Craft Shows & Fairs in San Rafael, California

San Rafael sits at the center of Marin County's arts community. For a mid-sized city, the quality of its artisan events draws shoppers from across the North Bay and the Bay Area.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin Civic Center gives San Rafael an architectural identity that sets it apart as a craft show destination.

San Rafael's Craft Show Scene

The Marin Arts & Crafts Show is the anchor event. It's held at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 20 Ave of the Flags, inside the civic center complex.

The show features about 200 artisan exhibits:

• Fine art, jewelry, and ceramics
• Woodwork, textiles, and stained glass
• Furniture, metalwork, and repurposed materials
• Clothing, photography, and sculpture
• Artisan foods

The fall show runs in early November (November 6–8 in 2026). The winter/spring show is scheduled for February 26–28, 2027.

Beyond the biannual show, the city has a strong gallery network. Marin Open Studios opens artists' workspaces countywide each spring, over two May weekends (May 2–3 and 9–10 in 2026).

County Fairs & County Events Near San Rafael

Marin County's fair, the Marin County Fair & Exposition, is a community fair tradition centered at the Marin Civic Center each summer.

The Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross hosts workshops and garden-adjacent events throughout the season.

Best Times to Visit San Rafael for Craft Events

The two best windows:

• Late February: Marin Arts & Crafts Show (February 26–28, 2027); mild Mediterranean weather
• Early November: fall show opens the holiday gift season; pop-up markets multiply across Marin through December

Summer is quieter for major shows, though farmers markets across Marin County run regularly with artisan vendor sections.

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

• San Francisco, CA — 15 miles south; Fort Mason Center hosts West Coast Craft and Renegade Craft Fair
• Oakland, CA — 20 miles via Richmond-San Rafael Bridge; Patchwork Oakland at Jack London Square
• Napa, CA — about 25 miles northeast; Napa Town & Country Fair and wine country artisan events
• Petaluma — about 19 miles north; active Sonoma County craft and farmers market scene

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in San Rafael, CA?

The Marin Arts & Crafts Show at Marin Center Exhibit Hall (20 Ave of the Flags) is the flagship — about 200 exhibits twice a year with free admission. For year-round options, downtown San Rafael and Fairfax have independent galleries and artisan shops. Farmers markets across Marin County include artisan vendor sections.

When do craft shows happen in San Rafael?

The Marin Arts & Crafts Show runs in late winter (February 26–28, 2027) and fall (November 6–8, 2026). November and December see increased pop-up market activity throughout Marin County for holiday shopping.

Are there county fairs near San Rafael?

The Marin County Fair at the Marin Civic Center typically runs around July 4th weekend — arts-forward, community-focused. The San Mateo County Fair is to the south; Sonoma County Fair is to the north.

Is there a handmade market scene in San Rafael and Marin County?

Yes. Marin Open Studios opens studios countywide each spring, over two weekends in May. The Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross runs maker-adjacent events. Downtown San Rafael and Fairfax have established artisan-focused retail.

Find Events in San Rafael

CraftShow Events tracks craft shows, artisan markets, and handmade fairs across San Rafael and Marin County. Search by date to find the biannual Marin Arts & Crafts Show and seasonal pop-up markets throughout the North Bay.