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's tourism bureau, Discover Albany, highlighted 18 holiday markets across the county in its 2025 roundup.

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. It runs Tuesdays through Sundays from mid-October to mid-December inside the Shaker Heritage Society's 1848 Meeting House, with free admission.

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 weekend walk-through tours in 2025 (some special tours cost $10)

Beyond these flagship events, Albany's holiday market network spans neighborhoods and suburbs. The albany.org 2025 roundup listed 18 holiday markets across Albany County — ranging from church hall bazaars to community center shows.

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 a traditional county fair. Held at the Altamont Fairgrounds in August (the 2027 fair is August 17–22), it has been held in Altamont since 1893 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

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

• Saratoga Springs, NY — ~35 miles north; Congress Park Artisan Fair (summer Tuesdays), Holiday Craft Marketplace (November), Beekman Street Art Fair (June 13, 2027)
• 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 2025 holiday market roundup listed 18 markets across Albany County. 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 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) runs in 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.