Craft Shows & Fairs in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte's craft show calendar is anchored by two major fall events, and the Southern Christmas Show alone reports more than 95,000 shoppers.
Upcoming events in Charlotte, NC
Live listings with their sources. Always confirm details with the organizer.
The city's NoDa arts district and growing pop-up scene keep the handmade calendar active year-round, while the suburban Cabarrus Arena complex in Concord — just northeast of the metro — hosts Christmas Made in the South, a long-running fine arts and crafts show.
Charlotte's Craft Show Scene
The biggest event on the Charlotte craft calendar is the Southern Christmas Show at the Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road.
The show runs in mid-November (November 11–22 in 2026), with about 400 vendors and more than 95,000 shoppers. It's a major regional destination event that draws shoppers from across the Carolinas and Virginia.
The Southern Christmas Show covers a wide range: holiday décor, specialty foods, ornaments, clothing, handmade gifts. If you want a more tightly juried craft experience, the better choice in the Charlotte metro is Christmas Made in the South.
Christmas Made in the South runs in late October at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 US Highway 49 North, Concord (~20 miles northeast of Charlotte). The 2026 show (October 23–25) is its 45th annual edition. The show features:- Handcrafted work from fine artisans and craftspeople
- Exhibitors on hand demonstrating and selling their work all three days
- Functional and sculptural pottery, glass blowing, jewelry, wood turning, metalwork, fine art in oils and watercolors
- $10 admission
This is a craft show in the county fair tradition — focused, curated, and consistently good.
Maker's Market CLT (makersmarketclt.com), founded in 2018, runs curated markets year-round at venues across Charlotte and surrounding areas, featuring handmade goods, art, jewelry, fashion, and vintage finds. Seasonal makers markets round out the spring calendar with handmade jewelry, ceramics, artisanal fashion, bath and body goods, and home furnishings.Country Fairs & County Events Near Charlotte
Charlotte sits in Mecklenburg County, but the Cabarrus Arena in Concord has become the county-adjacent anchor for the Charlotte craft fair scene.
For a more traditional county fair experience:
- Union County Fair (Monroe, ~21 miles SE) — agricultural fair with livestock, carnival rides, craft competitions, and 4-H programming
- Gaston County Agricultural Fair (west of Charlotte) — traditional county fair; craft competitions included
Best Times to Visit Charlotte for Craft Events
October (23–25): Christmas Made in the South at Cabarrus Arena — the juried show that serious craft buyers target first. Earlier in the fall season, smaller crowds than November. November (11–22 in 2026): The Southern Christmas Show at Park Expo. Plan for parking challenges at peak weekend sessions; weekday attendance is noticeably less crowded. Spring (March–May): Maker's Market CLT events and NoDa gallery events. Year-round: NoDa (North Davidson Street) maintains galleries and studios independently of event calendars. First Friday events bring artists and makers to street level every month.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Seagrove, NC — ~65 miles NE; the Handmade Pottery Capital of the US; 50+ pottery studios open year-round plus the Pottery Festival (November) and Spring Tour (April)
- Asheville, NC — ~100 miles W; Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands (July and October), River Arts District; the region's premier mountain craft destination
- Greensboro, NC — ~90 miles NE; Greensboro Holiday Market (early November)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Charlotte, NC?
The top events are Christmas Made in the South at Cabarrus Arena in Concord (October, three days) and the Southern Christmas Show at Park Expo (November, about 400 vendors). For year-round local craft, Maker's Market CLT runs markets at venues across the Charlotte area throughout the year.
When do craft shows happen in Charlotte?
Peak season is October–November. Christmas Made in the South runs in late October (October 23–25 in 2026); the Southern Christmas Show runs in mid-to-late November (November 11–22 in 2026). Smaller makers markets and pop-ups run spring through fall. NoDa First Fridays are the most consistent monthly option year-round.
Are there country fairs near Charlotte?
Cabarrus Arena in Concord hosts major craft events in a county fairground-adjacent setting. Union County Fair in Monroe (~30 miles SE) and Gaston County Fair to the west carry on the agricultural fair tradition with livestock shows and craft competitions.
Is there a handmade market scene in Charlotte?
Growing. NoDa is Charlotte's most established arts district with studios, galleries, and First Friday events year-round. Maker's Market CLT produces recurring markets across the Charlotte area. Charlotte's size means the maker community is active but spread across a large geography rather than concentrated in one walkable district.
Find Events in Charlotte
CraftShow Events lists craft fairs, handmade shows, artisan markets, and county fair events across the Charlotte metro — including Concord, Gastonia, Huntersville, and Matthews. Search by zip code to find what's closest, and filter by date to plan your fall craft show season.