Craft Shows & Fairs in Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is the center of Utah's craft economy. The Craft Lake City DIY Festival draws 40,000 attendees and 500+ vendors to the Utah State Fairpark each August, making it the largest maker-focused event in the Intermountain West. The Utah Arts Festival at Library Square brings 170+ artists and 35,000+ visitors over four days each June — and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Craft shows in Salt Lake City run year-round through Craft Lake City's monthly Night Markets, the 11-day Utah State Fair in September, and a dense holiday market season. For a metro of 1.2 million people along the Wasatch Front, the city supports a craft event density that matches cities twice its size.

Salt Lake City's Craft Show Scene

The Craft Lake City DIY Festival is the flagship event. Held at the Utah State Fairpark over three days in August, it fills the grounds with 500+ vendors spanning craft, DIY, technology, and food categories. The festival operates under a maker-culture ethos — handmade goods, independent creators, and local artisans define the vendor mix. Craft Lake City, the nonprofit behind the festival, has built this into one of the signature maker events west of the Mississippi.

Craft Lake City Night Markets run monthly as free evening artisan markets in Salt Lake City neighborhoods. These smaller-format events extend the organization's reach beyond the August festival and give vendors a recurring monthly platform.

The Utah Arts Festival at Library Square runs four days in June with 170+ juried artists, live music, dance, literary arts, and food vendors alongside the visual art and craft exhibitions. The festival has been running since 1977, and 2026 marks its 50th year of continuous operation. Admission supports the programming, and the downtown Library Square setting makes it one of the most accessible arts events in the state.

The Utah State Fair occupies the 65-acre Utah State Fairpark for 11 days beginning the first Thursday after Labor Day. It draws 300,000+ guests and includes art and creative competitions, hundreds of vendor booths, livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, and live entertainment. The fair's creative arts categories and vendor areas give it a handmade dimension alongside the agricultural programming.

The Gateway market district and multiple maker spaces around the city support year-round artisan activity. Salt Lake City's craft infrastructure is not limited to the big festivals — gallery events, pop-up markets, and studio sales fill the gaps through every season.

Country Fairs & County Events Near Salt Lake City

The Utah State Fair is Salt Lake City's own — held at the Utah State Fairpark in the city itself, running 11 days each September with 300,000+ attendees. The art competitions and creative arts exhibitions make this more than an agricultural fair for craft-interested visitors.

The Utah County Fair in the Spanish Fork and Provo area (45 miles south) features a Makers Market with local artisans. Midway Swiss Days (45 miles southeast, Labor Day weekend) draws 160+ handcraft vendors in a heritage festival format near Park City.

Best Times to Visit Salt Lake City for Craft Events

September brings the Utah State Fair for 11 days. Craft Lake City Night Markets run monthly through much of the year. Holiday markets (November–December) bring indoor events across the metro.

Spring craft markets begin appearing in April and May. Summer Sundays, consider a day trip to the Park Silly Sunday Market in Park City (30 miles east).

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

• Park City — ~30 miles east; Kimball Arts Festival (August, 200+ artists); Park Silly Sunday Market (Sundays, June–September)
• Logan — ~80 miles north; Summerfest Arts Faire (June, 170+ artists, 60,000 attendees)
• St. George — ~300 miles south; St. George Art Festival (April, since 1978)
• Moab — ~230 miles southeast; Red Rock Arts Festival (September)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in Salt Lake City?

The Craft Lake City DIY Festival (August, Utah State Fairpark, 500+ vendors, 40,000 attendees) is the largest maker event. The Utah Arts Festival (June, Library Square, 170+ artists, 35,000+ attendees) is the oldest major arts event. The Utah State Fair (September, 11 days, 300,000+ attendees) includes creative arts competitions and vendor areas. Craft Lake City Night Markets offer free monthly evening artisan markets year-round.

When do craft shows happen in Salt Lake City?

June (Utah Arts Festival) and August (Craft Lake City DIY Festival) are peak months. September brings the Utah State Fair. Craft Lake City Night Markets run monthly. Holiday markets fill November and December. Spring and fall bring pop-up markets and gallery events throughout the metro.

Are there country fairs near Salt Lake City?

The Utah State Fair is held at the Utah State Fairpark within Salt Lake City itself — 11 days starting after Labor Day with art competitions and hundreds of vendors. The Utah County Fair (45 miles south, Provo area) features a Makers Market. Midway Swiss Days (45 miles southeast, Labor Day weekend) operates as a heritage handcraft festival with 160+ vendors.

Is there a handmade market scene in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has one of the strongest handmade market scenes in the Intermountain West. Craft Lake City, the nonprofit organization, produces the DIY Festival (500+ vendors), monthly Night Markets, and year-round programming. The Utah Arts Festival has operated since 1977. Multiple maker spaces, The Gateway market district, and a growing network of pop-up markets and studio sales sustain artisan activity through every season.

Find Events in Salt Lake City

CraftShow Events covers craft shows, maker festivals, and artisan market listings in Salt Lake City and across Utah. Search by date and event type to find the DIY Festival, Utah Arts Festival, State Fair, Night Markets, and everything in between.