Craft Shows & Fairs in Red Wing, Minnesota
Red Wing has been making things by hand since 1877, when Red Wing Stoneware opened and began producing the salt-glazed crocks and jugs that made this river town synonymous with American ceramics.
The pottery tradition never stopped. You can still watch potters work at the wheel on a visit today. Layered on that heritage is the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival — now in its 58th year — which brings 120+ juried artists to the downtown streets each October. For craft show visitors, Red Wing offers something larger city events rarely can: genuine depth of handmade tradition.
Red Wing's Craft Show Scene
Red Wing Arts Fall Festival is the anchor event. Held the second weekend of October in downtown Red Wing:- 120+ regional artists in individual booths
- Mediums: ceramics, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, woodworking
- Booths along 3rd Street and Bush Street in the heart of downtown
- Concerts and food trucks in Central Park
- 58 consecutive annual editions — one of the most established art fairs in the upper Midwest
- Watch potters at the wheel creating wares
- Shop the pottery salesroom and gift shop
- Visit the candy store and coffee shop on site
The current operation fires its distinctive salt-glaze kiln to produce mugs, crocks, bakeware, and kitchen pieces — a living continuation of a 148-year-old tradition.
Pottery Museum of Red Wing traces the city's ceramic heritage from its 19th-century stoneware origins through its mid-century art pottery years.Country Fairs & County Events Near Red Wing
Red Wing is the county seat of Goodhue County. The Goodhue County Fair is held at the Goodhue County Fairgrounds in Red Wing in late summer, with:
- Livestock and 4-H shows
- Creative arts handmade exhibit competitions — quilting, sewing, baking, canning, woodworking
The agricultural roots of Goodhue County run deep, and the fair reflects a genuine rural handcraft tradition.
Cannon Falls (~18 miles north on the Cannon Valley Trail) and Lake City (~25 miles south on Lake Pepin) offer smaller community fair and market events accessible as part of a Mississippi River Valley day trip.Best Times to Visit Red Wing for Craft Events
October is Red Wing's prime time for craft visitors. The Red Wing Arts Fall Festival runs the second weekend, timed to coincide with fall foliage on the Mississippi River bluffs — some of the most dramatic landscape in Minnesota. The combination of:- 120+ artists across two days
- Pottery Museum visit
- Active Red Wing Stoneware production
- Fall color on the Mississippi bluffs
…makes an October Red Wing trip one of the more complete handmade-culture experiences in the state.
Summer is strong for the Goodhue County Fair and pottery visits. Red Wing Arts maintains year-round gallery programming giving the city consistent craft discovery potential in every season.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Cannon Falls — 18 miles, Cannon Valley Trail; community events
- Hastings — 25 miles, Vermillion River; Dakota County
- St. Paul — 50 miles, American Craft Fest, St. Paul Art Crawl
- Lanesboro — 70 miles, Art in the Park, Bluff Country arts, Lanesboro Area Art Trail
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Red Wing, MN?
The Red Wing Arts Fall Festival (second weekend of October, downtown streets) is the primary event — 120+ juried artists over two days, with concerts in Central Park. Red Wing Stoneware & Pottery at Pottery Place is open year-round as a working studio and salesroom. Red Wing Arts' downtown gallery runs exhibitions throughout the year.
When do craft shows happen in Red Wing?
October is the main craft event month — the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival runs the second weekend. The Goodhue County Fair runs in late summer (typically August). Red Wing Arts and Red Wing Pottery are open year-round.
Are there country fairs near Red Wing?
The Goodhue County Fair is held in Red Wing at the Goodhue County Fairgrounds, with 4-H, livestock, and handmade exhibit competitions. Cannon Falls and Lake City have smaller community events along the Mississippi corridor.
Is there a handmade market scene in Red Wing?
Yes, rooted in ceramic arts. Red Wing Stoneware & Pottery has been in continuous production since 1877. Red Wing Arts has supported local visual artists since 1952. The downtown gallery and festival program make Red Wing one of the most arts-committed small cities in Minnesota.
Find Events in Red Wing
Browse upcoming craft shows, art fairs, and handmade markets in Red Wing on CraftShow Events. Plan your October trip around the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival and pair it with a visit to Red Wing Stoneware and the Pottery Museum.