Craft Shows & Fairs in State College, Pennsylvania

State College is Central Pennsylvania's college town, and the presence of Penn State University gives it an arts infrastructure that exceeds what you'd typically find in a city of its size. July is the standout month — the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts ranks nationally — and surrounding Centre County adds genuine agricultural fair traditions.

State College's Craft Show Scene

• Dates 2026: July 8–12 (5 days)
• Location: Downtown State College and Penn State campus
• Consistently ranked among the top juried art fairs in the country
• Fine art and fine craft makers; competitive artist selection
• Images exhibition: Schlow Centre Region Library, downtown State College — July 1–31, 2026 (extends beyond fair days)

• Timing: First weekend in December (annually)
• Location: State College
• Annual juried fine art show
• The city's top holiday craft shopping event

• Local craft supply and studio space
• Supports the maker community year-round
• Classes, events, and programming throughout the year

Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair (12 Miles North)

A second major show just up the road from State College:

• Event: 43rd Annual Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair
• Dates: August 7–8, 2026
• Location: Downtown Bellefonte PA (Centre County seat)
• Categories: country crafts, fiber/textile/leather, food artisans, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, pottery, wood
• Historic Victorian-era downtown setting

Bellefonte and State College together make a natural two-event summer visit — July for the Festival of the Arts, August for the Bellefonte fair.

County Fairs Near State College

• One of Pennsylvania's most distinctive agricultural fairs
• Unique tradition: Fairgoers camp in tents on the fairgrounds for the duration — one of the last fairs in the country where this continues
• Features: livestock, 4-H, home arts competition, craft vendors
• Reflects a genuine farm-community character

Best Times to Visit State College for Craft Events

Nearby Cities for Craft Shows

• Bellefonte, PA — ~12 miles north; Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair (August 7–8, 43rd annual); Centre County seat
• Harrisburg, PA — ~95 miles southeast; Artsfest at Riverfront Park (May, 150+ juried artisans)
• Pittsburgh, PA — ~140 miles west; Handmade Arcade events, A Fair in the Park (September)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best craft shows in State College, Pennsylvania?

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts (July 8–12, downtown State College and Penn State campus) is the flagship — nationally ranked juried show. The Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair (August 7–8, 12 miles north) is the best complementary summer option. The Winter Craft Market (December, first weekend) is the top holiday shopping event.

When do craft shows happen in State College?

• July 8–12: Central PA Festival of the Arts (main event)
• August 7–8: Bellefonte Arts & Crafts Fair (12 miles north)
• August: Centre County Grange Fair (Centre Hall, ~15 miles east)
• December (first weekend): Winter Craft Market
• Year-round: The Makery and Penn State campus arts programming

Are there country fairs near State College?

The Centre County Grange Fair in Centre Hall (~15 miles east) is the region's primary agricultural fair — one of Pennsylvania's most distinctive, with its tent-camping tradition. The Blair County fair in Altoona (~40 miles southwest) is another accessible option.

Is there a handmade market scene in State College?

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts anchors the fine craft scene. The Makery provides maker community infrastructure year-round. The Winter Craft Market serves the December handmade shopping season. Penn State's arts community contributes creative work throughout the academic year.

Find Events in State College

Search CraftShow Events to browse craft shows, artisan markets, and county fair events in State College and Centre County, Pennsylvania.