Craft Shows & Fairs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh has built one of the strongest independent craft and maker communities in Pennsylvania. Anchored by organizations that have been growing the handmade market scene for two decades, the city now offers craft events in nearly every season — from a new March market at the convention center to a beloved December holiday fair that draws thousands.

Pittsburgh's Craft Show Scene

Handmade Arcade is the cornerstone of Pittsburgh's craft event world. Founded in 2004, the organization expanded to year-round programming in 2026. Modern Craft Market (NEW 2026)

Dates: March 27–29, 2026
Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh
Hours: Friday 5–8 PM / Saturday 9 AM–6 PM / Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
150+ contemporary craft makers from Pittsburgh and the greater Appalachian region

Handmade Arcade Holiday Show

Date: December (annual flagship)
Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Pittsburgh's biggest indie craft event of the year

A Fair in the Park — organized by the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh

Dates: September 11–13, 2026
Location: Mellon Park, Shadyside
Hours: Friday 1–7 PM / Saturday 10 AM–7 PM / Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
Contemporary fine art and fine craft; one of Pittsburgh's top outdoor events

5th Annual Shadyside: The Other Art Festival

Date: May 16, 2026 (10 AM–5 PM)
Location: Walnut Street, Shadyside
100+ fine artists plus Craft Marketplace (handmade soaps, clothing, home décor)

I Made It! Market runs pop-up artisan events throughout the year across Pittsburgh neighborhoods:

Strip District
Shadyside
South Side
Squirrel Hill
Lawrenceville
Downtown Pittsburgh

County Events Near Pittsburgh

Allegheny County has no traditional agricultural county fair — Pittsburgh is a fully urban metro. The nearest traditional fair options:

Washington County Fair — ~27 miles south
Butler Farm Show — ~25 miles north

Both offer the classic agricultural fair format with home arts exhibits and craft vendors.

Best Times to Visit Pittsburgh for Craft Events

March — Modern Craft Market (NEW 2026); David L. Lawrence Convention Center, March 27–29 May — Shadyside festival (May 16); I Made It! Market spring pop-ups September — A Fair in the Park at Mellon Park (September 11–13); best outdoor craft event of the year December — Handmade Arcade Holiday Show; Pittsburgh's most anticipated craft shopping weekend

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

State College, PA — ~140 miles east; Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts (July 8–12, nationally ranked); Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair (August)
Erie, PA — ~120 miles north; Spring and Holiday Craft & Gift Festivals at Bayfront Convention Center

Explore all Pennsylvania craft shows →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center hosts Handmade Arcade events — both the new Modern Craft Market (March 27–29) and the flagship Holiday Show (December). Mellon Park in Shadyside is the site of A Fair in the Park (September 11–13). I Made It! Market runs pop-ups in Strip District, Lawrenceville, and other neighborhoods throughout the year.

When do craft shows happen in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh now has major shows in every season:

March: Modern Craft Market (David L. Lawrence Convention Center)
May: Shadyside festival on Walnut Street
September: A Fair in the Park (Mellon Park)
December: Handmade Arcade Holiday Show
Year-round: I Made It! Market pop-ups across neighborhoods

Are there country fairs near Pittsburgh?

Allegheny County doesn't hold an agricultural county fair. Washington County Fair (~27 miles south) and Butler Farm Show (~25 miles north) are the nearest traditional options.

Is there a handmade market scene in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has one of the most active indie craft scenes in the state. Handmade Arcade, I Made It! Market, and the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh collectively cover all seasons. Lawrenceville has become the city's maker neighborhood hub.

Find Events in Pittsburgh

Search CraftShow Events to browse craft shows, maker markets, and artisan fairs in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania.