Craft Shows & Fairs in St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island is the most accessible of Georgia's Golden Isles — a barrier island connected to the mainland by causeway, with a permanent community of about 14,000 and a well-developed arts infrastructure anchored by Glynn Visual Arts.
The craft show scene here runs smaller in scale than Atlanta or Savannah, but the quality of the juried events is high and the coastal setting adds a dimension that most inland markets can't replicate.
St. Simons Island's Craft Show Scene
Glynn Visual Arts is the organizing engine behind St. Simons Island's two flagship craft events. Mistletoe Market — now in its 18th year — runs in December with 60+ juried artists and artisans. This is a juried show: exhibitors are selected for quality. It draws buyers looking for serious handmade work rather than mass-produced holiday merchandise. Art in the Park Fine Art Festival is the spring anchor, also produced by Glynn Visual Arts. It features 60+ juried artists working in:- Two-dimensional art and sculpture
- Jewelry, ceramics, and photography
- Textiles, wood, metal, and glass
The outdoor format pairs well with a visit to the Pier Village area near the St. Simons lighthouse.
Crafts in the Village sets up at Postell Park on Beachview Drive in the Pier Village, organized by the same group behind Crafts on the River in Savannah. Up to 70 artists and crafters display coastal-themed work:- Coastal art, decor, and photography
- Jewelry and pottery
- Furniture and hanging chairs
- Candles, soaps, specialty skincare, glass art, and birdhouses
October and November are the primary dates.
St. Simons Island Food & Spirits Festival adds a farm stand and artisan market component to its food-focused annual event, connecting local food producers with craft vendors.Country Fairs & County Events Near St. Simons Island
Glynn County's coastal location means the agricultural fair tradition is less prominent than in inland Georgia counties.
Brantley County and Ware County — inland counties about 45–60 miles west — host traditional county fairs in fall for those seeking the classic agricultural fair experience.The Golden Isles event calendar is predominantly tourism- and arts-driven rather than agricultural-fair-driven.
Best Times to Visit St. Simons Island for Craft Events
October and November are the sweet spot. Crafts in the Village runs during this window, the weather is at its most comfortable (the island's ocean influence moderates temperatures), and summer crowds have thinned. December brings the Mistletoe Market — Glynn Visual Arts' signature holiday event. The best time for deliberate craft shopping with a juried selection. Spring (Art in the Park) is a strong secondary window. Summer brings the largest tourist numbers but the heat and humidity make outdoor craft events less common.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Brunswick — 15 miles west; Glynn County mainland hub, seasonal artisan events
- Jekyll Island — 10 miles south; state-run resort island with periodic arts events
- Savannah — 75 miles north; Crafts on the River, Gordonston Art Fair, and Isle of Hope Art Festival
- Atlanta — 320 miles northwest; statewide Georgia craft show listings
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in St. Simons Island, Georgia?
Glynn Visual Arts' Mistletoe Market (December, 60+ juried artists) and Art in the Park Fine Art Festival (spring, 60+ juried artists) are the flagship events. Crafts in the Village at Postell Park (October–November, up to 70 coastal artisans) is the most market-oriented option.
When do craft shows happen in St. Simons Island?
October–November (Crafts in the Village), spring (Art in the Park), and December (Mistletoe Market). The island's mild year-round weather makes outdoor events viable across most of the calendar.
Are there country fairs near St. Simons Island?
Traditional county fairs are inland — Brantley County and Ware County are within 45–60 miles. The coastal Golden Isles don't host traditional agricultural fairs; the event calendar here is arts and tourism-focused.
Is there a handmade market scene in St. Simons Island?
Yes, driven primarily by Glynn Visual Arts. The juried format for both Mistletoe Market and Art in the Park ensures a higher quality bar than open-vendor craft shows. The Pier Village area has ongoing artisan retail presence through gallery shops year-round.
Find Events in St. Simons Island
CraftShow Events lists upcoming craft shows, art festivals, and artisan markets in St. Simons Island and across the Golden Isles. Search to find coastal Georgia craft events near you.
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