Craft Shows & Fairs in Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria sits about six miles south of Washington DC on the Potomac River, and its craft event scene reflects the city's dual identity: a walkable colonial-era city with a strong independent arts culture and a gateway into one of the most high-income consumer markets on the East Coast. Old Town's brick-lined streets and Del Ray's eclectic neighborhood character give craft events in Alexandria a setting that differentiates them from suburban Northern Virginia alternatives.

Alexandria's Craft Show Scene

Art on the Avenue is Alexandria's most recognized annual craft event. Held on the first Saturday in October along Mt. Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood, it's a multicultural arts and music street festival with more than 300 artists working across multiple mediums:

• Pottery and ceramics
• Jewelry and metalwork
• Paintings, photography, and fine art
• Stained glass, fiber arts, and sculpture

Virginia Living Magazine readers have repeatedly named it a Best Live Event. Del Ray's independent boutique character gives the show a neighborhood-driven energy that convention-center events rarely match.

Made in ALX promotes and sells work by Alexandria artists, creators, and makers; check its site for any current fairs.

Nearby, George Washington's Mount Vernon holds a Colonial Market & Fair (September 19–20 in 2026).

Country Fairs & County Events Near Alexandria

The Waterford Fair in Waterford (Loudoun County, ~40 miles northwest) is a heritage crafts fair held since 1944. Held in early October (October 2–4 in 2026) in the National Historic Landmark village of Waterford, it features juried demonstrating artisans, a juried art show, and an Old Mill Shop; adult all-weekend passes are $20 in advance for 2026.

Leesburg, also in Loudoun County, hosts community events through the year; check the Town of Leesburg for current craft shows.

Best Times to Visit Alexandria for Craft Events

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

• Leesburg, VA — about 35 miles northwest; Waterford Fair (October); Loudoun County community events
• Washington, DC — about 6 miles north; Eastern Market, Union Market accessible by Metro
• Fredericksburg, VA — about 42 miles southwest; Civil War heritage city with growing artisan market presence

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in Alexandria, Virginia?

Art on the Avenue in Del Ray (first Saturday in October, Mt. Vernon Avenue) is Alexandria's signature event — outdoor, with 300+ artists, and voted a Best Live Event by Virginia Living Magazine readers. Mount Vernon's Colonial Market & Fair (September) is a short drive south.

When do craft shows happen in Alexandria?

October is peak season (Art on the Avenue; Waterford Fair nearby in Loudoun County). Local maker events run throughout the year. Holiday markets and Old Town events run November–December.

Are there country fairs near Alexandria?

The Waterford Fair in Waterford (Loudoun County, ~40 miles northwest) is a heritage crafts fair with juried demonstrating artisans in a National Historic Landmark village, held in early October (October 2–4 in 2026). Leesburg craft shows round out the Loudoun County calendar.

Is there a handmade market scene in Alexandria?

Yes — Made in ALX promotes and sells work by Alexandria artists and makers. Old Town's gallery and boutique culture supports year-round handmade goods retail. Del Ray's Mt. Vernon Avenue corridor has independent artisan shops year-round.

Find Events in Alexandria

CraftShow Events tracks craft shows, artisan markets, and fair events across Alexandria and Northern Virginia. Search Alexandria to find Art on the Avenue, local maker events, and nearby Loudoun County fair and craft show activity.