Craft Shows & Fairs in Ithaca, New York
Ithaca's cooperative community values and buy-local culture have made it one of the most craft-friendly small cities in upstate New York. The Ithaca Farmers Market — a more than 50-year-old institution at Steamboat Landing — enforces a 30-mile vendor radius that keeps the focus on regional makers, farmers, and artisans. The result is an event that feels genuinely local in a way that larger metro markets rarely achieve.
Upcoming events in Ithaca, NY
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Ithaca's Craft Show Scene
The Ithaca Farmers Market runs Saturdays from April through December and Sundays from May through November at its permanent pavilion on the Cayuga Lake waterfront at Steamboat Landing. More than 150 vendors sell there across its market days, all based within 30 miles of the market. The craft selection includes:
- Ceramics and pottery
- Handmade jewelry
- Fiber work and textiles
- Woodturning and carved items
- Candles and personal care products
Peak summer weekends draw crowds well beyond the pavilion into the adjacent green space.
The Ithaca Artists Market, organized by the Community Arts Partnership (artspartner.org), is a juried show with 88 booths filled by 80+ artists, local arts organizations, and food, wine, and beer vendors. It provides a curated selection of regional fine and functional art.
The Ithaca Festival, which holds its 50th annual edition June 3–6, 2027, features live performances and a three-day craft fair with over 150 vendors.
A Winter Artisan Market — Tompkins County 4-H's first-ever Holiday Craft Bazaar, launched December 2025 — signals growing interest in extending Ithaca's craft market season into colder months.
County Fair Connection
Tompkins County's own fair is the 4-H Youth Fair run by Cornell Cooperative Extension each July. Nearby county fair options:
- Chemung County Fair — Horseheads (August 4–8 in 2026)
- Cortland County Jr. Fair — Cortland (July 7–11 in 2026)
The Trumansburg Farmers Market in northern Tompkins County (~11 miles northwest of Ithaca) runs seasonally with craft vendors.
Best Times to Visit Ithaca for Craft Events
May (late) / June (early): Ithaca Festival with its craft fair. Ithaca Farmers Market Sunday markets resume in May. July-August: Peak market season. Steamboat Landing pavilion at full vendor capacity. Gorge tourism traffic adds visitors who also shop the market. August: Ithaca Artists Market (held August 14 in 2026; check the Community Arts Partnership calendar for the next date). December: Growing holiday bazaar programming; watch for Tompkins County 4-H events.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Watkins Glen, NY — ~19 miles west; Schuyler County; Finger Lakes wine trail; seasonal artisan market activity
- Cortland, NY — ~25 miles north; Cortland County; community craft shows
- Corning, NY — ~35 miles southwest; Corning Museum of Glass; Market Street arts district; Finger Lakes glass craft heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Ithaca, NY?
The Ithaca Farmers Market at Steamboat Landing is the most consistent and accessible option, running Saturdays from April through December and Sundays from May through November with more than 150 vendors. The Ithaca Artists Market, a juried show organized by the Community Arts Partnership, is the best event for curated fine and functional craft.
When do craft shows happen in Ithaca?
The Ithaca Farmers Market runs Saturdays from April through December and Sundays from May through November. The 2027 Ithaca Festival and its craft fair run June 3–6. The Ithaca Artists Market is in August.
Are there country fairs near Ithaca?
Tompkins County's fair is the 4-H Youth Fair run by Cornell Cooperative Extension each July. Nearby, the Chemung County Fair is in Horseheads (August 4–8 in 2026) and the Cortland County Jr. Fair is in Cortland (July 7–11 in 2026).
Is there a handmade market scene in Ithaca?
Ithaca has a strong handmade market culture driven by its cooperative community values. The Ithaca Farmers Market's 30-mile radius rule creates an unusually local vendor mix. GreenStar Food Co-op carries locally made goods year-round. The city's buy-local ethic means locally made goods are well-represented across shops, markets, and cafes throughout Ithaca.
Find Events in Ithaca
Search CraftShow Events for current craft shows, artisan markets, and events in Ithaca, NY and the Finger Lakes region. Check the Ithaca Farmers Market seasonal schedule and look for Ithaca Artists Market dates from the Community Arts Partnership.