Craft Shows & Fairs in Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria sits eight 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 juried outdoor street festival with local and regional 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 — Alexandria's artisan maker organization — partners with Volunteer Alexandria to run Arts & Crafts Fairs at multiple locations throughout the year. Brenman Park Drive in Cameron Station and Tavern Square in Old Town are the primary venues. Each event brings 90+ vendors covering pottery, stationery, fabrics, paintings, jewelry, and photography, running 10am–5pm.

The Old Town Alexandria Arts & Crafts Fair brings fine art and fine craft exhibitors to Old Town's historic streetscape. Food booths and local talent performances complement the vendor spaces.

Country Fairs & County Events Near Alexandria

The Waterford Fair in Waterford (Loudoun County, ~35 miles west) is the nearest major heritage craft fair in the mid-Atlantic. Held the first full weekend of October in the National Historic Landmark village of Waterford, it features a juried artisan exhibition with demonstrators in period attire, a fine art show, and an Old Mill Shop with fine crafts.

Leesburg, also in Loudoun County, hosts multiple craft shows through the year — the Spring Bling event and the Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Show, both run by the Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation department.

Best Times to Visit Alexandria for Craft Events

October — Art on the Avenue (first Saturday) and the Waterford Fair (same weekend, 35 miles west) can be combined into a single day trip for dedicated craft fair visitors. Holiday season (November–December) — Old Town Alexandria is a major DC-metro holiday destination. King Street's historic character makes holiday artisan markets and boutique events a natural fit. Spring and summer — Made in ALX fairs and street festivals open Alexandria's outdoor event calendar as the weather improves.

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

Leesburg, VA — 35 miles west; Waterford Fair (October); Spring Bling and Holiday craft shows in Leesburg proper
Washington, DC — 8 miles north; Eastern Market, Union Market accessible by Metro
Fredericksburg, VA — 55 miles south; 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 — juried, outdoor, named Best Live Event by Virginia Living Magazine. Made in ALX Arts & Crafts Fairs at Cameron Station and Old Town Tavern Square bring 90+ vendors throughout the year. The Old Town Alexandria Arts & Crafts Fair is the other major annual event.

When do craft shows happen in Alexandria?

October is peak season (Art on the Avenue; Waterford Fair nearby in Loudoun County). Made in ALX 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, ~35 miles west) is the nearest major heritage craft fair — a juried artisan exhibition in a National Historic Landmark village, first full weekend of October. Leesburg craft shows round out the Loudoun County calendar.

Is there a handmade market scene in Alexandria?

Yes — Made in ALX is the city's dedicated artisan maker organization, running multiple events annually. 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, Made in ALX events, and nearby Loudoun County fair and craft show activity.