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.
Upcoming events in Richmond, VA
Live listings with their sources. Always confirm details with the organizer.
Craftsmen's Christmas Classic Art & Craft Festival - Richmond
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Richmond, VA
Arts in the Park (Richmond)
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Richmond, VA
Also within 50 miles of Richmond, VA
State Fair of Virginia
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Doswell, VA
About 22 mi from Richmond · Doswell, VA
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 (May 1–2 in 2027), it is described by its organizers as consistently 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 Gilmore returns to the Raceway each November for the Craftsmen's Christmas Classic (November 6–8 in 2026).
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. Smaller curated pop-up markets appear through the year.
December brings holiday markets, including the Bizarre Bazaar's Christmas Collection at Richmond Raceway Complex (December 3–6 in 2026).
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 a county fair dating to 1911, when the first Chesterfield County Fair was held. Its Arts & Crafts Building fills each year with judged canned goods, needlework, and artwork.
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: Craftsmen's Christmas Classic and RVA Craft Show (November), Bizarre Bazaar Christmas Collection (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 Bizarre Bazaar's Christmas Collection (December) anchors the holiday market season.
When do craft shows happen in Richmond?
March (Craftsmen's Spring Classic), May (Arts in the Park), November (Craftsmen's Christmas Classic, RVA Craft Show), and December (Bizarre Bazaar) are the peak months. Pop-up markets run periodically 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 RVA Craft Show focuses on handmade craft vendors.
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.