Craft Shows & Fairs in Stillwater, Minnesota
Stillwater is the birthplace of Minnesota — a river town with brick-storefront blocks that leans toward antiques, galleries, and handmade goods by nature.
The St. Croix River runs alongside Lowell Park, which becomes the setting for three of the city's major annual events. For craft show visitors from the Twin Cities, Stillwater sits about 25 miles east of St. Paul and offers a different handmade experience than the big metro shows: smaller scale, strong antique-craft overlap, and fall riverfront settings that are hard to replicate anywhere in the state.
Stillwater's Craft Show Scene
Rivertown Fall Art Festival is a juried art fair held the first weekend of October at Lowell Park. Exhibitors span:- Antiques and collectibles
- Fine art and fine craft
- Handmade products
The combination of juried fine craft and antiques reflects Stillwater's character — the city has long been an antique destination, and the art fair draws from that same appreciation for made and aged objects.
Stillwater Harvest Fest takes over Lowell Park the second weekend of October. The vendor market with artisan sellers runs alongside:- Giant pumpkin weigh-off
- Pumpkin drop from a 100-foot crane
- Pumpkin regatta on the St. Croix
- Live music, beer and wine garden, chili cook-off
For visitors, it's equal parts craft market and spectacle.
Lumberjack Days is a July tradition with 92 years of history. The 2026 parade runs July 19, with vendor markets, a children's market, live music, bocce ball tournaments, and a downhill derby across downtown. Craft and artisan vendors are part of the lineup.Country Fairs & County Events Near Stillwater
Stillwater is the seat of Washington County. The Washington County Fair in Lake Elmo (~8 miles west) is the primary county fair, with:
- 4-H and livestock shows
- Creative arts exhibits — quilting, sewing, baking, woodworking competitions
Washington County's eastern metro character serves a mix of suburban and rural attendees. Just across the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin (3 miles), St. Croix County events also occasionally feature craft and artisan markets.
Best Times to Visit Stillwater for Craft Events
October is the peak. Stillwater's fall foliage along the St. Croix River bluffs is exceptional, and the Rivertown Fall Art Festival (first weekend) and Harvest Fest (second weekend) run back-to-back. Two consecutive weekends of riverside craft events in peak fall color is as concentrated a craft experience as you'll find in Minnesota. July is the summer anchor with Lumberjack Days.Spring brings some pop-up vendor and boutique events as tourist season opens, but Stillwater's main craft show calendar is weighted toward summer and fall.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
Stillwater's St. Croix River location puts it close to both Twin Cities events and Wisconsin craft fairs.
- St. Paul — 25 miles, American Craft Fest, St. Paul Art Crawl, St. Anthony Park Arts Festival
- Minneapolis — 30 miles, Art-A-Whirl, Uptown Art Fair, Minneapolis Craft Market
- Hudson, WI — 3 miles across the river, St. Croix County craft events
- Red Wing — 50 miles, Red Wing Arts Fall Festival, pottery heritage
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best craft shows in Stillwater, MN?
The Rivertown Fall Art Festival (first weekend of October, Lowell Park) is the primary juried craft and art show. Stillwater Harvest Fest (second weekend of October, Lowell Park) includes a vendor market with artisan sellers. Lumberjack Days in July features a vendor market as part of the broader festival.
When do craft shows happen in Stillwater?
July (Lumberjack Days) and October (Rivertown Fall Art Festival, Harvest Fest) are the primary craft event windows. Some indoor vendor events occur in spring and winter.
Are there country fairs near Stillwater?
Washington County Fair in Lake Elmo (~8 miles west) is the closest traditional county fair. Minnesota State Fair at Falcon Heights is approximately 20 miles west via I-94.
Is there a handmade market scene in Stillwater?
Yes. Downtown Stillwater's Main Street and surrounding blocks have independent galleries, artisan boutiques, and antique shops — making craft and handmade goods a year-round presence beyond dedicated show weekends.
Find Events in Stillwater
Browse upcoming craft shows, art fairs, and handmade markets in Stillwater on CraftShow Events. Plan your October visits around the Rivertown Fall Art Festival and Harvest Fest, or search the full calendar for vendor shows and artisan events year-round.