Craft Shows & Fairs in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington is Vermont's largest city and its most active year-round craft market. With 45,000 residents in the city and 230,000 across Chittenden County, it has the population density and the visitor traffic — including significant Canadian tourism from Montreal, 90 minutes north — to sustain craft events through every season. The Church Street Marketplace, a four-block pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown, is the anchor for seasonal artisan vendors, holiday programming, and pop-up markets. The Good Trade Makers Market draws nearly 100 independent makers to Burlington each December. The Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo in nearby Essex Junction has been running for over 40 years. For craft shoppers and vendors alike, Burlington is the hub of northwestern Vermont.

Burlington's Craft Show Scene

The Good Trade Makers Market is Burlington's largest single craft shopping event. Held at the Hula venue over a December weekend (2025: December 6-7), it brings together nearly 100 independent makers and artisans from across the country. Entry includes a drink ticket — a touch that reflects Burlington's approach to combining craft shopping with social experience. The focus is on original handmade goods: jewelry, ceramics, textiles, prints, leather goods, and specialty items.

The Celebrate Craft Festival features 100 artists and artisans displaying and selling original art and contemporary craft, alongside 25 Vermont wines, spirits, ciders, and specialty foods available for tasting and purchase. It is one of the Chittenden County area's more distinctive events, combining the fine craft marketplace with Vermont's local food and beverage culture.

Church Street Marketplace operates year-round but is most active from May through October. Seasonal outdoor pop-up craft markets appear along the Church Street and waterfront corridors in summer. Maple Madness is a one-day spring event on Church Street aligned with Vermont Maple Open House Weekend — maple syrup samples, live music, evaporator demonstrations, pancakes, and an artisan vendor component. Holidays on the Marketplace runs through November and December with Friday evening shopping, festive activations, and local artisan vendors.

The Burlington Farmers Market runs Saturdays through the growing season with fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade vendor items. It functions as a weekly touchpoint for makers who sell alongside food vendors in a community market setting.

The 2026 Burlington Weekend Food Arts and Crafts Show is a recurring multi-day event combining local food vendors, artisans, and crafters in a single venue.

Champlain Valley Craft Show & County Fair

The Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction — just 8 miles from downtown Burlington — is a 40+-year tradition. Held annually in October (2025: October 17-19), it fills the indoor expo space with 150+ booths. Admission is $10 for adults, and parking is free. This is one of the largest indoor craft and antique shows in Vermont.

The Champlain Valley Fair, held at the same Exposition grounds in late August through early September, is Vermont's largest fair — drawing 300,000+ visitors annually for livestock competitions, 4-H exhibits, rides, entertainment, and craft and vendor sections. It is a separate event from the October craft show, but both benefit from the same established venue and fairgoing audience in the Burlington metro area.

Burlington's Artisan Community

Burlington's maker scene is anchored by institutions and neighborhoods. The South End Arts + Business Association (SEABA) represents the South End creative district, where seasonal studios and galleries open to the public. Burlington City Arts (BCA) is a city-funded arts organization that supports local artists through galleries and public art programs.

The University of Vermont and Champlain College both graduate art and design students who contribute to the local maker economy. Vermont Crafts Council member studios in the Burlington and Chittenden County area participate in Open Studio Weekend (Memorial Day and first weekend of October). The combination of college-town creative energy, strong independent retail culture, and a sustainability-minded consumer base makes Burlington a reliable market for handmade goods year-round.

Best Times to Visit Burlington for Craft Events

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

• Stowe — ~35 miles east; Stowe Foliage Arts Festival (October, 150+ juried artisans, Topnotch Field)
• Woodstock — ~90 miles southeast; Woodstock Apples and Crafts Fair (October, 100+ vendors)
• Manchester — ~100 miles south; Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival (Hildene Meadows, 200+ juried artisans)
• Bennington — ~120 miles south; Bennington Mayfest Arts & Crafts Festival (May, 120+ vendors)
• Brattleboro — ~130 miles south; Putney Craft Tour (Thanksgiving weekend); Cotton Mill artisan studios

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in Burlington, Vermont?

The Good Trade Makers Market at Hula (~100 makers, December) is the largest single event. The Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo in Essex Junction (150+ booths, October) is the area's longest-running large craft show. The Celebrate Craft Festival combines 100 artists with Vermont wine and food tasting. Church Street Marketplace hosts seasonal pop-ups and Holidays on the Marketplace through the fall and holiday season.

When do craft shows happen in Burlington?

October and December are the peak months. The Champlain Valley Craft Show runs in October, followed by the Good Trade Makers Market and Holidays on the Marketplace in November-December. Spring brings Maple Madness and the start of farmers market season. Summer has outdoor pop-ups on Church Street and the waterfront. The Champlain Valley Fair in late August includes craft vendor sections.

Are there country fairs near Burlington?

The Champlain Valley Fair at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction (8 miles from Burlington) is Vermont's largest fair — 300,000+ visitors annually in late August through early September, with livestock, 4-H, rides, entertainment, and craft and vendor sections. The Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo is a separate October event at the same venue with 150+ craft and antique booths.

Is there a handmade market scene in Burlington?

Burlington has the strongest year-round craft market presence in Vermont. The Church Street Marketplace supports pop-up and seasonal vendors. The South End Arts District (SEABA) houses working studios and galleries. Burlington City Arts operates galleries and public art programs. The University of Vermont and Champlain College feed the local maker economy with art and design graduates. The Good Trade Makers Market, Celebrate Craft Festival, and Vermont Crafts Council Open Studio Weekend all reflect an engaged, sustainability-oriented consumer base.

Find Events in Burlington

CraftShow Events covers craft shows, artisan fairs, and market listings in Burlington and across Vermont. Search by date and event type to find the Good Trade Makers Market, Champlain Valley Craft Show, Church Street events, and everything in between.