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 multi-week fairs run simultaneously and 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 and now in its 46th year, the festival runs as a five-week indoor event each November and December:

100+ regional artisans
Live music performances
Children's workshops
Artists demonstrating their craft

One of the longest-running arts and crafts festivals in Washington state — the kind of event that Whatcom County residents put on the calendar without checking the dates.

Pacific Arts Market operates as a parallel holiday tradition in Bellingham, running annually as a regional artisan showcase. Together, the Holiday Festival and Pacific Arts Market create a November–December craft shopping destination that functions almost like a season-long event for the city. Bellingham Makers Market — women-owned, dedicated to uplifting small handmade businesses — runs recurring events through the year. Its focus on handmade-only (no resellers, no imports) 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 close to 50 local artists.

The Bellingham Farmers Market at Depot Market Square runs Saturdays April through December, with craft vendors alongside produce, flowers, and artisan food.

County Fairs & County Events Near Bellingham

The Whatcom County Fair in Lynden — 12 miles north of Bellingham in Washington's Dutch farming heartland — is the largest county fair in northwestern Washington. Late August or early September. 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 not found at any other fair in Washington.

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 run simultaneously for five weeks. Canadian shoppers from Greater Vancouver cross the border specifically for these events — US prices and strong artisan selection make it worthwhile. 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 Whatcom County 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 — ~90 miles S 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, 46+ years) and Pacific Arts Market are the peak events — both run November–December with 5 weeks of artisan work. The Whatcom Art Market in Fairhaven is the best permanent gallery year-round (50 local artists). Bellingham Makers Market runs recurring events through the year. Bellingham Farmers Market (April–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 running simultaneously for five weeks. The Bellingham Farmers Market runs Saturdays April through December. Bellingham Makers Market events occur throughout the year. The Whatcom County Fair in Lynden runs late August.

Are there country fairs near Bellingham?

The Whatcom County Fair in Lynden (12 miles north) is the home county fair — traditional agricultural competition, 4-H and FFA, Dutch-heritage cultural events, and handmade craft categories. Runs late August or early September.

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 maintained the Holiday Festival for 46+ years. The Whatcom Art Market co-op represents 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.