Craft Shows & Fairs in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield draws visitors year-round for Abraham Lincoln history, but two annual events make it a genuine destination for craft show and fair culture. The Old Capitol Art Fair has gathered artists on the Old State Capitol grounds every May for over 60 years. The Illinois State Fair — held since 1853 — returns every August. Between those two anchors, Springfield offers central Illinois's most reliable craft calendar.
Springfield's Craft Show Scene
The Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair runs every May (May 16–17 in 2026). Juried artists set up around the Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield, presenting ceramics, fiber arts, glass, metal, woodworking, jewelry, photography, mixed media, and watercolor.
- $15,000 in artist awards
- Children's Tent, food, and entertainment
- Live music throughout both days
- Free admission
- 30,000+ annual visitors
The event's juried format means quality standards are enforced. Artists apply and are screened for media variety and craftsmanship before acceptance.
The Illinois Product Store in the Illinois Department of Agriculture Tent is a pop-up shop with 20+ Illinois product vendors, open with the tent during the fair (daily 10 a.m.–8 p.m. under the 2027 plans). The broader State Fair also includes competitive general show events.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Springfield
The Illinois State Fair at the Springfield Fairgrounds is functionally Sangamon County's primary agricultural and community fair. Held each August (August 12–22 in 2027), it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The Sangamon County Fair is a separate, smaller agricultural fair held in New Berlin. Specific dates are confirmed through the county fair association. For residents who want the traditional 4-H and FFA livestock show experience outside of the State Fair, this event serves that purpose.
Best Times to Visit Springfield for Craft Events
May is the clear highlight. The Old Capitol Art Fair in May — two days of free, juried art shopping around the historic state capitol building in the heart of downtown. August brings the Illinois State Fair. The Department of Agriculture Tent's Illinois Product Store is a highlight for shoppers. Fall and winter have scattered community craft shows, church bazaars, and holiday vendor fairs. Specific events are worth checking through the CraftShow Events calendar.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Bloomington — 60 mi north; 3rd Sunday Market at the Interstate Center, May–November
- Champaign — 90 mi east; IU Board Craft Fair at the Illini Union in April
- Peoria — 65 mi northwest; Heart of Illinois Fair in July
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Springfield, Illinois?
The Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair (May, free, juried) and the Illinois State Fair (August) are the two anchors. Both are established, well-attended, and draw artists and makers from across Illinois.
When do craft shows happen in Springfield?
The Old Capitol Art Fair is in May (May 16–17 in 2026). The Illinois State Fair runs in August. Community and church craft shows are most common in October through December.
Are there country fairs near Springfield?
The Illinois State Fair at the Springfield Fairgrounds is the region's dominant fair event each August. The Sangamon County Fair is a separate, smaller agricultural fair. The McLean County Fair in Bloomington (60 miles north) offers the traditional county fair experience.
Is there a handmade market scene in Springfield?
Springfield's handmade market scene is event-driven rather than ongoing. The Old Capitol Art Fair and the Illinois State Fair are the high points. A small number of independent boutiques in the downtown area stock locally made products year-round.
Find Events in Springfield
CraftShow Events indexes craft shows and fairs in Springfield and across central Illinois. Search by date to find upcoming events in the Sangamon County area.