Craft Shows & Fairs in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is the undisputed center of Iowa's craft show calendar. The Iowa State Fairgrounds at 3000 E Grand Avenue serves as the state's premier year-round venue for large-scale craft events, hosting Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show several times a year (250+ exhibitors in spring and September, 300+ in November). Add the Polk County Fair and a growing network of independent maker events, and Des Moines offers more craft show dates per year than any other Iowa city.
Upcoming events in Des Moines, IA
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Des Moines Craft Show Scene
The Iowa State Fairgrounds is the anchor. Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show, produced by Callahan Promotions, fills the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building in spring, late September (September 25–27 in 2026, 250+ exhibitors), and November (November 13–15 in 2026, 300+ exhibitors), with vendors selling handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, and more.
Made In Iowa's current markets (October through April) run at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. The Made In Iowa Winter Market opens the year there (January 30–31 in 2027, 10 AM-3 PM). Made In Iowa's spring (April) and Made for Her (March) markets are held in Cedar Rapids.
Beyond the Fairgrounds, the Des Moines maker scene has its own identity. I Heart Indie Markets brings its Des Moines Makers Market & Bar Hop to the city several times a year. The Des Moines Mini Maker Faire (mid-April, Science Center of Iowa) blends STEM and traditional maker culture with hands-on activities.
For year-round shopping, the Iowa Made Market at 232 5th Street in West Des Moines operates as a curated retail shop of Iowa-made handcrafted goods — a permanent storefront for Iowa makers.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Des Moines
The Iowa State Fair (mid-August) is the main event — 11 days, more than one million attendees, and hundreds of commercial and artisan vendors. The 4-H and FFA handmade competitions at the State Fair showcase quilts, woodworking, and needlework from exhibitors across Iowa's 99 counties.
The Polk County Fair (mid-July, Iowa State Fairgrounds) offers free admission and parking. As Iowa's most populous county (~500,000 residents), Polk County has a strong 4-H program with significant youth handmade entries in quilts, woodworking, and needlework. The fair features livestock, static displays, and craft competitions in a family-friendly setting.
Best Times to Visit Des Moines for Craft Events
March opens the season with the spring edition of Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show. April brings the Mini Maker Faire. July means the Polk County Fair. August is the Iowa State Fair — the single largest event on the Iowa calendar. September hosts Iowa's Largest Arts & Crafts Show. The holiday season from November through December fills multiple venues with bazaars, boutique shows, and pop-up markets, documented annually by Des Moines Mom.
The Iowa State Fairgrounds hosts events nearly every month, making Des Moines a reliable destination for craft shoppers regardless of season.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Pella — ~42 miles southeast; Tulip Time Dutch Market (early May, free admission); Dutch heritage craft shopping
- Cedar Rapids — ~115 miles east; NewBo City Market year-round
- Iowa City — ~115 miles east; Holiday Thieves Market (December, 50+ year tradition); Summer of the Arts programming
- Amana Colonies — ~100 miles east; living craft heritage; Amana Woolen Mill; Festival of the Arts
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Des Moines?
The Iowa State Fairgrounds hosts the largest events: Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show (spring, September, and November; 250 to 300+ exhibitors). The Iowa State Fair in August features hundreds of artisan and commercial vendors. I Heart Indie Markets offers smaller, community-focused maker events.
When do craft shows happen in Des Moines?
Des Moines has craft events nearly year-round thanks to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Spring shows launch in March. The Polk County Fair runs in July. The Iowa State Fair fills August. Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show returns in September and November. Holiday markets run November through December. The Fairgrounds calendar has few gaps.
Are there country fairs near Des Moines?
The Iowa State Fair (August, 11 days, ~1 million attendees) is held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. The Polk County Fair (July, same venue, free admission) is the county-level fair. Both include 4-H and FFA handmade competitions. Within driving distance, the Marion County Fair in Knoxville (~40 miles southeast) serves the region around Pella.
Where can I buy Iowa-made crafts year-round in Des Moines?
The Iowa Made Market at 232 5th Street in West Des Moines is a permanent retail shop dedicated to Iowa-made handcrafted goods. The East Village neighborhood in downtown Des Moines has independent galleries and boutiques carrying local artisan work. Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds several times a year with 250 to 300+ exhibitors.
Find Events in Des Moines
CraftShow Events covers craft shows, artisan fairs, and market listings in Des Moines and across Iowa. Search by date and event type to find Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show, the Iowa State Fair, holiday bazaars, and everything in between.