click to enlarge Hudson River Exchange Summer Market takes place June 23-24 at Henry Hudson Waterfront Park.
The Hudson Valley is brimming with talented craftspeople, innovative minds, and clever makers who are harnessing old school handmade techniques to make thoroughly modern and original work in all fields from woodwork to fiber arts to ceramics, and more. The maker movement has taken root here in upstate New York and we have a slew of craft fairs to prove it. Here is a list of some of summer 2018's craft festivals. (
Also don't forget to check out In the MKNG—A Creativity Festival at Bethel Woods in September >>)
Craft Fairs for the Creative Crowd
Hudson Valley Hullabaloo (June 9-10)
click to enlarge The Hudson Valley Hullabaloo gathers makers from around the region in Kingston in June.
The new-but-growing, design-focused
Hudson Valley Hullabaloo with free admission takes place in the much-ballyhooed Midtown Arts District of Kingston. Boasting 70 handmade and vintage vendors, the event has drawn shoppers from all over the Hudson Valley and the Northeast, who enjoy purchasing locally made items in its family-friendly, “relaxed, party-like setting.” The participating makers, craftspeople, designers, and artists are highly diverse and selected for the unique styles they bring. Sample wares include jewelry, candy, textiles, soaps, ciders, toys, sculpture, and more. Music by DJ Mr. Chips, plus a tintype photobooth and $1 portraits by Thorneater Comics.
Berkshires Arts Festival (July 6-8)
Founded in the early 1980s by an artisan wooden box maker, the
Berkshires Arts Festival sets up in quaint Great Barrington in early July, bringing 175 jury-selected artists from all around the country; this year includes 40 artists who have never exhibited at the festival previously. Along with fine work in such fields as woodworking, ceramics, fiber-wearable arts, jewelry, Judaica, furniture, sculpture, mixed media, visual arts, and others, the hassle-free affair is perfect for families and adds food, live music, and even puppet shows to the mix.
Hudson River Exchange Summer Market (June 23-24)
Established in 2013 by a collective of Hudson-area artists and designers as a way to connect with other Hudson Valley makers and sell their wares,
Hudson River Exchange, which also maintains a store on the city’s tony Warren Street, holds its annual Summer Fair in the beautiful outdoor setting of Henry Hudson Waterfront Park. The free event presents artists offering handmade goods, vintage finds of all kinds, locally sourced artisan food, DJs and live music by area acts, and even local farmers selling freshly grown produce.
Rhinebeck Craft Festival (June 23-24)
Holding forth at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, the
Rhinebeck Crafts Festival is another not-to-miss Hudson Valley destination event. With an exceptional mix of 200 up-and-coming and experienced artists, the two-day fair is a short walk from the fine dining and other attractions of downtown Rhinebeck and remains one of the region’s most anticipated yearly events. Hands-on craft demonstrations, interactive kids’ and family activities, mouthwatering gourmet foods, fine wines and locally brewed beers, and other specialties are all part of the fun. Items for sale include handmade furniture, art, clothing, and more.
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair (September 1-3)
This long-time local staple bookends the summer, happening on Memorial Day weekend in May and again on Labor Day Weekend. Held at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, the family-run, family-friendly
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair features dozens of jury-selected local and visiting artistans and vendors hawking handmade items, food, and art. Voted one of the top craft shows in America, the fair also includes live music and kids’ activities; for the adults, it’s known for the many local wine makers and craft brewers selling libations on-site.