Craft Shows & Fairs in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville covers more square miles than any other city in the contiguous United States, and events distribute across its many distinct neighborhoods — from the galleries of Riverside and Avondale to the community grounds of Mandarin to the fairgrounds downtown. The First Coast identity runs strong, and Jacksonville's craft community reflects it: grounded in community tradition and oriented toward the artists and makers who actually live here.
Jacksonville's Craft Show Scene
Mandarin Art Festival
Jacksonville's most storied annual event:
- Running continuously since Easter weekend 1968
- Longest-running arts festival in Northeast Florida
- Held in the Mandarin neighborhood — one of Jacksonville's oldest communities
- Multi-generational local tradition; families plan around it
Jacksonville Southern Creatives Market
At Riverside Arts Square, downtown:
- Gathers local artisans, crafters, and creators
- Contemporary maker energy; reflects Jacksonville's growing indie arts scene
- Riverside/Avondale corridor is the city's arts district anchor
Jacksonville Fair
At the Jacksonville Fairgrounds (Downtown), organized by the Jacksonville Fair Association:
- Antiques, collectibles, crafts, and fine art exhibitors
- Rides, games, and entertainment
- Admission typically $5-$25
- Traditional community fair with deep Duval County roots
Year-round, Markets For Makers and other promoters circulate craft and vendor shows through community venues — churches, parks, and school grounds — throughout Duval County.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Fair serves Duval County as the primary traditional fair. Surrounding counties add additional options:
- St. Johns County Agricultural Fair (St. Augustine area)
- Nassau County Fair (Fernandina Beach area)
- Clay County community fair events
The rural character of surrounding counties contrasts with Jacksonville's urban core and adds genuine agricultural fair character to the regional calendar.
Best Times to Visit Jacksonville for Craft Events
Easter weekend — the Mandarin Art Festival's annual anchor event; significant regional visitor draw. Spring (March-May) — active with multiple community craft shows and outdoor events before summer heat. October-December — fall season with community craft fairs and holiday markets building through November and December.Jacksonville's year-round residential base (not snowbird-dependent) means events occur across all seasons — more evenly distributed than South Florida cities.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- St. Augustine — 40 miles south; Beat Country and Craft Festival at Francis Field, historic district artisan markets, St. Augustine Art and Craft Festival
- Fernandina Beach — 30 miles north on Amelia Island; boutique arts and craft events in a historic downtown
- Ponte Vedra Beach — 20 miles south; affluent coastal community with upscale craft and art event opportunities
- Gainesville — 75 miles southwest; GLAM Craft Show, Downtown Festival, university-town craft culture
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Jacksonville, Florida?
The Mandarin Art Festival (Easter weekend, since 1968) is Jacksonville's most storied annual event. The Jacksonville Southern Creatives Market at Riverside Arts Square represents the contemporary indie maker scene. The Jacksonville Fair at the Fairgrounds provides a traditional county fair format with craft and fine art exhibitors.
When do craft shows happen in Jacksonville?
Easter weekend anchors the calendar (Mandarin Art Festival). Spring and fall are the most active seasons. December brings holiday vendor fairs and craft markets throughout Duval County. Jacksonville's year-round residential base supports events across all seasons.
Are there country fairs near Jacksonville?
The Jacksonville Fair at the Fairgrounds offers a traditional fair experience. The St. Johns County Agricultural Fair (St. Augustine area) and Nassau County Fair (Fernandina Beach area) provide rural agricultural fair experiences within easy driving distance.
Is there a handmade market scene in Jacksonville?
Yes, rooted in the Riverside/Avondale neighborhood arts community. The Jacksonville Southern Creatives Market, pop-up vendor events, and the growing indie retail scene in Five Points and Murray Hill support local makers. MOCA Jacksonville anchors the broader arts ecosystem.
Find Events in Jacksonville
CraftShow Events tracks craft fairs, artisan markets, and handmade vendor events throughout Jacksonville and Duval County. Search by date or neighborhood to find what's near you.