Craft Shows & Fairs in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor runs the largest juried art fair in the United States every July and has a weekly artisan market that runs from April through December. Those two facts define the city's craft landscape: a single massive July event drawing close to half a million people, and a quiet weekly market that gives the same community of makers a consistent platform for the rest of the year.

Ann Arbor's Craft Show Scene

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is three independently organized events running simultaneously across 30 city blocks in downtown Ann Arbor in mid-July (Thursday-Saturday):

• Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original — artfair.org
• Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair (theguild.org) — 10am-9pm Thu/Fri, 10am-8pm Sat
• Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair — State Street district

Together: nearly 1,000 artists in jewelry, ceramics, textiles, woodworking, photography, painting, glass, and printmaking.

The Sunday Artisan Market at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market Pavilion (315 Detroit St., Kerrytown) runs every Sunday from April through December, and 2026 is its 35th year. Local artists and crafters, no admission.

The Tiny Expo at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave.) is the city's indie craft fair — an annual show of artists and crafters selling handmade wares, held in December (December 12 in 2026). Zines, prints, jewelry, ceramics, hand-sewn goods.

Ann Arbor's maker infrastructure:

• Maker Works (3765 Plaza Dr.) — nonprofit makerspace, est. 2011; 14,000 sq ft; wood, metal, textiles, jewelry, electronics
• Michigan Folk School — traditional folk arts and crafts classes, including blacksmithing
• Ann Arbor Art Center — classes, galleries, community programming

Country Fairs & County Events Near Ann Arbor

The Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show is held at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds (5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, south of town), which also host the Saline Community Fair.

Plymouth (about 15 miles northeast) adds Handcrafters Markets — Spring Fling (March), Fall Fair (October), Tinsel & Treasures (December) — for Ann Arbor shoppers seeking handmade outside the Art Fair window.

Best Times to Visit Ann Arbor for Craft Events

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

• Detroit, MI — ~36 miles east; Eastern Market (year-round), Shed 5 Flea (summer), Detroit Urban Craft Fair (December)
• Plymouth, MI — ~15 miles northeast; Handcrafters Markets (March, October, December)
• Ypsilanti, MI — ~7 miles east; adjacent community with local arts events

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in Ann Arbor, Michigan?

The Ann Arbor Art Fair (mid-July) is the flagship — nearly 1,000 artists across 30 city blocks, three days. For ongoing local handmade access, the Sunday Artisan Market at the Farmers Market Pavilion (315 Detroit St.) runs every Sunday April-December. Tiny Expo at the Ann Arbor District Library is the indie craft fair option.

When do craft shows happen in Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor Art Fair: mid-July. Sunday Artisan Market: every Sunday from April through December. Tiny Expo: December (December 12 in 2026). Plymouth Handcrafters (about 15 miles northeast): March, October, December.

Are there country fairs near Ann Arbor?

Yes. The Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds on Ann Arbor-Saline Road host the Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show and the Saline Community Fair.

Is there a handmade market scene in Ann Arbor?

Very strong. Three separate nonprofit organizations run the three Art Fair components. Maker Works, the Michigan Folk School, and the Ann Arbor Art Center support the local maker community. Kerrytown has permanent artisan retail year-round.

Find Events in Ann Arbor

Browse craft shows and artisan markets in Ann Arbor, MI on CraftShow Events. Plan around the July Art Fair, catch the Sunday Artisan Market any week April-December, or explore Detroit and Plymouth for year-round handmade shopping options.