Craft Shows & Fairs in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Allentown is the Lehigh Valley's largest city, and its craft and fair calendar reflects the region's mix of industrial working-class heritage and active artisan community. The Allentown Fairgrounds anchor many of the area's biggest events, and September brings both the oldest and newest traditions together.

Allentown's Craft Show Scene

• Established: 1852
• Timing: Labor Day weekend (annually)
• Location: Allentown Fairgrounds
• One of the oldest and largest traditional fairs in Pennsylvania
• Agricultural exhibits, entertainment, carnival rides, craft/vendor section

• Timing: September (annually)
• Location: Allentown Fairgrounds AGRI-Plex
• 75+ artisan vendors
• Demonstrations: weaving, spinning, needle felting, knitting, crochet
• The Lehigh Valley's primary fiber arts showcase

• Lehigh Christian Academy Annual Craft Show
• Saint Thomas More School Craft Show
• Church bazaars and community vendor fairs across Lehigh County suburbs

• Location: AGRI-Plex, Allentown Fairgrounds
• Timing: late February or March
• Local businesses including craft and home décor vendors

County Fairs Near Allentown

• Great Allentown Fair — the Lehigh County Agricultural Society's fair at the Allentown Fairgrounds; livestock, 4-H, home arts competition
• Northampton County — adjacent county; check local listings for community fairs

The Great Allentown Fair runs the week of Labor Day. Home arts judging includes quilts, needlework, and baked goods.

Best Times to Visit Allentown for Craft Events

• Great Allentown Fair (Labor Day week) → Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival (September)
• Both held at or near the Allentown Fairgrounds

For Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem (about 6 miles east) — the region's premier handmade holiday market — the November–December window is when the Lehigh Valley becomes a craft shopping destination.

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

• Bethlehem, PA — ~6 miles east; Christkindlmarkt (November–December, artisan vendors at SteelStacks); Musikfest (August)
• Kutztown, PA — ~16 miles west; Eastern PA Homestead Festival (early July); Kutztown Fair (August)
• Reading, PA — ~35 miles southwest; Reading-Berks Guild festivals; Berks County Fair (July)
• Philadelphia, PA — ~55 miles southeast; PMA Craft Show (November), Rittenhouse Square show (May)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in Allentown, Pennsylvania?

The Allentown Fairgrounds (AGRI-Plex) hosts the most events: Great Allentown Fair (Labor Day), Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival (September), and Eastern PA Spring Home Show. For fine craft and handmade shopping, Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem (about 6 miles east) is the regional standout.

When do craft shows happen in Allentown?

The core season is August–September (Great Allentown Fair, Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival). Community and school craft shows run fall and December. The Spring Home Show brings vendor activity in late February or March.

Are there country fairs near Allentown?

The Great Allentown Fair, run by the Lehigh County Agricultural Society since 1852, is Lehigh County's agricultural fair. For neighboring Northampton County, check local listings for community fairs.

Is there a handmade market scene in Allentown?

The fiber arts community is the strongest organized maker group in the Lehigh Valley — the Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival is their annual showcase. School and church craft shows provide year-round community-level maker markets.

Find Events in Allentown

Search CraftShow Events to browse craft shows, county fairs, and artisan markets in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.