Craft Shows & Fairs in Richmond, Virginia
Richmond has built one of the most active craft show calendars of any mid-size city in the South. The state capital draws on a creative community shaped by Virginia Commonwealth University's nationally respected arts programs, an independent maker culture rooted in Carytown and Scott's Addition, and a show circuit that runs from the first warm days of spring through the holiday season.
Richmond's Craft Show Scene
Arts in the Park at Byrd Park's Carillon is Richmond's most celebrated annual craft event. Held each May on the open grounds around the city's Carillon bell tower, the juried show has been recognized as one of the top art shows in the country. Hundreds of artists fill the park with fine art paintings, metal crafts, pottery, jewelry, photography, and weavings.
The Craftsmen's Spring Classic comes to Richmond Raceway Complex each March as part of the Gilmore Shows national touring circuit. It draws artists and craftspeople from across the United States — pottery, jewelry, woodwork, glass, fine art, and photography — and consistently ranks among Virginia's top-attended indoor shows.
The RVA Craft Show at Henrico Sports + Events Center is Richmond's signature late-year craft event. Running in November with 100+ handmade vendors, it offers a focused, maker-only experience distinct from the larger touring shows. The Richmond Moon Market operates throughout the year as a curated craft and wellness market: plants, crystals, ceramics, jewelry, candles, and clothing alongside live music and food.
December brings the Carytown Artisan Market to City Stadium — 150+ vendors, craft beverages, food trucks, and live music in one of Richmond's most characterful neighborhoods.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Richmond
The State Fair of Virginia is held each year at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, about 25 miles north of Richmond in Hanover County. Running from late September through early October, the fair features handmade entries in quilting, baking, woodworking, and metalsmithing alongside livestock competitions and the traditional midway.
Chesterfield County, immediately south of the city, hosts one of Virginia's oldest county fairs — dating to 1911. The fair includes a heritage village with blacksmithing demonstrations, livestock competition, and live entertainment.
Best Times to Visit Richmond for Craft Events
March — Craftsmen's Spring Classic at Richmond Raceway opens the show season. May — Arts in the Park at Byrd Park; the open park setting and mild spring temperatures make this the most enjoyable outdoor show of the year. November–December — Richmond's most concentrated craft event period: RVA Craft Show (November), Richmond Craft Show (Thanksgiving weekend), Carytown Artisan Market (December).Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Charlottesville, VA — 70 miles west; Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival (biannual, May and October); wine country artisan scene
- Williamsburg, VA — 55 miles east; 2nd Sundays Williamsburg (monthly, March–December); Colonial Williamsburg craft demonstrations
- Virginia Beach, VA — 110 miles east; Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market (April)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Richmond, Virginia?
Arts in the Park at Byrd Park (May) is Richmond's flagship outdoor fine art and craft show. The RVA Craft Show at Henrico Sports + Events Center (November) is the signature indoor handmade event. The Craftsmen's Spring Classic at Richmond Raceway (March) brings a national touring circuit to the city. The Carytown Artisan Market (December) anchors the holiday market season.
When do craft shows happen in Richmond?
March (Craftsmen's Spring Classic), May (Arts in the Park), November (RVA Craft Show, Richmond Craft Show), and December (Carytown Artisan Market) are the peak months. The Richmond Moon Market runs periodic events throughout the year.
Are there country fairs near Richmond?
The State Fair of Virginia in Doswell (25 miles north, late September–early October) is the most prominent. The Chesterfield County Fair (est. 1911) and Hanover County agricultural traditions offer closer county fair experiences.
Is there a handmade market scene in Richmond?
Richmond has one of the strongest independent maker communities in Virginia. Scott's Addition and Carytown anchor the artisan retail scene. Virginia Commonwealth University's arts programs feed the local maker pipeline. The Richmond Moon Market and RVA Craft Show reflect a commitment to handmade-only, curated market formats.
Find Events in Richmond
CraftShow Events tracks the full Richmond craft show calendar — from Gilmore Shows touring events to neighborhood pop-ups and county fairs in the surrounding metro.