Craft Shows & Fairs in Staunton, Virginia
Staunton is one of the Shenandoah Valley's most distinctive small cities — a Victorian downtown that escaped urban renewal, a working theater tradition anchored by the American Shakespeare Center, and a farmers market that pulls artisan vendors from across Augusta County. At 25,000 people, it supports a more concentrated craft culture than its population might suggest.
Staunton's Craft Show Scene
The Staunton Farmers Market is the most consistent source of handmade goods in the city. Running Saturdays from spring through fall in downtown Staunton, the market features artisan vendors alongside local produce:
- Pottery and ceramics
- Candles, soaps, and botanicals
- Fiber arts and hand-knitted goods
- Woodwork and small-batch food products
Staunton's Wharf District — renovated 19th-century warehouse buildings along Johnson Street — provides the city with an arts-and-dining anchor. Studios, galleries, and independent retailers carry locally made goods and contribute to the year-round artisan retail environment.
The Staunton Music Festival brings over 90 world-class musicians to downtown Staunton for ten consecutive days each August. The festival draws regional visitors who also support local shops, galleries, and the farmers market — creating a natural spillover audience for handmade goods during festival period.
Holiday season activates Beverley Street and the Wharf District with seasonal markets and pop-up events. Staunton's Victorian architecture has made it one of Virginia's most appealing small-town holiday destinations, and artisan markets benefit from that seasonal draw.
Country Fairs & County Events Near Staunton
The Augusta County Fair is the primary county fair for the Staunton area. Held each summer, it features:
- Livestock judging and agricultural exhibits
- Home arts categories: quilts, canning, needlework, baked goods
- Carnival rides and community entertainment
The Rockingham County Fair in Harrisonburg (35 miles north) is a larger regional fair with a substantial craft and home arts section. The Highland County Maple Festival (~50 miles west, March) is one of Virginia's early-season fair events with a meaningful handmade arts component.
Best Times to Visit Staunton for Craft Events
August — Staunton Music Festival brings regional visitors; Farmers Market is at peak; Shenandoah Valley summer programming is active. September–October — Shenandoah Valley foliage season; Skyline Drive tourism funnels visitors through Staunton; Wharf District and Beverley Street boutiques are at their busiest. November–December — Staunton's Victorian downtown makes holiday shopping distinctive; seasonal markets and artisan pop-ups take advantage of the atmospheric setting. Saturdays (spring–fall) — Farmers Market is the most reliable weekly artisan option.Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Charlottesville, VA — 35 miles east via I-64; Crozet Arts Festival (biannual, May and October); Charlottesville Arts Festival; wine country
- Harrisonburg, VA — 35 miles north; James Madison University; Rockingham County Fair
- Lexington, VA — 35 miles south; Virginia Military Institute; Washington and Lee University; artisan shops
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Staunton, Virginia?
The Staunton Farmers Market (Saturdays, spring–fall) is the most consistent weekly source of artisan goods. The Wharf District provides year-round gallery and artisan retail. Augusta County Fair (summer) is the primary county fair experience. The Crozet Arts Festival (35 miles east, biannual) is the nearest major juried craft show.
When do craft shows happen in Staunton?
The Farmers Market runs spring through fall. Augusta County Fair runs in summer. Holiday markets activate downtown Staunton in November–December. The Staunton Music Festival in August draws regional visitors who patronize local artisan shops.
Are there country fairs near Staunton?
The Augusta County Fair is the local county fair. The Rockingham County Fair in Harrisonburg (35 miles north) is a larger regional event with craft and home arts categories. Highland County hosts the Highland County Maple Festival in March.
Is there a handmade market scene in Staunton?
Staunton's handmade scene centers on the Farmers Market, the Wharf District galleries, and Beverley Street boutiques. Mary Baldwin University's arts programs contribute to local maker talent. The American Shakespeare Center draws cultural visitors throughout its performance season who patronize local artisan retail.
Find Events in Staunton
CraftShow Events tracks craft shows, farmers market events, and county fair activity across Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley. Search Staunton to find upcoming events in Augusta County and the broader Valley of Virginia region.