Craft Shows & Fairs in Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham sits near the top of Washington state — 55 miles from Vancouver, BC, gateway to the North Cascades, home to Western Washington University — and it has built an artisan community that reflects all of those influences.
The city's craft event calendar peaks hard at the holidays, when two major holiday markets draw shoppers from Whatcom County, Skagit County, and across the Canadian border.
Bellingham's Craft Show Scene
The Holiday Festival of the Arts is Bellingham's most significant annual craft event. Produced by Allied Arts of Whatcom County as a long-running tradition, the festival is an indoor holiday event (check Allied Arts for this year's dates):
- Regional artisans
- Live music performances
- Children's workshops
- Artists demonstrating their craft
A long-running Bellingham tradition — the kind of event that Whatcom County residents put on the calendar without checking the dates.
Pacific Arts Market has been a handmade holiday tradition in Bellingham since 1996; in 2026 it runs the first three weekends of December (venue to be announced). Together, the Holiday Festival and Pacific Arts Market create a holiday craft shopping destination that functions almost like a season-long event for the city. Bellingham Makers Market — woman-owned and dedicated to uplifting small handmade businesses — runs markets including holiday markets. Its handmade focus gives it a specific character distinct from general vendor fairs.The Whatcom Art Market in Fairhaven operates as a permanent co-op gallery year-round. Located in Bellingham's historic village district (19th-century brick storefronts, independent shops), it features paintings, art prints, photography, woodworking, art glass, textiles, sculpture, and greeting cards from over 50 local artists; it is open daily.
The Bellingham Farmers Market at Depot Market Square runs Saturdays into December (weekly through December 19 in 2026), with craft vendors alongside produce, flowers, and artisan food.
County Fairs & County Events Near Bellingham
The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden — 12 miles north of Bellingham in Washington's Dutch farming heartland — is Whatcom County's fair (check the fair website for dates). It reflects the county's agricultural heritage:
- 4-H and FFA competitions
- Livestock shows
- Dutch-heritage cultural events
- Traditional craft competition categories (quilts, sewing, baked goods, woodworking)
Lynden's Dutch farming community gives the fair a distinct character.
Best Times to Visit Bellingham for Craft Events
November and December are unambiguously Bellingham's peak craft shopping season. The Holiday Festival of the Arts and Pacific Arts Market (the first three weekends of December in 2026) anchor the season. April through September is the farmers market and outdoor season. The Bellingham Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings; Bellingham Makers Market holds events through this window. Late August brings the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden — the county's agricultural fair celebration with craft competition as part of heritage programming.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Seattle, WA — ~90 miles S (1.5 hours); Urban Craft Uprising Summer and Winter Shows, Renegade Craft Fair, Pike Place Market
- Olympia, WA — ~135 miles S; Olympia Farmers Market, Arts Walk
- Port Townsend, WA — ~45 miles S (farther by road via I-5 + ferry); Victorian artisan destination; Port Townsend Handmade Market in summer
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Bellingham, WA?
The Holiday Festival of the Arts (Allied Arts) and Pacific Arts Market (since 1996) are the peak holiday events. The Whatcom Art Market in Fairhaven is a year-round co-op gallery with over 50 local artists. Bellingham Makers Market runs markets including holiday markets. Bellingham Farmers Market (Saturdays into December) has consistent craft vendor presence.
When do craft shows happen in Bellingham?
November and December are the peak months, with the Holiday Festival of the Arts and Pacific Arts Market. The Bellingham Farmers Market runs Saturdays into December. Bellingham Makers Market holds markets including holiday markets. The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden runs in summer.
Are there country fairs near Bellingham?
The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden (12 miles north) is the home county fair — traditional agricultural competition, 4-H and FFA, a PRCA rodeo, and handmade craft categories.
Is there a handmade market scene in Bellingham?
Strong for a city of 95,000. Western Washington University's arts programs supply a steady maker pipeline. Allied Arts of Whatcom County has long maintained the Holiday Festival. The Whatcom Art Market co-op represents over 50 local artists in a permanent gallery. The city's proximity to the mountains and the coast feeds an artisan aesthetic that reflects the Pacific Northwest landscape.
Find Events in Bellingham
CraftShow Events lists craft fairs, artisan markets, and handmade events across the Bellingham and Whatcom County area. Search by date to find what's running.