Craft Shows & Fairs in Albany, New York

Albany and the surrounding Capital Region support a year-round craft market calendar that peaks sharply in the holiday season. Albany County Tourism tracks more than 18 holiday markets each November and December across the county, making it one of the more active holiday market hubs in upstate New York.

Albany's Craft Show Scene

The Shaker Holiday Market is one of Albany's established annual craft shows, drawing shoppers to handmade goods from local artisans during the holiday season. Its name references the area's historical connection to Shaker communities and their craft traditions.

The Ten Broeck Mansion Holiday House, presented by the Albany County Historical Association, is a walk-through holiday experience at the historic Ten Broeck Place mansion. It includes:

A porch shop and indoor museum shop with handmade wreaths, ornaments, locally-made artisanal goods
Sunday craft demonstrations in December (recent examples: paper quilling, embroidery with the NY Capital District Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America)
Free admission

Beyond these flagship events, Albany's holiday market network spans neighborhoods and suburbs. The albany.org annual guide lists 18+ markets across Albany County each November-December — ranging from church hall bazaars to community center shows.

Lark Street — Albany's arts corridor — hosts periodic craft market events and provides year-round access to independent shops, some of which carry locally made goods.

The Albany Tulip Festival in May is the city's large spring outdoor event and includes craft and vendor sections alongside its cultural programming.

County Fairs & Events Near Albany

The Altamont Fair in the village of Altamont (~15 miles west) is the Capital Region's most prominent county fair. Held at the Altamont Fairgrounds in late August, it has been operating for more than 150 years and includes traditional 4-H competitions, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and a craft and vendor section.

Additional nearby fairs:

Saratoga County Fair — Ballston Spa (~25 miles north); late July; agricultural fair with craft vendors
Greene County Fair — Cairo (~30 miles south); agricultural county fair

For a stronger year-round maker scene, nearby Troy (~8 miles northeast) has the River Street Arts District and monthly Troy Night Out events with local makers.

Best Times to Visit Albany for Craft Events

May: Albany Tulip Festival (craft vendors included). Late August: Altamont Fair (~15 miles west, Altamont Fairgrounds). November-December: The most event-dense months — Shaker Holiday Market, Ten Broeck Mansion Holiday House, and 18+ community markets across Albany County.

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

Saratoga Springs, NY — ~35 miles north; Congress Park Artisan Fair (summer Tuesdays), Holiday Craft Marketplace (50th year, November), Beekman Street Arts Festival (May)
Troy, NY — ~8 miles northeast; Troy Night Out (monthly), River Street Arts District, strong independent maker community
Hudson, NY — ~30 miles south; Basilica Farm & Flea (Thanksgiving Weekend), Warren Street galleries, Columbia County Fair in Chatham (Labor Day)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in Albany, NY?

The Shaker Holiday Market and the Ten Broeck Mansion Holiday House are the best-known recurring craft-focused events in Albany proper. The albany.org annual holiday market guide lists 18+ markets across Albany County each November-December. For year-round artisan goods, Troy's River Street area and Albany's Lark Street are the most consistent neighborhoods.

When do craft shows happen in Albany?

The holiday season (November-December) is when Albany's craft market calendar is most active. The Altamont Fair runs in late August. Albany Tulip Festival (May) includes craft vendors. For year-round market activity, Troy Night Out runs monthly and includes maker vendors.

Are there country fairs near Albany?

Yes. The Altamont Fair (~15 miles west) is the Capital Region's largest county fair, running in late August at the Altamont Fairgrounds. The Saratoga County Fair in Ballston Spa (~25 miles north) runs in late July. The Greene County Fair in Cairo (~30 miles south) is also within easy driving distance.

Is there a handmade market scene in Albany?

Albany's handmade market scene is most active during the holiday season. The NY Capital District Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America, Lark Street independent shops, and the broader Capital Region maker community all contribute. Troy (~8 miles) has an especially strong independent maker scene.

Find Events in Albany

Search CraftShow Events for craft shows, holiday markets, and county fairs in Albany, NY and the Capital Region. Use the calendar to find the Altamont Fair, Saratoga Springs Holiday Craft Marketplace, and Albany County seasonal craft markets.