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 the Des Moines Spring Arts & Crafts Show (300+ exhibitors from seven states), the Des Moines Fall Arts & Crafts Show (300+ exhibitors from eight states), and Iowa's Largest Arts & Crafts Show (250+ exhibitors each September). Add the Made In Iowa Markets, 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.
Des Moines Craft Show Scene
The Iowa State Fairgrounds is the anchor. The Spring and Fall Arts & Crafts Shows are among the largest in the Midwest, each drawing 300+ exhibitors who apply from multiple states. Iowa's Largest Arts & Crafts Show (September 25-27, 2026) fills the venue with 250+ exhibitors selling handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, and fine crafts in a juried format.
The Made In Iowa Markets operate on a quarterly-to-monthly schedule at the Fairgrounds, with 150+ vendors of locally made goods. The Made In Iowa Winter Market (January 24, 2026, Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building, $5 admission, 9 AM-3 PM) opens the year. The Made In Iowa Mother's Day Market (April 18, 2026) and Made For Her Market (March 14, 2026) target seasonal shoppers with Iowa-made artisan goods.
Beyond the Fairgrounds, the Des Moines maker scene has its own identity. The Good Makers Market is a periodic artisan market featuring local craftspeople. I Heart Indie Markets brings its Midwest-based market series to Des Moines. The Des Moines Mini Maker Faire (April 11, 2026, 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 (August 13-23, 2026) is the main event — 11 days, roughly one million attendees, 500+ vendors, and the Varied Industries Building packed with 400+ commercial and artisan vendor booths. 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 (July 18-24, 2026, 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 Des Moines Spring Arts & Crafts Show — one of Iowa's largest spring events. April brings the Mini Maker Faire and the Made In Iowa Mother's Day Market. 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 (May, 30,000+ visitors); Dutch heritage craft shopping
- Cedar Rapids — ~115 miles east; Sturgis Falls Festival (Memorial Day weekend, 80+ artisans); 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: the Spring and Fall Arts & Crafts Shows (300+ exhibitors each), Iowa's Largest Arts & Crafts Show (250+ exhibitors in September), and the Made In Iowa Markets (150+ vendors). The Iowa State Fair in August features 500+ vendors including the Varied Industries Building with 400+ artisan and commercial booths. The Good Makers Market and I Heart Indie Markets offer 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. The Made In Iowa Winter Market opens in January. Spring shows launch in March. The Polk County Fair runs in July. The Iowa State Fair fills August. Iowa's Largest Arts & Crafts Show anchors September. 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. The Made In Iowa Markets run multiple times per year at the Iowa State Fairgrounds with 150+ vendors.
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 the Spring and Fall Arts & Crafts Shows, Made In Iowa Markets, the Iowa State Fair, holiday bazaars, and everything in between.