Craft Shows & Fairs in Rochester, New York
Rochester has a strong craft tradition built on deep institutional roots. The Rochester Institute of Technology's School for American Crafts is nationally recognized, and its graduates in ceramics, glass, jewelry, metals, and woodworking have contributed to the city's maker community for generations. The city runs a full annual calendar of outdoor festivals, recurring markets, and holiday shows.
Rochester's Craft Show Scene
The Corn Hill Arts Festival is Rochester's signature outdoor craft event. Held in July in the historic Corn Hill neighborhood (the 58th festival was July 11–12, 2026), it draws over 300 artists and fine craftspeople to the neighborhood streets — ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, photography, mixed media, and painting. Live music and food vendors fill the blocks throughout the weekend.
Artist Row is a juried art show held one Sunday in September at the Rochester Public Market, with close to 200 artists.The Rochester Public Market — serving Rochester since 1905 — hosts craft vendors alongside food sellers year-round, with market days on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Additional recurring markets:
- Roc Artists Open Market — Innovation Square, downtown; artisans, small businesses, vintage goods, food, live music
- THEMATA — year-round indoor/outdoor series; growing schedule season by season
For Finger Lakes craft, the Keuka Arts Festival along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail (free admission, live entertainment) is a worthwhile day trip from Rochester.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Rochester
The Monroe County Fair was most recently listed by the Town of Rush as a three-day event at 6565 East River Road in Rush (August 5–7, 2022). Its former website no longer carries fair information, so check its current status before planning a visit.
Additional nearby fairs:
- Livingston County Fair — Livingston County Fairgrounds, Caledonia; check the fair's website for current dates
- Wayne County Fair — Palmyra (~25 miles east); mid-August (August 10–16 in 2026)
Best Times to Visit Rochester for Craft Events
July (July 11–12 in 2026): Corn Hill Arts Festival — the clearest craft show destination event. September: Artist Row at Rochester Public Market. Year-round (Saturdays): Rochester Public Market. November-December: Community holiday craft shows across Monroe County (church halls, community centers, suburban venues).Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Canandaigua, NY — ~25 miles southeast; Finger Lakes gateway; Ontario County craft activity
- Ithaca, NY — ~85 miles southeast; Ithaca Farmers Market, Ithaca Artists Market, Ithaca Festival
- Buffalo, NY — ~75 miles west; Allentown Art Festival (June), Queen City Market (December)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Rochester, NY?
Corn Hill Arts Festival (July, 300+ artists) is the city's signature outdoor craft event. Artist Row at Rochester Public Market (September, nearly 200 artists) is a juried fall show. The Rochester Public Market (Saturdays) is the most consistent year-round option.
When do craft shows happen in Rochester?
Outdoor peak: June-September. Corn Hill Arts Festival (July); Artist Row (September). Year-round: Rochester Public Market (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays). Holiday shows: November-December across Monroe County.
Are there country fairs near Rochester?
Yes. The Wayne County Fair in Palmyra (~25 miles east) ran August 10–16 in 2026, and the Livingston County Fair is based at its fairgrounds in Caledonia. The Monroe County Fair was last listed in Rush in 2022, so check its current status.
Is there a handmade market scene in Rochester?
Rochester's handmade market scene is well-developed, supported in part by the RIT School for American Crafts. The Park Avenue district and the Rochester Public Market are the most accessible daily-access points for locally made goods.
Find Events in Rochester
Search CraftShow Events for upcoming craft shows, artisan markets, and county fairs in Rochester, NY and the Finger Lakes region.