Craft Shows & Fairs in Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Cedarburg is a small city that operates like a craft fair destination.
Twenty-two miles north of Milwaukee in Ozaukee County, it draws up to 100,000 visitors for its outdoor art festivals on Washington Avenue — more than eight times the city's population. Two major annual festivals, a year-round gallery district anchored by Cedar Creek Settlement, and an active Artists Guild make Cedarburg one of the most craft-focused small cities in Wisconsin.
Cedarburg's Craft Show Scene
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival — fourth full weekend of June, every year.Washington Avenue closes to traffic from Bridge Street to Western Avenue. Three hundred or more juried artists line both sides of the street: paintings, sculpture, ceramics, hand-crafted jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, photography.
Admission is free. Crowds can top 100,000 over the weekend. The Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement, Cedarburg Art Museum, and Ozaukee Art Center organize it jointly. Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival — third full weekend of September, every year.Same format: another 300+ Midwest artists fill Washington Avenue, this time alongside wine tastings, grape stomping, live music, and seasonal produce. The autumn light on Cedarburg's 19th-century storefronts gives the September festival a distinct atmosphere from the summer one.
Cedarburg Artists Guild Holiday Art Fair — annual, at the Cedarburg Community Center.More than 40 Guild artists present their work:
- Jewelry, beaded glass, fiber and wearable art
- Felted wool, fabric sculptures, punch needle and weaving
- Hand-crafted furniture, multimedia paintings, drawings, etchings
- Photography, ceramics, birdhouses, copper yard art
The range of mediums and consistently professional presentation make this a holiday-season highlight for Milwaukee metro shoppers.
Cedar Creek Settlement operates year-round. The 1864 woolen mill complex converted decades ago into galleries, specialty shops, and Cedar Creek Winery. Shopping for handmade and artisan goods here is available any day of the year.Country Fairs & County Events Near Cedarburg
Ozaukee County Fair is the local county fair — traditional agricultural fair experience for the Cedarburg–Port Washington corridor. Washington County Fair Park in West Bend (18 miles northwest) hosts the Holiday Craft Fair of Washington County each fall — worth the short drive for Milwaukee metro shoppers looking for a holiday market beyond the city.The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis (30 miles south) draws more than a million visitors each August and has a substantial craft vendor marketplace.
Best Times to Visit Cedarburg for Craft Events
Two weekends stand out above all others:
- Fourth full weekend of June — Cedarburg Strawberry Festival. Plan parking early; the event fills the city. Shuttle options from satellite lots are worth using.
- Third full weekend of September — Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival. September combines pleasant weather with fall colors and the visual appeal of the historic streetscape.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Milwaukee — 22 miles south; Milwaukee Makers Market, re:Craft and Relic, Hover Craft, and the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis
- Port Washington — 10 miles north; lakefront community with seasonal events
- West Bend — 18 miles northwest; Washington County Fair Park hosts craft and vendor events including the Holiday Craft Fair of Washington County
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Cedarburg, Wisconsin?
The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival (fourth full weekend of June) and Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival (third full weekend of September) are the city's flagship events, each drawing 300+ artists to Washington Avenue.
The Cedarburg Artists Guild Holiday Art Fair at the Cedarburg Community Center is the top holiday-season event. Cedar Creek Settlement is open year-round for artisan goods and gallery browsing.
When do craft shows happen in Cedarburg?
The major outdoor shows are in June and September. The Artists Guild Holiday Art Fair is in November or December.
Cedar Creek Settlement operates year-round. During the Cedarburg Christmas period (November–December), additional holiday shopping events appear on Washington Avenue and in the Settlement.
Are there country fairs near Cedarburg?
Ozaukee County Fair is the local county fair. The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis (30 miles south) is the state's largest fair, running 11 days each August. Washington County Fair Park in West Bend (18 miles northwest) hosts additional fair and agricultural events.
Is there a handmade market scene in Cedarburg?
Yes.
The Cedarburg Artists Guild produces the Holiday Art Fair and supports working artists throughout the year. Cedar Creek Settlement's galleries feature local and regional makers year-round. The Cedarburg Cultural Center and Cedarburg Art Museum maintain exhibition programming between major festival weekends.
Find Events in Cedarburg
CraftShow Events lists upcoming craft shows, art fairs, and artisan events in Cedarburg and across Ozaukee County.
Search Cedarburg craft events →