitors.
Winter Carnival Craft Fair, Bridgton, ME
The Winter Carnival Craft Fair is the perfect opportunity to beat the winter blues and enjoy family-friendly activities. Held in February at the Bridgton Town Hall Gym, this event offers craft vendors, a vendor raffle, chili and chowder contest, kids ice fishing derby, family movie, ice bar, fireworks, and ice skating at the public rink.
Guild Fine Arts Show, Scarborough, ME
The Guild Fine Arts Show is an expansive indoor/outdoor craft fair held each September at Ketcha Outdoors in Scarborough. This two-day show features juried fine craft exhibitors offering exquisite artisan products for everyday use and special occasions. There is a small admission fee to attend this long-standing event.
Fall for Ogunquit (OgunquitFest), Ogunquit, ME
Fall for Ogunquit, also known as OgunquitFest, is a popular annual event that attracts a large crowd of craft enthusiasts from the region. Held each October in the Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common & The Dunaway Center, this two-day craft fair showcases a diverse array of handcrafted products made by craft vendors for the ultimate fall shopping destination.
Christmas By The Sea, Ogunquit, ME
Held at Dunaway Center, Christmas By The Sea is a long-standing annual event and holiday tradition cherished by the locals. This three-day celebration is held in December and features craft vendors, fireworks, children’s activities, concerts, tree lightings, a beach bonfire, parade, and many other festivities.
Kennebunk Artisans Marketplace, Kennebunk, ME
Held at the Waterhouse Center, Kennebunk Artisans Marketplace offers a wide assortment of high-quality handcrafted items created by Maine-based artisans. You’ll find dozens of vendors including painters, photographers, quilters, metal-smiths, sewers, bakers, chefs, beaders, authors, artists, and more! This indoor craft fair is held on Saturdays seasonally with vendors changing weekly to offer a diverse selection of products.
Gateway Summer Crafters' Market, York, ME
The Gateway Summer Crafters' Market is located at the York Region Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. This free event allows shoppers to shop for quality handcrafted products and meet many artisan vendors face-to-face.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Maine craft fairs offer a diverse assortment of original pieces in various mediums.
- Events range from family-friendly festivals to fine craft shows.
- Top craft fairs in Maine feature high-quality vendors and stimulating activities.
- Events like Freeport Fall Festival and Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival showcase top New England artists.
- Portland Fine Craft Show in the arts district draws large crowds with a variety of artistic mediums.
- Winter Carnival Craft Fair in Bridgton offers family-friendly activities in February.
- Guild Fine Arts Show in Scarborough features juried fine craft exhibitors in September.
- Annual events like Fall for Ogunquit and Christmas By The Sea attract craft enthusiasts.
- Kennebunk Artisans Marketplace in Kennebunk offers a wide assortment of handcrafted items.
- Gateway Summer Crafters' Market in York allows shoppers to meet artisan vendors face-to-face
