Craft Shows & Fairs in Laramie, Wyoming
Laramie sits on the high plains at 7,165 feet elevation — higher than Denver — between the Medicine Bow Mountains and the Laramie Range. As home to the University of Wyoming, the state's only research university, the city supports a craft and artisan community with a more contemporary sensibility than most Wyoming towns. Ceramics, printmaking, textiles, and mixed media thrive in the university environment, and craft shows in Laramie reflect that influence alongside Wyoming's broader Western and agricultural traditions. With a population of roughly 32,000 including students, the city balances college-town maker culture with the ranching heritage that defines Albany County.
Laramie's Craft Show Scene
Laramie Jubilee Days is the city's anchor summer event — a week-long celebration in mid-July that includes arts and crafts vendors set up in the downtown district alongside rodeo, parade, and carnival programming. The craft fair component fills Second Street and the surrounding downtown blocks with handmade goods, art, and artisan vendors. Jubilee Days is Laramie's largest community gathering and the strongest period for craft vendor activity in the city.
The University of Wyoming Art Museum on campus hosts exhibitions and MFA student shows that connect the university's fine arts programs to the broader community. The art department's programs in ceramics, printmaking, and fiber arts produce a pipeline of working artists, some of whom participate in local markets and shows.
The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site hosts periodic craft fairs in a setting unlike any other in the state. The historic prison, which once held Butch Cassidy, provides a distinctive backdrop for artisan vendors. Events here are not year-round but add character to Laramie's craft calendar when they run.
Prairie Wind Gallery on the downtown corridor offers contemporary art and craft retail. Various artisan and gift shops along Second Street cater to both students and visitors. The Laramie Art Guild and the Albany County Arts Council support local artists and help organize seasonal events.
The Laramie Main Street Holiday Market runs in November and December as an indoor holiday craft market downtown. Holiday season is more active than in many Wyoming communities, thanks to the university population and the 65-mile proximity to Fort Collins, Colorado, which brings cross-border shoppers.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Laramie
The Albany County Fair at the Albany County Fairgrounds in Laramie runs in August. It is a traditional Wyoming county fair with 4-H and FFA competitions, livestock exhibitions, home arts categories including quilts, needlework, and baked goods, craft vendor booths, and carnival programming. The fair reflects Albany County's agricultural identity despite the university's presence in the county seat.
Cheyenne, 50 miles east, hosts the Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration in late July — the "Daddy of 'em All" rodeo with a significant vendor fair market. The proximity makes Frontier Days accessible as a day trip from Laramie.
Best Times to Visit Laramie for Craft Events
Mid-July is the peak, when Laramie Jubilee Days fills the downtown with craft vendors, rodeo, and community celebration. August brings the Albany County Fair.
The university academic calendar adds spring and fall activity. End-of-semester art shows at the University of Wyoming Art Museum and MFA exhibitions typically run in May and December, overlapping with craft-relevant programming.
November and December bring the Laramie Main Street Holiday Market and community holiday bazaars. Winter weather in Laramie is harsh — the I-80 corridor is notorious for wind and snow closures — but indoor holiday markets serve the resident and university community.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Jackson — ~400 miles northwest; Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival (late September); Gallery Row
- Sheridan — ~320 miles north; WYO Rodeo vendor fair (mid-July); King's Saddlery Western heritage
- Cody — ~400 miles northwest; Buffalo Bill Art Show (September); Cody Stampede (July 4th)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Laramie, Wyoming?
Laramie Jubilee Days in mid-July is the city's largest craft vendor event, with artisan booths filling the downtown alongside rodeo and parade programming. The Albany County Fair in August includes craft vendors and home arts competitions. The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site hosts periodic craft fairs in a distinctive heritage setting. The Laramie Main Street Holiday Market serves the holiday shopping season.
When do craft shows happen in Laramie?
Mid-July (Jubilee Days) and August (Albany County Fair) are the peak months. The University of Wyoming Art Museum hosts exhibitions through the academic year. The Laramie Main Street Holiday Market runs November and December. Spring and fall bring scattered gallery events and university programming.
Is there a handmade market scene in Laramie?
Laramie has a craft community shaped by the University of Wyoming's fine arts programs. Ceramics, printmaking, textiles, and mixed media are strong in the university environment. The Laramie Art Guild and Albany County Arts Council support local artists. Downtown Second Street hosts artisan shops and Prairie Wind Gallery. The city's proximity to Fort Collins, Colorado (65 miles south) creates cross-state connections for makers and shoppers.
Find Events in Laramie
CraftShow Events covers craft shows, artisan markets, and fair listings in Laramie and across Wyoming. Search by date and event type to find Jubilee Days, the Albany County Fair, holiday markets, and more.