Craft Shows & Fairs in Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis brings together waterfront charm and a working artisan culture that makes it one of the more distinctive craft show destinations in Maryland. The state capital sits on the Chesapeake Bay with a historic downtown anchored by the Maryland State House and the Naval Academy, and its gallery-lined streets and recurring outdoor markets give craft shows in Annapolis a character shaped by the water and the city's colonial heritage.
Annapolis Craft Show Scene
Anchors & Artisans is the recurring anchor event. Organized by Makers of Maryland, this artisan market runs the third Sunday of each month from May through October at Annapolis Town Centre. Each edition features local makers, artists, live music, and food — a community market format that draws from Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and the wider DC-metro corridor.
Downtown Annapolis along Maryland Avenue has a concentration of boutique galleries and artisan retail that operates year-round. The waterfront setting — the City Dock area and the surrounding streets — provides a backdrop for outdoor vendor events and art walks that complement the gallery scene.
The Annapolis Holiday Market in December closes out the annual craft calendar. Church bazaars and community holiday events across Anne Arundel County add to the late-season density. Makers of Maryland also organizes Small Business Saturday pop-up shops in the Annapolis area, connecting local artisans with holiday shoppers.
County Fairs Near Annapolis
The Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds hosts county fair programming with traditional 4-H, livestock, and home arts components. The Maryland State Fair at Timonium Fairgrounds in Baltimore County (about 30 miles north) is the state's major agricultural fair — 21 days of home arts competitions, quilting exhibits, and entertainment from late August through mid-September.
Best Times to Visit Annapolis for Craft Events
The May-through-October run of Anchors & Artisans at Annapolis Town Centre gives craft visitors a reliable monthly event through the warm season. The third Sunday of each month is the date to plan around.
Spring (April–May) opens the outdoor market season. Summer brings waterfront events and the broader Chesapeake Bay festival season. Fall is especially active, with September and October editions of Anchors & Artisans coinciding with pleasant weather along the bay.
December is the holiday market peak — the Annapolis Holiday Market, church bazaars, and Small Business Saturday events across the area.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Baltimore — ~30 miles northwest; American Craft Made Baltimore (400+ juried artists, largest on the East Coast)
- Ellicott City — ~25 miles west; Historic Main Street artisan shops; Howard County Crafts Spectacular
- Bethesda — ~35 miles west; Bethesda Row Arts Festival (185 juried artists, 30,000+ attendees)
- Easton — ~45 miles southeast; Plein Air Easton; Eastern Shore gallery row
- St. Michaels — ~50 miles southeast; Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival; maritime craft traditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Annapolis, Maryland?
Anchors & Artisans at Annapolis Town Centre is the signature recurring event — local makers, artists, live music, and food on the third Sunday monthly from May through October. Downtown Annapolis along Maryland Avenue has year-round galleries and artisan retail. The Annapolis Holiday Market in December is the holiday season highlight.
When do craft shows happen in Annapolis?
Anchors & Artisans runs monthly from May through October (third Sunday). The Annapolis Holiday Market runs in December. Church bazaars and community craft events fill November and December. Gallery events along Maryland Avenue operate year-round.
Are there country fairs near Annapolis?
The Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds hosts local fair programming with home arts categories. The Maryland State Fair at Timonium Fairgrounds (30 miles north) is the state's major agricultural fair with quilting, needlework, and home arts competitions over 21 days in late summer.
What types of crafts are popular at Annapolis markets?
Annapolis markets reflect the city's waterfront character. Jewelry, ceramics, candles, botanicals, and soaps are consistent staples at Anchors & Artisans. The Maryland Avenue gallery scene leans toward fine art, photography, and maritime-themed work. Chesapeake Bay-inspired crafts — sea glass, nautical decor, and coastal art — appear at outdoor markets throughout the season. The proximity to the Eastern Shore's maritime craft corridor brings additional influence from traditions like decoy carving and waterfowl art.
Find Events in Annapolis
CraftShow Events covers craft shows, artisan fairs, and market listings in Annapolis and across Maryland. Search by date and event type to find Anchors & Artisans, holiday markets, gallery events, and everything in between.